Andu Masebo’s choice of material has its basis in his collaboration with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) on the 3daysofdesign exhibition No.1 Common in Copenhagen in 2025. The project saw three designers create work using timber classified as ‘No.1 Common’, an underutilised grade most often associated with cabinetry, characterised by an increased amount of surface variations in the form of colour contrast, knots, splits and irregular grain direction. Masebo’s design, the Around Table, successfully showcased the aesthetic potential, practical performance and durability of No.1 Common red oak. Impressed by the opportunity the often-overlooked timber offered to sustainable and more affordable furniture making, the designer was enthusiastic to return to the material for the V&A East project, and turned to AHEC as a material collaborator once again.