In collaboration with Spanish furniture manufacturer Expormim, we scrutinized the various ways that natural rattan can be used to strike a balance between creative ideas and technical realization, ending up with the intriguing Cask Collection, consisting of an armchair, a sofa and a seating island. The basic structure of the sophisticated lounge furniture is created from nothing more than two rounded pieces of rattan connected with vertical sticks and combined with a comfortable upholstery for a cosy and relaxed design exuding a timeless simplicity. The collection blends unobtrusively with its surroundings and can be positioned as desired thanks to the circular design, making it look graceful from all around. It may seem straightforward, but the process to a simple design is far from uncomplicated.
“Our sketches started out as a lounge chair with a clean unbroken circular shape, but we wanted to strengthen the iconic presence of each piece. This way, they will stand together as one collection but are still individually free to be a part of different contexts as singular icons.”
– Nicolaj Friis Nøddesbo
As architects and furniture designers, we are highly analytical and always begin by focusing on the geometry. Then we give the form a more organic feel in order to create something with a human reference. In everything we do, we try to strike this distinctive balance between geometry and the biomorphic. This way, Cask ended up exuding a timelessness through its simplicity, still the thoughtful design allows the pieces to show their bold and playful side – a characteristic which suits the mood of any contemporary space.
“Cask is a modern spin on a historic craft that combines the refinement of rattan with the softness of the upholstery coming together in a collection of unique pieces of furniture”
— Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen
Reflecting the familiarity of past wicker design, but with a modern and streamlined allure, we feel very proud that the Cask Collection has been acknowledged for its ability to connect to- and draw on past traditions, while still appealing to the contemporary lounge lizards. Versatile, comfortable and elegant, the furniture has everything one would expect of a classic.
Photography by Sandie Lykke Nolsøe & Staffan Sundström