Take into consideration the fact that the oak is the only used material. No matter how traditional and reminiscent of the past this collection can look, the pieces’ design is the thing that stands-out of the crowd.
Every single item of the Oak. collection deals with the design of the furniture piece with a hint of humor while considering, the function, the form and the usage of each of them.
The whopping cookie drawer with the tall legs, and a small drawer for its size tries to restrain us from our sugar-tooth temptations.

The bench, on the other hand invites the lonely, with the linear back seat, yet supports the many which can sit and share the bench.

The wardrobe is designed in such manner so that it leaves the clothes exposed, it allows each user to create his/her style and be inspired. The versatile wardrobe will change as the seasons change: the density of the wardrobe, the materials will be different, and so will the colors. It truly reflects the personality of its ‘master’.

The sideboard is defined by space and the context which it will enclose. More precisely, it includes a drawer, far too deep to reach its back. A metaphor of the classic traditional sideboard, the length that it presents when opened greatly limits its placement within a room.

The grandfather clock is there, overlooking upon us to remind us that time flies as the clock ticks and that we should make wise usage of it!

Last but not least, the small chair and the frame encased desk acts as the ‘framework’ for our thoughts and ideas.

The project was presented at Designersblock Milano 2011, Ventura Lambrate. All seven items of the Oak. collection are shaped of American oak sponsored by WBP Trading AB, finished with Herdins AV wax oil and executed by cabinetmaker Ali Atie.

The participants are 
Amanda Österlin La Mont, DeeDee Kim, Elin Stavenow, Filip von Hauswolff, Gregory Hayter, Hanna Johansson, Jesper Nord, Karl Jönsson, Karl-Otto Saarman, Matthijs Braakman, Moses Kang, Mirko Ihrig, Olli Hirvonen, Patrik Eriksson, Piotr Szpryngwald, Rami Santala, Sandra Lundberg, Wang Huilong. Good job, all 18 of you!

Lund University, School of Industrial Design

Related posts:

1. Music, a powerful inspiration source for interior design
2. De Vorm sustainable new items at Ventura Lambrate in Milan
3. Loved, liked or questioned!

PROCESS: The Modern Workshop exhibition
At Tent London, it was presented a rare, behind-the-scenes look at De La Espada manufacture. The exhibition highlighted the relationship between craft and modern design through the presentation of raw materials, components and products.

PRODUCT exhibition
At the A Foundation in Shoreditch, thre were presented 18 new products designed by Autoban, Leif.designpark, Matthew Hilton and Studioilse. A vast, open plan exhibition space allowed the products to exist in their own area, whilst interacting with one another, highlighting the diversity of the products as well as the common ethos they share. The relaxed environment was enhanced each evening with casual drinks and nibbles.
If I were there, I’d take the following tour: I’d start with Matthew Hilton: Fracture Table
Brando SofaMars Table.
In 2008, De La Espada launched a collaboration with one of Britain’s most highly respected designers, Matthew Hilton. Hilton’s designs are understated, sculptural and meticulously detailed, with many already considered design classics. The Matthew Hilton range is designed by Matthew Hilton, and produced under licence by De La Espada. The complementary expertise of the two firms has ensured a furniture range true to Matthew Hilton’s creative vision, as realised through De La Espada’s material options and expert manufacturing.

Gloves put, tank fueled, wheels rolling, we enter the Autoban.Deco Sofa & Pumpkin Table
Holy Table
Wired King
Nest Lounge
The collaboration between Autoban and De La Espada launched at New York’s ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in 2007. Autoban is an Istanbul-based architecture, interior design and product design studio, founded by Seyhan Özdemir (architect) and Sefer Çaglar (interior architect) in the historic and bohemian district of Galata in 2003. The products, largely made from natural materials, cross boundaries of time and culture and playfully reinterpret the familiar. A selection of designs from Autoban’s ever-growing product portfolio are supported by De La Espada’s manufacture and understanding of solid wood.

Crossing the ocean, I’d wreck on Leif.designpark’s isle :Tone Cabinet
Lin pod Bench
Tone chair
Tone Chair for kids
Leif.designpark, a Japan-based design studio consisting of Takashi Ueno, Mamoru Naito and Keizaburo Honda, has been designing products in a variety of natural materials, with a specific emphasis on wood since 2006. Leif.designpark holds monozukuri- the art of traditional craftsmanship- in high esteem, and values the warm, playful relationship between a product and the user, as well as the comfort of the space where the two enjoy interaction. Their aesthetic is a result of applying monozukuri to the construction of modern designs to give the products a connection to traditional Japanese culture. Since 2007, De La Espada has manufactured and distributed select designs from their portfolio.

Heels kicking, neck twisting and enter into StudioIlse’s teritory:Low Bench & Stools
Settle &Low Bench
De La Espada recently launched a collaboration with renowned London-based design office, Studioilse. Ilse Crawford, principal of Studioilse is a creative director and designer who crosses the worlds of brand creation, interior architecture and products. She is a figurehead for design as a means for change and revitalisation; with a human approach that is emotional and intelligent. As the licensed manufacturer and distributor for Studioilse products, De La Espada will realise her designs through premium materials and expert craftsmanship.

PHILOSOPHY: Seating for EatingThe London Design Festival marked the beginning of our collaboration with Studioilse. Leila’s Shop in Shoreditch housed an installation of the new Studioilse seating collective, allowing visitors to sit on the products while enjoying a meal. A series of Kitchen Table Talks were held on the premises each evening focusing on the link between growing food and community. Speakers included the founder of Aesop, Dennis Paphitis and Tristram Stuart, author of ‘Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal’. The installation remains until 1 November.

You wish you were there too, I know…

De La Espada
Matthew Hilton
Autoban’s
Leif.designpark’s
StudioIlse’s
London Design Festival

Related posts:

1. supraNatural wood: Matthew Hilton for De La Espada
2. Marina’s home sweet home
3. Donna’s Calendar