Zeitraum NEWS 2013

Zeitraum made a bold and colourful statement at IMM Cologne this week with the launch of a major new colour stain programme. For the first time, the majority of the solid wood collection is available in 10 standard colours, in addition to the standard wood finishes, substantially expanding the possibilities.

The top image shows Kihyun Kim's 1.3 Chair in the new colours (which will be stained on oak) - chalk white, 5 grey tones and 4 trend colours. The idea is to bring colour into play, without hiding what Zeitraum is all about - WOOD! So a sophisticated staining technique was chosen to ensure the natural structure and grain of the wood is still visible. 

The stain colours were developed with Formstelle, Zeitraum's long-standing design partner. Their inspiration came from the stages of exposed wood weathering naturally. Combined, they allow for an interesting depth effect or a bright spot of intense colour to create focus in a space.

The colours were shown on several new items, including E8 by London-based German designer Mathias Hahn. E8 is based on a post-war kitchen table that sat in Mathias' flat in Hackney, east London (hence the name - Hackney's postcode is E8). Long and narrow with extreme projections, it allowed the table to serve as a dining table and work surface at the same time. Perfect for city living. All surfaces apart from the top, are available in colour - a detail which underlines it's functional character. This is a table to be used and enjoyed - not covered with a tablecloth!

PELLE by Lorenz*Kaz was previewed at Interieur Kortrijk in October. The final production version is now ready. An homage to Scandinavian classics, Pelle sees a return to beech, a wood associated with the early days of Zeitraum, but not seen much in recent years. The combination of beech and saddle leather is particularly appealing. The leather seat hangs freely and is shaped by an aluminium inlay. This adds stability without losing any flexibility (or visual lightness). 

The LOW, SIDE, PODEST and PODEST TV sideboards are now available with a new Atelier frame. This 25cms wooden trestle gives the units a contemporary, crafty look as well as a higher alternative to the original pieces. The unit and/or the Atelier frame can be finished in the colour stains allowing a wealth of options and contrasts. 

The original sideboard frames are now also available in a matt black powder-coat finish.

Kihyun Kim's 1.3 COLLECTION launched last year, was a runaway success. For 2013, slimline fabric and leather upholstery options are now available. Their space saving design makes 1.3 perfect for smaller cafes, bars and bistros.

The MORPH Edition chairs also shown at Kortrijk are all signed, numbered and ready to go. Based on Chinese posters from the 1920s, there are 3 motifs and only 100 of each available. When they're gone, they're gone!

IMM Cologne runs until Sunday 20th January.

Zeitraum News 2012 - Part 2 The Milan Issue

Zeitraum unleashed their 2012 Collection at IMM Cologne in January, but kept a few pieces under wraps. Until now that is.

The 1.3 COLLECTION by RCA graduate Kihyun Kim is a progression on the superlight chair he first presented as part of his graduation work at RCA SHOW 2011. The project involved extensive research into lightweight technology and ecology. First presented in fast-growing balsa wood and lime veneer, this unpretentious little chair weighed in at less than 1.3Kg (hence the name!). Reaction was immediate, and several parties expressed an interest in developing the product. 

Zeitraum have worked closely with Kihyun Kim to develop 1.3 Chair into a family of products suitable for contract use and the result is 1.3 COLLECTION - chair, bar stool and low stool. For commercial production it was decided to produce the frame in solid oak or walnut, as balsa can be unpredictable.

The contours of the back and pillow-like seat appear wafer-thin yet inviting. The modest proportions make it eminently suitable for spaces where space is at a premium - city centre restaurants and cafes, for instance. 

1.3 Chair has been nominated for the Designs of the Year 2012 Award at the Design Museum, where it can be seen until 4th July. Winners will be announced on 24th April. Fingers crossed!

Also new for Milan is FRIDAY from regular collaborators Formstelle. Designed with that TGIF feeling very much in mind, FRIDAY is a decadent mix of soft, supple leather, down filled cushions and tactile wood.

Sturdy butt leather acts as a sling for the seat and back cushions within the wooden frame. Practicalities have been considered and the seat and back cushions are fastened to each other with a discrete zip so the form is not disturbed. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

These new products along with KONTUR, TURNTABLE, PLAISIR, NOON 3 and NOON 3 SMALL, TWIST STONE, STRIP and MORPH POUF, launched at IMM Cologne, all adhere to the Zeitraum ethos of honesty, character and substance and make the collection stronger than ever.

