Fibre
Each strand tells a story of renewal, echoing nature’s endless cycle of growth and transformation. Fibre is more than just a material – it’s a symbol of resilience. Fast-growing and versatile, it encompasses endless design possibilities.

The Fibre Story
Our primary focus is on the remarkable abaca and buri fibres. Native to the Philippines, every harvest can be repeated without depleting the land, making them natural candidates as sustainable source materials.
















Each strand tells a story of renewal, echoing nature’s endless cycle of growth and transformation. Fibre is more than just a material – it’s a symbol of resilience. Fast-growing and versatile, it encompasses endless design possibilities.
People & Community
Normita, Pablito, and Concepcion, our dedicated fibre partners, have been instrumental in producing high-quality abaca and buri fibres that define our woven collections. As stewards of a three-generation abaca farm, they continue to cultivate these trees with love and care. Their dedication and commitment to quality enable us to celebrate these remarkable fibres in our woven designs.
As Nature Squared’s chief material innovator, Elaine Ng, beautifully expresses, “Natural material, it is timeless… it is classic and does not categorise by trend or era. It is not too late to turn around and support what nature has provided us. To take it with us for the next century and beyond.”
Location
Nestled in the lush landscapes of northern Cebu, Danao and Compostela are vital hubs for the cultivation of abaca and buri. Sourcing locally allows us to ensure the highest quality material, hand-harvested and carefully processed to preserve its natural beauty and unique characteristics. It also minimises our carbon footprint while sustaining those communities closest to us.
Abaca Husking
After 18 to 24 months, the abaca plant is ready for harvest. At this stage, Pablito carefully cuts the leaf stalk close to the ground with a traditional bolo knife. Thus begins an intricate process known as tuxying, a technique used to extract the fibre from the leaf sheaths. Tuxying involves delicately separating the entire leaf sheaths from the stalk and flattening them using a specialised tuxying knife. Pablito does this with great dexterity, showcasing his exceptional skill and craftsmanship with each extraction.
The tuxying process reveals the beauty of abaca through its varying grades of fibre, each distinguished by its unique colouration. The outermost leaf sheaths often display rich brown hues, while the middle layers are characterised by delicate light green tones or streaks of purple. At the core, the inner layers shine in elegant ivory to white shades. By understanding this process, we appreciate not just the beauty of abaca fibre but also the variety of nature and the tradition and care that goes into every strand.
Fibre Preparation
Fibre preparation involves various processes, beginning with the crucial step of stripping. This can be achieved by hand or machine. Pablito embraces the old ways, using a specially designed device, featuring a moveable knife, a sturdy base, and a weight that securely holds everything in place. With both hands gripping a wooden pulling aid, Pablito pulls the tuxy away from the knife with rhythmic movements, years of experience transforming a simple task into an art form.
Once the tuxy is completely stripped, the fibres are taken to an open area for drying. Here, the fibres are either dried directly under the sun or air-dried in shaded structures, ensuring that the fibres are preserved in optimal condition before being stored for the next process.
Making of Pastorale
Our fibre transformation reflects both culture and contemporary vision. Through our loom-woven surface collection, Pastorale, we celebrate craftsmanship and innovation by blending a variety of natural fibres, including abaca, rattan, and pineapple, to create stunning, functional art. Each fibre tells its own story in the finished weave. The intricate patterns and textures reflect the artistry and traditions of Filipino craftsmanship, whilst meeting a contemporary aesthetic need.
Pastorale Surfaces
Our Pastorale collection showcases three colour palettes: Naturel, a natural, earthy tone that accentuates the raw beauty of the fibres; Aurum, a warm golden hue that adds a touch of luxury; and Argent, a sleek silver shade that brings a contemporary, modern feel.
This combination of colour and craftsmanship offers a unique aesthetic, relevant to both traditional and contemporary design spaces. Whether used in wall panels, ceiling treatments, or custom furniture, the intricate loom-woven surfaces bring a sense of calm and a connection to nature, elevating any environment.
Abaca & Buri Preparation
The material preparation for abaca and buri is similar, beginning with the careful, manual trimming of their large, majestic leaves. Each leaf is then boiled to enhance its flexibility and soaked in an anti-fungal solution, ensuring its quality and longevity. After this treatment, the leaves are hung to dry, transitioning from vibrant green to a warm, light brown.
Abaca & Buri Transformation
At the heart of this transformation are two essential techniques: dyeing and braiding, each contributing to their beauty and versatility. By dyeing, we can achieve a wide spectrum of hues, from rich earth tones to vibrant shades. By braiding, we add texture and dimension to the woven surfaces. Braiding also allows for the incorporation of different colours and textures, creating dynamic design variations.
Ilimitada Surfaces
The Ilimitada collection embodies the transformation of abaca and buri fibres into stunning, frame loom hand-woven surfaces that are bold and striking. Each with unique visual characteristics, vibrant colours, and intricate textures, we reimagine these traditional materials as functional works of art, capturing the essence of sustainable luxury.
Our hand-woven surfaces highlight the versatility of these fibres, as well as their connection to the environment. Whether integrated into interior panels, custom furniture, or architectural elements, these materials reflect both the traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.