Maison Zoe – a sustainable and eco-friendly project for our time
The project began over three years ago under the brand name Maison Zoe, with the goal of reviving a number of traditional crafts and industries that, despite their deep roots in ancient Egyptian civilization, have nearly disappeared. Imagine owning a sustainable and environmentally friendly product that once adorned the temples and palaces of the Pharaohs. Quite a feeling, isn’t it?
In the first stage of our project, the focus was on reviving traditional industries. We began searching for artisans and workshops experienced in decorative crafts who could create products using eco-friendly materials such as Sheesham wood.
Did you know that a French priest once taught the sons of Egypt in the village of Hegaza how to carve Sheesham wood? When Father Battos arrived in Hegaza four decades ago, he found many Sheesham trees and came up with the idea of turning them into a form of artistic craftsmanship.
This remarkable priest began sculpting the rare Sarsu wood in a completely new way and taught the villagers how to create unique carvings from this wood, which grows throughout Egypt.
The French priests stayed in Egypt for nearly fifty years, particularly in Hegaza. They lived among the skilled sculptors of the village, sharing their expertise and building large training workshops. The local artisans sold their handmade works both locally and internationally, securing their livelihoods. It’s worth mentioning that the ancient Egyptians also used Sheesham wood—known as Indian rosewood or palisander—to create rare coffins, tools, and decorative pieces. Many of these can still be admired in temples today.
The people of Hegaza have passed this craft down through generations, turning it into a rare and distinctive form of art practiced only in this village—where both men and women work together.
Over time, the craft expanded, and artisans began producing wooden panels, decorative utensils, and fine wooden items distinguished by their artistry and refinement.
As a continuation of our journey to revive ecological and nearly lost crafts, we also produce cotton goods made from Egyptian organic cotton seeds—another tribute to Egypt’s ancient legacy.
In the 18th century, cotton cultivation fascinated so many that its farmland rapidly expanded, making Egypt one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of the finest cotton.
Have you heard of organic cotton? It’s a type of cotton grown under climate-controlled conditions using organic fertilizers instead of chemicals or pesticides. Across Egypt, more than 800 farmers grow organic cotton on over 950 acres of land.
This organic cotton is not only sustainable—it provides farmers with about 20% of the water needed for cultivation—but it’s also eco-friendly, as it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
In our pursuit of new sustainable trends, we have also introduced products made from palm leaves—materials that meet the highest environmental standards. Their versatility allows for endless design possibilities.
Another beautiful and remarkable material we’ve added to our collection is alabaster. It is equally eco-friendly and was used by the Pharaohs to create sculptures and ornaments. Today, alabaster is transformed into stunning lamps and decorative pieces that continue to inspire awe.
Our most recent journeys were so successful that we decided to embark on a third tour through Egypt, during which we added eco-friendly products made from red copper and recycled glass to our range. Working with copper is one of Egypt’s oldest and finest art forms. Visitors to the country can witness the splendor of Egyptian craftsmanship in all its variations—from copper candle holders to trays—each piece sturdy and full of character.
Recycled glass is another exceptional material. Each production cycle saves energy and contributes to a cleaner environment by reusing discarded glass.
At Maison Zoe, we proudly offer our valued customers a wide selection of colorful recycled glass products—beautiful as home décor or as everyday household items, bringing color and purpose to every space.
