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Dezeen teamed up with Swedish brand Stolab on a three-part video series exploring the brand’s solid-wood furniture, as well as its heritage, values and approach to sustainability. Watch the three films here.

Called Stolab Stories, the series documents Stolab‘s story of becoming a homegrown brand with a deep appreciation for nature, craftsmanship and a family atmosphere at its headquarters in Smålandsstenar, Sweden.

The series comprised interviews with representatives across the Stolab brand, ranging from factory workers to those in positions of management. Included in the videos were interviews with long-term collaborators and designers of signature Stolab pieces.

The collaboration came about as Stolab celebrated 80 years of its Lilla Åland chair in 2022, which was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1942.

Watch all three videos below:

The first instalment of the series introduced Stolab’s most notable pieces of furniture, including the Lilla Åland chair designed by Malmsten, which is one of the brand’s most recognisable chairs and has been a mainstay of its output since it was first produced.

Stolab released a special edition of its Windsor-style Lilla Åland chair to mark its 80th anniversary during Stockholm Design Week 2022, which includes a version finished in smoked oak oil as well as a series of unique editions painted in bright colours.

Other products featured in the video include the Arka armchair designed by Yngve Ekström in 1955, the bent-wood Miss Holly armchair by Swedish architect and designer Jonas Lindvall, and the Prima Vista chair by Marit Stigsdotter, which pairs an upholstered seat with a softly-curved solid wood back, among more.

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The second video in the series explored the history of Stolab and focused on its heritage and expertise in creating solid-wood furniture.

The video featured interviews with Stolab members of staff and the brand’s owner and CEO Johansson. He talked about the brand’s move from individually handcrafting each piece of furniture to turning to contemporary methods of production using modern machinery to increase its output while remaining consistent with its approach to craftsmanship.

“Same setting, same location, but it’s a completely different and more modern way to produce the furniture,” Johansson said.

The video explored the brand’s approach of using locally sourced wood from the forest that surrounds its factory in Sweden, which allows it to closely monitor its environmental impact and prevent unnecessary waste by creating furniture that’s “designed to live forever”.

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The final instalment of the series explored Stolab’s approach to waste and expanded on its “reduce, reuse and restore” ethos.

The video featured products that adhere to this philosophy, such as the Lilla Snåland stool, which is made from waste wood produced during manufacturing.

The stool makes use of the waste material created from the production of the Lilla Åland chair by using 14 triangular offcuts of birch heartwood to form the stool.

Before being used for the Lilla Snåland stool, the triangular offcuts would get stuck in machinery and cause manufacturing disruption and were therefore pulverised and thrown away.

Now, the company reuses offcuts or products that become faulty during production or reuses those that have been returned by customers, to form new products.

Read more ›

Partnership content

This article was written as part of a partnership with Stolab. Find out more about our partnership content here.

The post Stolab Stories video series tells the story behind furniture brand Stolab appeared first on Dezeen.

Architecture studio Technique has combined a pair of flats adjoining a traditional stone house in Scotland to create The Den, a one-bedroom dwelling clad in a black-metal “jacket”.

The Den occupies a hillside site in the village of Tighnabruaich, with a panoramic outlook over a narrow sea channel known as the Kyles of Bute.

Glasgow studio Technique was tasked with connecting two small flats on different levels to create a dwelling and studio with a footprint of 90 square metres.

The studio collaborated on the project with clients Paul Stallan of Stallan-Brand Architects and his wife Seonaid, whose family had owned the attic flat since the 1960s.

The two flats were contained in a small cottage adjoining a larger house built in the 1870s. When Seonaid was offered an opportunity to purchase the lower property, it led to the idea of uniting both flats to create a single and more practical residence.

During the process of opening up the dilapidated spaces, the original stone walls and structural timbers were exposed. This informed a project focused on preservation and playful modernisation.

“A rich palette of materials which had aged over time was revealed, creating unique spatial qualities,” said the studio’s founder Jamie Ross.

“The clients’ ambition to retain this character and atmosphere formed a core part of the new design.”

While repairs were made to The Den’s existing stonework, much of its timber floor joists, lintels and roof structure had to be replaced.

The rotten timber elements were swapped with concrete and steel, and a new roof was added, providing an opportunity to introduce openings with improved views of the surroundings.

Technique also overcladded the existing building with a new weatherproof shell. An external timber frame, insulation and a weathertight metal cladding form what the studio described as an external “jacket”, which allowed the original stonework to be exposed internally.

The Den’s steel cladding has a textured powder-coated finish to help it withstand the harsh marine climate and creates a bold contrast with the village’s Victorian architecture.

“The juxtaposition of old and new, a uniquely sculptural form and expert craftsmanship combine to create a unique contemporary home reflecting the clients’ creativity and personalities,” Ross added.

A bifold door with a Juliette balcony and window seat was introduced on the south-facing side of the original attic flat, while a frameless roof light facing north looks onto the woodland canopy behind the dwelling.

