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.

1.3 Chair wins Designs of the Year, Furniture Award 2012

We were honoured to join Kihyun Kim at the Design Museum last night for the 5th annual Designs of the Year Awards, especially as he walked off with the award in the Furniture category. 

Inspired by the British WWII wooden bomber, the De Havilland Mosquito, Kihyun developed an innovative chair design in balsa wood and lime veneer. Weighing an incredible 1.28Kg, Kihyun presented it as his graduation project from the RCA in 2011.

A strong category in the awards, 1.3 Chair was nominated alongside Barber Osgerby's Tip Ton chair for Vitra, Stefan Diez Chassis chair for Wilkhahn, Jasper Morrison's Lightwood chair for Maruni and the Bouroullec brothers two nominations in this category (the Osso chair for Mattiazzi and Textile Field) amongst others.

The overall award for Design of the Year was presented to Barber Osgerby for their 2012 Olympic Torch. The full list of winners can be found on the Design Museum website here.

 

Zeitraum have produced a solid wood version of 1.3 Chair in ash, oak or walnut and presented it at Salone del Mobile in Milan last week with a companion bar stool and low stool. 

The Designs of the Year show continues until 4th July at the Design Museum but you will also be able to see the 1.3 Collection at Clerkenwell Design Week in May.

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.