Design, Craftsmanship, and Sustainability for a ‘Green’ Future

Founded in 1976 in Martignacco (Udine) by Carlo Bulfoni, laCividina began as a craft enterprise specializing in upholstery. Today, led by his son Fulvio and wife Paola, it stands at the forefront of designer sofas and armchairs while preserving valuable Italian manufacturing traditions.

LaCividina is renowned for its quality, attention to detail, and sustainable practices, utilizing wood, upholstery, and natural fabrics since its inception. The company embodies the essence of Made in Italy through an evolved managerial culture and effective production organization. Its furniture collections, designed for both contract and residential sectors, reflect a responsible design philosophy that integrates innovation with social and environmental sustainability.

From a human perspective, this commitment is evident in the new company headquarters designed by Studio Luca Botto_Architecture/Design. The facility emphasizes advanced technologies and ergonomic spaces to maximize employee well-being and minimize environmental impact. With ample windows to maximize natural light, energy consumption is reduced, enhancing the working environment. The new headquarters consolidates all company activities, optimizing workflows and logistics. Additionally, the digitization of the production process, from warehouse management to automated packaging, contributes to sustainability by reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.

To ensure the best indoor climate throughout the year, laCividina has implemented a radiant floor system for heating and cooling, complemented by an advanced dehumidification and air purification system. Remarkably, 92% of employees choose to grow professionally at laCividina, often staying until retirement.

Sustainability has always been a cornerstone for laCividina, which excels in producing disassemblable furniture. The company carefully selects materials to ensure both sustainability and high quality. For upholstery, laCividina uses block foam instead of traditional liquid cold foam, allowing for easy disassembly at the end of the product’s lifecycle. This choice reduces environmental impact while maintaining superior quality.

The foam is hand-cut and shaped to achieve the perfect balance of shape and comfort, showcasing high craftsmanship. Different densities of block foam ensure optimal strength and comfort tailored to various parts of the product, with denser foam in armrests and softer foam in seats for prolonged comfort.

LaCividina’s frames and shells are constructed from solid beech and poplar wood, both FSC certified, or multilayer wood, also FSC certified, ensuring durability and a low environmental impact. The company uses polyester fiber as an intermediary between fabric and foam, enhancing comfort and aesthetics while contributing to the product’s longevity.

The sartorial upholstery technique, where the lining is sewn separately and then fitted onto the structure without adhesives, ensures that elements can be easily separated during disposal. LaCividina has also embraced green materials, using recycled or 100% natural fabrics, derived from recycled plastic or fully recyclable natural fibers like wool.

A symbol of this eco-sustainable culture is the Osaka sofa, originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1967 and recently re-edited by laCividina. This iconic piece, composed of three elements held by a special steel structure, features upholstery made from Kvadrat’s Arda, produced using techniques that reduce water consumption by up to 95%.

LaCividina prioritizes local suppliers, working with artisans within a few kilometers of the company. This zero-kilometer approach minimizes transport impact and supports the local economy while ensuring high material quality.

LaCividina places sustainability at the core of its mission. Every sofa and armchair produced reflects a blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and environmental respect. With meticulous attention to detail, high-quality materials, and a commitment to reducing waste, laCividina leads the sustainable furniture industry, harmonizing aesthetics, comfort, and responsibility towards the future.