Internally, the architects created open-plan living spaces that feel bright and generous, despite the compact footprint.

“To achieve this, we thought of the stairs, kitchen, bathroom and storage as pieces of furniture within a larger space rather than as individual rooms,” Ross explained.

“These were designed into a sculptural plywood volume winding between all three storeys and revolving around the kitchen.”

The Den’s plywood elements extend up from the en-suite bedroom on the lower-ground floor, to the upper-ground floor where the kitchen, dining area and lounge are situated, before culminating in the mezzanine studio and living space.

Birch plywood creates a contemporary contrast to the repaired stone walls and old floorboards, with other materials including modern grey brick contributing to a rich and layered palette.

The new steel elements are left exposed and clearly distinguished from the original structure by their red oxide-painted finish, which is also used on the handrail.

On the mezzanine level, new grey brick abuts the rough stone of the original gable, emphasising the contrast between old and new.

The Den is one of 20 homes longlisted to win RIBA’s House of the Year for 2022.

Elsewhere in the Scottish Highlands, Loader Monteith recently extended a remote stone cottage using locally-sourced black timber while Mary Arnold-Foster Architects used planks of burnt larch to clad a cross-laminated timber home in a small Scottish village.

The photography is by Dapple Photography.

The post Technique transforms dilapidated flats into metal-clad house in Scotland appeared first on Dezeen.

It’s that time of year again when we start thinking hard about gifts we want to give. We all want to make an impact and leave a lasting impression, but most of us equate that with elaborate gifts that end up complicating people’s lives instead. Sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest, and it’s a philosophy that has permeated Japanese culture and design for centuries. Perfecting what is simple and turning it into a work of art is harder than you think, and these top ten designs embody Japanese minimalism that pays attention to every detail, no matter how small. From kitchen knives that make you feel like a ninja to an advanced teapot that makes the perfect brew every time, this gift guide will help you pick out some of the best ways to share that gift of simplicity with others and maybe pick one or two for yourself along the way.

1. All-in-One Grill

Cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be a hassle if you have an all-in-one tool to cook all kinds of dishes. Whether you’re barbecuing, frying, grilling, steaming, smoking, or just cooking a hearty stew, this modular grill has all the parts you need to cook a masterchef-worthy meal outdoors with your family. There’s even a special module to warm your bottles upright – perfect to get your mulled wine warm and toasty! Easy to use and easy to clean, this all-in-one tabletop grill frees you from worrying about preparation and cleanup, letting you simply focus on cooking great meals instead.

Click Here to Buy Now: $381 $449 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

2. Rotating Nail Clipper

Keeping your nails trimmed shouldn’t be difficult, but the tools that are available don’t make it easy either. If you’ve ever muttered under your breath while clipping your own nails or someone else’, then you know how difficult it can be to snip some parts of those nails. Who would have thought that the answer would be as simple as having that nail clipper turn its head to your convenience? With this Rotating Nail Clipper, you won’t have to strain your wrist or arm to get that perfect cut. Just swing the blade to the angle you need, and you’ll be brandishing properly trimmed nails in no time. Say goodbye to stressful clipping and say hello to beautiful nails each and every time.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59 $69 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

3. Iron Frying Plate

A mouth-watering presentation definitely helps the appetite, but sometimes it just takes too long to get food from the pan to your plate. Before you know it, the food’s no longer hot, and the flavors that you actually want have been left in the pan. So why not cut out the middleman and just eat from the very pan you cooked your food on? With this simple yet ingenious iron frying plate, you definitely can and even look good while you’re at it. The frying plate is designed to keep all the flavor where you want them, and an innovative wooden handle makes it easy to switch from cooking to eating in a flash. Never have to suffer with beautiful but lukewarm food when you can enjoy your meal while it’s hot with this beautiful frying pan and plate in one.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59 $69 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

4. Whiteboard Notebook

There’s nothing simpler than writing with pen and paper, but that simplicity might not always scale to the growing complexity of the human situation. We need more space to write on, but we also need to be mindful of how that’s killing our planet slowly but surely. Reusable paper sounds like a pipe dream, but thanks to technology and human creativity, that’s no longer the case. As its name suggests, this Whiteboard Notebook brings the familiar feeling of putting pen to paper with the virtually infinite space of a dry-erase board. With a simple wipe or wash, you can quickly erase the marks on a page and start anew. And thanks to the magnets that bind the removable pages, you don’t even have to worry about how your notes are arranged, giving you the freedom to move things just the way you want them. Taking notes doesn’t get easier or simpler than this!

