SINGAPORE – When Mr Lukas Drasnar first received a call in mid-July about a commission for custom-made teak armchairs, he did not think much of it.
The last time a pope visited Singapore was in 1986, when the late John Paul II made a five-hour stopover here. “For example, the seat for each armchair has to be placed at a height of 55cm. This is higher than is typical for armchairs, but it makes for more comfortable seating,” says Mr Drasnar. “Last I heard is that the chairs have been approved by Vatican officials. I will be keeping an eye on the news to see where they pop up during the Pope’s visit. Perhaps we will see them at Parliament House or at the Istana,” says Mr Drasnar, who delivered the chairs at the end of August – slightly ahead of his early-September deadline.
The project has been a personal highlight for Mr Drasnar, who says: “I am really proud of our team for pulling this off, given the tight timeline.” The company also sells a selection of ready-made pieces such as benches and sideboards. Some of these are on display at its showroom at Tan Boon Liat Building in Outram Road.