Zeitraum News 2012

Barely 2 weeks into the new year and IMM Cologne opened its doors to the international design trade. The first major fair on the design calendar, IMM Cologne is the launchpad for Zeitraum's new products.

The 2012 Zeitraum collection encapsulates many of the trends visible at the show - quality, traditional materials left unadorned to allow their beauty to shine through and simple grey backgrounds offset with a flash of bright jewel colours.

The successful relationship with designers Formstelle continues apace with Turntable - a traditionally turned wooden table hiding a steel base which allows large diameter tops. Reminiscent of salon tea tables, Turntable is both elegant and statuesque, instantly adding a sense of gravitas to any room. Smaller scale Turntables are also available as side and coffee tables.

Organic has always been a word associated with Zeitraum and never has it been more appropriate than when describing the new Kontur family of tables. A central pillar is supported by a twin-layered amorphous base, reminiscent of a map's contour lines. The pillar supports a solid wooden top, which again can be organic, square or round and will be available as coffee, cafe and high bar tables. 

The amoprhous detail continues through to Twist Stone. Designed by Formstelle as an extension to the popular the Twist family, Twist Stone juxtaposes the sharp angles of the base with a curvaceous top.

 

A graduate project by Stephan Schmid, Strip combines beautiful materials in a charmingly lo-fi extending table. When packed away, twin tops lie above above each other on brass runners, with the lower one easily pulled out to give a little extra space when required. When extended, both tops sit in the top rails making Strip the perfect option for the occasional entertainer.

Plaisir seeks to make life a little easier, acting both as a side table and a tray. Carry your guests drinks and remove the empties with ease, simply by lifting the tray off the wooden frame. Formstelle have designed two versions of Plaisir - Plaisir 1 is tall and slim, topped with a shallow wooden bowl while the lower, wider Plaisir 2 has an aluminium tray with soft-touch powder coating and polished aluminium edge. Apart from being a pleasant sensation, the soft touch coating is also non-slip.  

A new version of the Noon lighting family made a welcome appearance. In keeping with the family's strong graphic lines, Noon 3 is available in 2 sizes, making it ideal for smaller cafe tables as well as larger dining tables.

The Morph family has been extended and tweaked, with the addition of Morph Pouf to make your experience of Morph Lounge even more relaxing. Morph and Morph Bar also featured on the stand in their new fully upholstered formats. The emphasis was on flexibility, with two complimentary fabrics (or fabric and leather) on the same chair and contrast stitching now a standard option.
 

We've been promised another couple of new products in Milan, but they are still top secret, so you'll just have to wait for April. Our lips are sealed.

KÖLN 2011 - Zeitraum at IMM Cologne

This years IMM Cologne saw Zeitraum present several stunning new products alongside some timely product updates.

New for 2011 is MORPH LOUNGE (below) by Formstelle - the long awaited easy chair to compliment the incredibly successful Morph family. The signature wooden frame carries a low-slung upholstered shell in fabric or leather (or a combination of both if preferred) with a small footprint, making it ideal for modern living. Whilst compact, the outward tilt of the arms means you never feel constrained and offers a surprisingly generous seat.

Formstelle have also created the MELLOW DAYBED (below), an extension of the Mellow bed launched in Milan last year. The elegant frame, soft upholstery and surprising leather strap detailing of Mellow are all in evidence with an optional armrest and headroll, producing a graceful chaise.

This has been quite a busy show for Formstelle and Zeitraum - both Morph Lounge and Mellow have been awarded the Interior Innovation Award 2011. A perfect way to celebrate their long-standing and successful relationship.

BONNY (below) is a beautiful series of mirrors, created by Formstelle with jewel-like facets carved into the frame, giving it a 3D quality. The vertical and horizontal profiles are different so to ensure you always get the best view, don't forget to tell us how you like your mirrors - landscape or portrait.

As well as these new product launches, IMM saw several updates to popular products. SIMPLE COMFORT is now available as SIMPLE BUTTON with the addition of classic button-tufting to the upholstered headboard.

2010 saw the launch of the TWIST family of tables, which have quickly become favourites and now you can have TWIST NIGHT, reduced in height to make a perfect bedside table. Twist Night is shown below with Simple Button.

The ingeniously simple DOZY is now available in a leather finish. The colour is up to you. Dozy is designed to work with all Zeitraum beds.

Finally, FINN has been given a new fully upholstered seat, and the NOON family of lights has a new warm-grey shade available for all versions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.