We imagined the KGT Wall Unit as a flexible assembly of elements where KGT storage box becomes drawer; a single drawer shelf unit can change to a 6 drawers cabinet; vertical orientation can turn into horizontal. An unusual design thinking comes into place, where the small dictates the whole. Starting from one element, KGT which was originally designed as a single container, to create a system of blocs, wall mounted drawers and shelves units. Elements can be interchanged, added or moved to offer some level of flexibility and choice. An intended gap left between each drawer offers visual lightness and highlight each of the KGT installed, a reminder that the storage box can still be removed from the unit and used on its own.

photography © Max Verret, Manuel Amaral Netto

APLAT is a lamp primarily made of paper, its base and shade are folded pieces of lightweight sheets. The use of an honest material such as paper is a fairly simple solution for a lamp. We think that one of the best light atmosphere is often created by simply putting a piece of paper in front of a light source, it produces a beautiful and warm light that reminds us of candle illumination. Here, APLAT uses paper as a light diffuser as well as a product architecture and visual language. Folds and creases are carefully dosed to give the lamp its structure and shape, additional elements, such as foot and handle, are designed to underline secondary functions.

With the APLAT lamp, we are developing a proposal for an object produced at a reasonable scale, where beauty in imperfection is revealed by its artisanal type of manufacturing. A collaboration between the digital, the manual and the automated; made by hand using self-made tools combined with new digital techniques such as 3D printing and computer assisted die cutting, in a small batch and with materials found locally. We are using standard light source parts, which means that elements can be re-placed or re-used. The lamp can be folded flat and sent by post with an easy home assembly. We wanted to shape the object with only a few folds and manipulation of one sheet of paper, like a piece of clothing made from flat surfaces to form a volume once assembled or wore. The inspiration for APLAT is quite graphical and maybe a bit typographical, in a sense we are trying to create a visual alphabet of paper light that is thought in two dimensions and realise as a three dimensional object.

photography © Max Verret

We created a vision exercise for Samsung, reflecting on the idea of repurposing the brand’s old devices or materials and transform them into new products or services that will have a positive impact on people and the planet. The European Commission report that the amount of waste electrical and electronic equipment, widely known as e-waste, generated every year is increasing rapidly. It is now one of the fastest growing waste streams. Currently, only about 30% of e-waste is sent to appropriate recycling facilities. Our research highlighted that by improving the collection, treatment, and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment at the end of their life, we can promote sustainable production and consumption while also increasing resource efficiency.

We designed Re-set as a series of tools for individuals and professionals, such as independent repair shops as well as recycling facilities. The project aim is to help repair electronic devices and improve the recycling process by disassembling e-waste into parts using hand held tools. The collected parts are then classified by material group and can be either replaced, reused or recycled into new products. The tools are made from discarded Samsung products and packaging, using simple transformation our thought is to re-create things using as little energy as possible; these include: gloves made from recycled plastic packaging, a sorting tray made from cut-out parts of Samsung Galaxy Book, a small plastic spatula made from an S-Pen, a mediator made from Samsung smartphone back covers, a pair of tweezers made from recycled aluminum, and screwdrivers made from circuit boards. The resulting aesthetic is quite unique to each Re-set too.

photography © studio CPRV

A one meter long floating handle standing on its foot, made from elementary materials such as oak and steel, shaped in a very simple way, delivering an object without excess, vibrant and long-lasting. The light source is a linear LED bulb, designed to last and to be replaced over time. Each part of the lamp uses specific yet simple manufacturing processes, allowing parts to be made locally and by small businesses — however the apparent simplicity of the lamp requires quality craftsmanship as the UH70 lamp is an object where every action of the craftsman is visible and revealed.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Unité d’Habitation in Marseille, we were invited by Maison Mirbel to create an object inspired by the building’s architecture and spirit. Taking cues from the entrance door handles of the building’s apartments, UH70 is sculpted and shaped with a certain materiality that invites you to touch and turn the lamp, allowing the light to be directed on surfaces and objects. The project takes part of an ongoing series of collaboration between the client and designers that aim to produce a selection of curated original work.

photography © studio CPRV