During the pandemic the distinction between our workplace and home has been smaller than ever. We have readjusted, changed and learned new tools and methods to work from home. Reflecting upon the new way of living and working, all at the same place, I was inspired to design a desk that would accommodate both scenarios. With architectural features, the desk is a functional, uncompromising piece of furniture that could play both parts equally well in our new everyday life. The simplicity, the straight lines and visible construction enhances the details of the natural material and the craftsmanship.
Prototype developed in collaboration with a cabinetmaker, ensuring a solid, long-lasting construction and optimised material usage.
Opus; Latin; a work, labor, exertion
Inspired by the dappled light of the forest, Silva is a tribute to the beauty and warmth of wood’s natural grains and fibers. Traditionally, table lamps have been made with minimal use of wood, but Silva celebrates the material in its entirety. Silva’s form echoes the archetypal table lamp with its distinct silhouette, allowing the natural material and its texture to take center stage. Prototype by West Elm and part of the New York x Norway 2021 exhibition curated by Sight Unseen.
SILVA: latin: feminine noun, wood, forest (sylvan)
Photo by Pernille Münster
Belonging to the same project series as the table Pedestal the designer has used other woodcarving techniques and tools to explore the shapes further and create new varieties of birch barrels Remissus 2.0 (2020). Originally inspired by the water drop and its unpredictable contour, the water surface has been renewed and pierced. The trays is commissioned work and available in the unique range of online gallery The Ode To.
A series of over 60 wooden objects was created in 60 days (2019). By producing three- dimensional objects continuously, a deeper knowledge and understanding about form and the material was gained. Further, analysis and reflection on the 60 objects was used for a product development process that resulted in a series of interior products.
The discovery of making physical objects intuitive and frequent in one material with a sensitivity to function, gave me insight into the material and an unforeseen result, in terms of shape and function. It also showed me the advantage of understanding form through sketching three-dimensional, as in most cases it has given me far more information than with two-dimensional sketching. Visualizing an idea, a thought or form through a physical object allows for the opportunity to gain knowledge of the material, analyse form and further development.
The final products is designed based on the process and the knowledge gained from it. With an aim to communicate the value of combining an artists eye, a crafters hand and a designers mind, the result is the tables “Pedestal” and the trays “Remissus”.
Svai draws inspiration from the archetypal sling chair, aiming to create a solid wooden lounge chair that combines aesthetics with comfort. Embracing the concept of using wooden slats as a flexible seat, Svai molds ergonomically to the contours of the body, ensuring a comfortable lounge seating experience.
Crafted with joinery and traditional techniques, the wooden frame of Svai is free from screws, relying solely on the beauty of craftsmanship and natural materials. Each slat is thoughtfully mounted on a canvas ribbon, striking the balance between flexibility and support and giving the seat of solid wood a soft, inviting curve. It's an embodiment of design and craftsmanship, a chair made to last for generations to come.
Norwegian svai; noun “the act of swaying; a swaying motion; a swing”
Carpentry by Jesper Mork and upholstery by Anne Grete Knutsen
Exhibited during Designers’ Saturday Unika Auction in Oslo, September 2023
A typology of wall mounted pegs made of leftover material from a furniture production. Showcasing that in a time where materials is more precious than ever, even the smallest bits and pieces should not be considered as waste. Exploring dimensions, shapes and combinations of the cut offs, resulted in playful interpretations of the traditional wall peg. The possibilities were endless, the manual effort was low and the waste was close to nothing.
PALUM demonstrates that if there is waste material in a production line, there is material to be cared for and value to be created.
Palum; latin for peg/pin
PALUM exhibited during Håndverk+ 2022 exhibition at Format Gallery in collaboration with the design collective Fold Oslo
Remissus (2019) is inspired by the water drop and its unpredictability in the contour. The various shapes leave traces of the asymmetrical shape and movements of the hand. The organic design language represents a sensitivity to the wood (birch) and the aesthetic function of the hands, both in the process and in the use of the molds. By using unknown contours, proportions that the hand can relate to and a smooth surface, the goal is to invite the user to interact and touch the products. Carved from a single piece of wood, the barrels have the potential for longevity and possibly an attractive surface patina made over time.
