Like Butter's modular sleek bookshelf shelves built with Porta products
Case Study

How Like Butter Thrives with Porta's High-Quality Products 

Designing for Simplicity, Building for Longevity

For Melbourne-based design studio Like Butter , design is as much about problem-solving as it is about creativity. Known for their sleek, modular furniture and architectural solutions, the duo behind Like Butter: designers and makers Cassie and Cameron combine form, function and craftsmanship in everything they create.

When it came to sourcing the perfect material for their latest modular furniture range, they turned to Porta’s Tasmanian Oak Dowels . The result is a collection that reflects the studio’s signature aesthetic: timeless, sustainable and meticulously made.

Like Butter logo stamped on furniture

A Partnership Built on Precision and Performance

Since founding Like Butter in 2007, Cassie and Cameron have built a reputation for designing products that are both practical and enduring. Their studio, based in the regional Victorian town of Castlemaine, focuses on creating high-quality, small-batch furniture and bespoke fit outs for clients who appreciate craftsmanship and Australian-made materials.

Porta’s Tasmanian Oak Dowels have been integral to their work for years; used across furniture pieces, lighting and interior features where strength and visual appeal matter.

“Porta’s dowels have been part of our toolkit from day one,” says Cassie. “They’re incredibly consistent, easy to work with and always deliver a beautiful finish. For us, it’s about knowing the quality will be there every single time.”

This commitment to consistency and performance has made Porta a trusted partner for Like Butter’s growing portfolio of projects, which now includes collaborations with architects, galleries, cultural spaces and retail brands.

Cameron from Like Butter measuring Porta Tasmanian Oak dowels ready to be used in their furniture

Sustainable Design Meets Modern Making

Sustainability is at the heart of Like Butter’s ethos. Every piece is designed to minimise waste, simplify manufacturing and celebrate the natural beauty of timber. Porta’s Tasmanian Oak Dowels support this approach with responsibly sourced timber that meets strict certification standards, including PEFC and FSC chain of custody.

“The sustainability aspect is a huge factor for us,” explains Cameron. “We want materials that align with our values: locally made, responsibly sourced and built to last. Porta ticks all those boxes.”

The dowels’ structural strength and smooth finish also make them ideal for modular systems that rely on precise connections and durable joints. Whether forming the frame of a shelving unit or providing structure to lighting and exhibition displays, Porta’s dowels help Like Butter achieve both design integrity and manufacturing efficiency.

Refining the Art of Modularity

One of Like Butter’s recent projects features a range of flat-pack modular furniture designed for both residential and commercial environments. Each piece is constructed from sustainably sourced timber, precision-machined fittings and Porta Tasmanian Oak Dowels that bring warmth, texture and natural character to the design.

The dowels form key structural and aesthetic elements; connecting panels, reinforcing joints and adding subtle decorative rhythm to the pieces. Their consistency in diameter and finish ensures seamless alignment during assembly, while their strength gives customers confidence in the product’s durability.

“Porta’s dowels are beautifully consistent, which makes assembly so much easier,” says Cassie. “It means every piece we make fits together exactly as it should, without compromise.”

This precision allows Like Butter to design products that are simple to assemble, easy to ship and elegant in their simplicity, a hallmark of the brand’s identity.

Locally Made, Nationally Recognised

Like Butter’s work has been featured in design publications and showcased in galleries across Australia, earning recognition for their thoughtful, functional and sustainable approach. Their collaboration with Porta reflects a shared belief in the value of local manufacturing and long-term quality.

“Working with Australian materials means we can maintain control, reduce our carbon footprint and support local industries,” says Cameron. “It’s not just about making beautiful furniture; it’s about creating a more sustainable design culture.”

By sourcing materials like Porta’s Tasmanian Oak Dowels, the studio supports responsible forestry and local production, ensuring their designs contribute positively to Australia’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Celebrating the Beauty of Timber

Porta’s Tasmanian Oak Dowels are crafted from one of Australia’s most versatile and sought-after timbers. Known for its light, warm tones and fine, even grain, Tasmanian Oak offers both aesthetic appeal and strength. Its adaptability makes it suitable for everything from furniture and cabinetry to architectural detailing.

For Like Butter, the timber’s natural qualities are central to their design philosophy. “We love the honesty of Tasmanian Oak,” Cassie says. “It doesn’t need to be hidden or heavily finished, the material speaks for itself.”

Each dowel used in Like Butter’s designs highlights Porta’s commitment to quality manufacturing, precision machining and sustainable sourcing; values that align perfectly with the studio’s design principles.

An aerial view of Porta's dowel's being used in Like Butter's products

Crafted Simply. Built to Last.

Crafted Simply. Built to Last.

Like Butter’s modular vision comes to life using Porta’s Tasmanian Oak Dowels, crafted for timeless design and everyday durability.

A Shared Vision for Australian Design

The collaboration between Porta and Like Butter represents more than just a supplier relationship. It’s a partnership grounded in shared values, both brands believe in the power of good design, local production and environmental responsibility.

For Porta, supporting creative studios like Like Butter demonstrates the versatility of their timber products and their relevance across architecture, design and construction sectors. For Like Butter, Porta’s products provide the reliable foundation they need to bring their creative vision to life.

Together, they continue to prove that Australian-made materials and considered design can create enduring products that balance innovation, functionality and beauty.

Porta. Shaped by history. Built for the future.

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