Skip to main content

 

 

 

Alki

Alki was founded in 1981 in the small village of Itsasu in the French Basque Country by five friends — motivated by a desire to create employment in an economically weak region and stem the outflow of local youth. "Alki" is the Basque word for chair. The company is structured as a cooperative; this founding character continues to define its culture. After a workshop fire in 1984, the members collectively rebuilt the premises, larger than before. Since 2005, Alki has collaborated with industrial designer Jean Louis Iratzoki, who serves as Artistic Director and has guided the brand's contemporary repositioning. Further design partnerships exist with Ander Lizaso, Form Us With Love, Patrick Jouin, Samuel Accoceberry, Patrick Norguet and Julie Richoz.

All furniture is produced in the cooperative's own workshop in the heart of the French Basque Country. 80% of suppliers are located within a 100 km radius. Since 2020, Alki has sourced 100% renewable electricity from local cooperative provider Enargia. The new zero-energy workshop Lantokia — designed by Leibar & Seigneurin and awarded at the Trophées de la Construction 2025 — opened in 2024. Oak is the primary material; natural fibres and virgin wool are also used. The Kuskoa Bi collection (2015) employs a material that is 80% plant-based, as an alternative to fossil-based plastics. Reference clients include Quiksilver, Caudalie and the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Boutique and showroom are located in Larresoro.

For architects and hospitality planners, Alki is relevant when authentically cooperative-produced, ecologically consistent wooden furniture from the Basque Country is sought — with proven contract capability and a strong design identity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alki

Alki was founded in 1981 in the small village of Itsasu in the French Basque Country by five friends — motivated by a desire to create employment in an economically weak region and stem the outflow of local youth. "Alki" is the Basque word for chair. The company is structured as a cooperative; this founding character continues to define its culture. After a workshop fire in 1984, the members collectively rebuilt the premises, larger than before. Since 2005, Alki has collaborated with industrial designer Jean Louis Iratzoki, who serves as Artistic Director and has guided the brand's contemporary repositioning. Further design partnerships exist with Ander Lizaso, Form Us With Love, Patrick Jouin, Samuel Accoceberry, Patrick Norguet and Julie Richoz.

All furniture is produced in the cooperative's own workshop in the heart of the French Basque Country. 80% of suppliers are located within a 100 km radius. Since 2020, Alki has sourced 100% renewable electricity from local cooperative provider Enargia. The new zero-energy workshop Lantokia — designed by Leibar & Seigneurin and awarded at the Trophées de la Construction 2025 — opened in 2024. Oak is the primary material; natural fibres and virgin wool are also used. The Kuskoa Bi collection (2015) employs a material that is 80% plant-based, as an alternative to fossil-based plastics. Reference clients include Quiksilver, Caudalie and the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Boutique and showroom are located in Larresoro.

For architects and hospitality planners, Alki is relevant when authentically cooperative-produced, ecologically consistent wooden furniture from the Basque Country is sought — with proven contract capability and a strong design identity.