Pedestal (2019) consist of geometric parts made by machine. A hand-carved texture is added on the surface, for a tactile experience, enhancing the material agency and the value of craft. In a way, they can be seen as a representation of how machine and hand can coexist to make rare products in a world with overconsumption and mass production.
With inspiration from old braiding techniques mainly used on classic chairs, Arca (2019) is made of solid wood and braided with natural paper cord. The dimensions has been carefully selected to work both as a storage unit and entryway console. The combination of traditional braiding technique and slender, long legs results in a classic yet distinct expression. Designed in collaboration with Kathrine Hovind
Armarium is a highly functional storage unit made out of birch wood, with both shelves and a drawer for safe keeping of your favourite belongings behind decorative doors.
The hand-cut, organic texture on the surface of the doors stands in striking contrast to the cabinet’s clean, straight lines and angles, giving the cabinet a highly tactile impression.
The aim is to use and highlight craftsmanship and knowledge of materials as prerequisites for producing furniture that endures.
The dimensions chosen makes Armarium a modest alternative to the archetypal display cabinet, and thus a more fitting size for todays modern home.
Prototype in the courtesy of VIS exhibition 2020
Helle plaid (2019) for the Norwegian manufacturer Fram Oslo was developed during an internship at Andreas Engesvik, Oslo. Petroglyphs (“helleristninger” in Norwegian) are prehistoric images, carved or cut into mountains and rocks. The rugs create an association with petroglyphs through an abstract rendering of the figurative. The abstract motifs have the same three-dimensional quality and free expression. The techniques for petroglyphs are universal, and like the bunad, they have a strong connection to history and tradition.
Everyday consumer products that is part of our everyday ritual, such as the toothbrush, are becoming more than a necessity and more like a lifestyle product. This slow but steady change in the market lead to the concept of showcasing the toothbrush with Hold (2019). Hold comes in both a single and double version with the purposely carved out stone cavity, perfect for storing jewelry and other everyday necessities. With a bottomless slot, cleaning toothpaste leftovers will no longer be an issue. Made of the natural stone Larvikite, Hold is both highly water-resistant and durable due to its high density and non-porosity.
Pall coffee table for Norwegian manufacturer Tonning & Stryn was developed during an internship at Andreas Engesvik, Oslo. The tables have a simple construction of solid oak with a distinctive expression through a marked intersecting frame. The tables were launched during the Oslo Design Fair in autumn 2018.
Instead of producing new, a further development of the side table Pedestal has been made. Still with the aim of communicating the level of precision a machine can provide and the unique qualities craftsmanship can perform. The sequel, Pedestal 2.0 (2020), has developed from a side table to a coffee table. With the same structure and design language, but the table top is supported by two legs instead of one. The form is recognisable from the previous collection, but the expression is challenged by experimentation in construction, color and scheme.
Varig (2017) is a modular furniture system developed in collaboration with Sovei Giaever. Our vision was to make sustainable furniture by connecting the product through flexibility and personalization. VARIG comes in a variety of materials and colors, can vary the expression according to style and preferences. By reorganizing the modules is given the ability to change the use of furniture, such as making a coffee table into a TV bench.
A sleek, timeless, art deco-inspired expression with dimensions like are carefully selected in relation to a module being able to work in different settings. A Varig module consists of only two elements; a steel frame with a plate in a preferred material. The plate has holes on the underside, so by reversing the plate the modules can be tacked on top of each other. The module system was exhibited during the furniture fair in Milano 2018.
Heim (2017) is a combination of dining table and workplace, developed together with Sovei Giaever, Filip Rukan and Dag Fridtjof Nitschke. We started the project with looking into challenges and use of home interiors and discovered that many use dining tables as a workstations and therefore developed a combination of an eating and worktable.
The workstation is under the dining table and can be easily accessed by sliding away a part of the dining table top. The table is made of solid oak and veneer with metal base and frame. The construction is designed for affordable and available production that requires no special parts and can be flat packed. The prototype was exhibited during Stockholm Furniture Fair 2017.
