Our Story
HANDCRAFTED | SUSTAINABLE | EXTRAORDINARY
Since 1973
1973 THE ORIGIN
Post & Rail Furniture is established in the historic Rocks area of Sydney, Australia. The young team headed by Bruce Dowse and Peter Ryan seeks to define an iconic style of Australian furniture. Their award-winning designs are picked up by retailers throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Post & Rail is characterised by raw, natural finishes like thickly-oiled wood, long Belgian velvet and soft suede.
These classic pieces – like the breakthrough INVESTMENT – will have pride of place in Australian living rooms for more than a generation.
1986 THE DISCOVERY
With the world waking up to the ecological threat posed by mass deforestation, the company sets out to find a sustainable substitute material to replace all forest timber in furniture design.
In the South Pacific, they discover vast abandoned plantations of coconut palm trees, which were commercially planted in the early-1900s and had reached the end of their productive fruiting
Initial testing shows the palm stems are exceptionally hard and durable, yet flexible enough to withstand cyclones. The world’s first factory dedicated to the coconut palm, is set up in the South Pacific. The company sets a benchmark for modern, sustainable business in the Pacific. Land is leased, not bought, to respect indigenous ownership. The factory is built in consultation with the surrounding villages, employing only local people. As sales expand internationally, the collection is rebranded PACIFIC GREEN.
1990 - 2000
Following a series of research breakthroughs that enhances the durability and versatility of the coconut material, a consumer-orientated product – as strong as conventional hardwood – is launched under the brand Palmwood®
Pacific Green’s design team, led by Australian Bruce Dowse, creates a series of prototype furniture pieces using Palmwood. The furniture uniquely adopts elements from traditional craft designs of the Pacific Islands, and is introduced by retailers across the Pacific region
An extended Palmwood lifestyle concept is unveiled, including living, dining and bedding settings. The PURE PACIFIC collection captures the sunny carefree spirit of the region, and the close relationship of its peoples to their environment
Pierce Brosnan, at the time starring as James Bond, becomes Pacific Green’s Environmental Spokesperson to coincide with launch in the North American market
2000 - 2010
Tactile natural materials are introduced into the design to complement Palmwood, including leather, grass, wool, latex, bronze, fur and gemstones. These are sourced from sustainable operations around the world.
Directors are invited to address the United Nations (Conference on Trade and Development) on sustainability and the social responsibility of manufacturers.
Pacific Green Architectural is established to create Palmwood installations for flagship building projects. The architectural range includes columns, doors, screens and cladding. The Australian team spreads its wings further by establishing an assembly plant in China and flagship retail stores in Asia.
The INDIGENOUS MASTERPIECES collection takes inspiration from artefacts developed by the world’s indigenous tribes over thousands of years. Each piece carries the culture of a people and is finished intricately using traditional techniques and motifs. This pioneering collection resonates with consumers and Pacific Green’s retail network expands into Europe.
2010 ~
Pacific Green is invited to participate in the 2010 World Fair in Shanghai, as an ambassador for responsible design and manufacturing.
The projects team supplies complete fit-outs for luxury resorts around the world, including Masdar, Abu Dhabi the world’s first eco-city
In 2014, Pacific Green is invited to participate at the prestigious Milan Design Fair, as Australia’s sole representative.
The HAVANA DREAMING lifestyle concept is launched in 2019.
Pacific Green continues its charter to provide inspirational sustainable products to consumers globally.