Click Here to Buy Now: $67 $79 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

5. Upside-Downside Cup

We all know we need to stay hydrated to stay healthy, but few people really make a habit of drinking water, especially while working. Maybe it’s the inconvenience of not having a drinking container nearby or the reluctance to have a less-than-appealing bottle or glass on their desks. This stylish drinkware solves both problems by offering a cup within reach that looks beautiful whether you’re using it or not, though hopefully, you will be using it indeed. Designed to look like precious crystal, this cup has a lid that functions both as a cover as well as another cup for snacks. It can also be used to hold drinks for a guest or a special someone you might be sharing this gift with. Simple and beautiful, the Upside-Downside Cup breathes life to your desk and builds that water habit.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25 $29 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

6. Starry Wreath

Whether it’s the holidays or any other day, we all need a bit of glamour to spruce up our homes. What better way to delight the eyes than with a display of stars right on your living room wall! Set against the backdrop of fir branches, these star-bearing spheres bring together heaven and earth, the mystical and the mundane, in a beautiful composition that’s sure to light up the atmosphere and set the mood for a bright and lively evening. Experience the magic of a starry night sky anytime you want with a Starry Wreath on your wall.

Click Here to Buy Now: $84 $99 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

7. Precision Sakura Metal Puzzle

Give your brain a rewarding challenge with this all-metal puzzle that showcases one of the most iconic Japanese flowers. Each metal piece is carefully cut so that they look almost exactly similar yet have a precise position they need to be to complete this puzzle. And when all the pieces finally fall in place, the seams magically vanish to form a beautiful representation of the sakura or cherry blossom. Perfect for taking a break from work while still keeping your brain active and healthy. And when it’s all done, the beautiful flower makes for an exquisite decoration on your shelf or on your desk.

Click Here to Buy Now: $254 $299 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

8. Black Kitchen Knives

Stealthy yet ironically eye-catching, these Black Kitchen Knives are meant to be seen even when not in use. Made of molybdenum vanadium steel with titanium coating, these knives are made by craftsmen with deep roots in the Japanese art of sword making, ensuring that their sharp blades are not just for show. Feel like a ninja or a samurai as you slice and dice through ingredients, making short work of food prep and cooking. Experience the joy of using a finely crafted tool and the pride of having a handsome set of knives that you’ll definitely want to put on display in your kitchen.

Click Here to Buy Now: $72 $85 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

9. Smart Tea Pot

Making tea can be a complex process that involves varying temperatures and steeping times, but it doesn’t have to be complicated, thanks to technology. This rather cute Smart Tea Pot automatically picks the time and temperature depending on the tea leaves you’re using. Even better, it can change those factors to suit your mood and environment, brewing longer when you need a bit more caffeine or cutting it short when you need to wind down. All you need to do is put in the tea leaves and add water, and let the magic of technology do the rest. Its stylish design and the unique “Golden Drop” rotating infuser also make it a sight to behold. Make every tea time more personal and memorable with this smart yet simple teapot.

Click Here to Buy Now: $279 $329 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

10. Plate Grater

Who says you have to get both your hands dirty whenever you have to grate garnishes for your dishes? Shaped like a small plate that’s meant to be placed on a table, the Plate Grater introduces a novel way to make wasabi, daikon radish, or other garnishes using a circular motion that feels almost therapeutic. Its thin and lightweight body makes it easy to clean and store away until it’s needed again. Simple yet elegant, this distinctive grater offers a delightful way to add flavor to your meals anytime without cluttering the table with menacing metal tools.

Click Here to Buy Now: $55 $65 (15% off at checkout). Hurry, Cyber Monday sale ends in 24 hours!

The post Top 10 Japanese Designs Gift Guide to provide you with the ultimate minimalistic upgrade first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bypassing the amplifier, effect pedal, and pretty much any other conceivable gear associated with electric guitars, the Jack is a tiny device that allows you to connect your electric guitar to other devices via Bluetooth. Touted as a ‘wireless guitar headphone amplifier’, all you have to do is plug Jack into your guitar and it suddenly interfaces with your phone as well as your TWS earbuds, allowing you to play directly into your own ear as you would with a pair of studio monitor headphones… except this hardware is entirely wireless, and compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Designer: Studio Elk

The Jack managed to secure a Red Dot Design Concept Award in 2020 for its clever and compact design. Most smartphones have the ability to process signals from an electric guitar, and the Jack relies on this to bypass the traditional massive amplifier that you see most electric guitars connected to. The Jack’s main piece of hardware is this unit that plugs into the 3/4th-inch audio socket of an electric guitar, basically powering it and sending the electrical signals to the smartphone to interpret.

The smartphone app is where all the magic happens, essentially. Signals from the Jack are sent to the phone, where an app decodes them, turning them into music. You can edit the signal by adding virtual amps and filters to modulate the sound, doing basically what actual gear would do, but instead through software. Finally, the end product plays either on your phone or through TWS earbuds that you place in your ear. This way, you can jam in your own head without having everyone around you listening in on your music (or your neighbors getting perturbed). The Jack’s entirely wireless design means you can just about jam anywhere you want, at home, in a cafe, on the subway, heck… even in an airplane. Your co-passengers may not appreciate having the guitar invading their personal space, though!

The post This electric guitar accessory lets you wirelessly listen to your guitar through your TWS earbuds first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sandwiching the lead between its two halves, the PENTAPA is a relatively simple yet cool piece of stationery that’s also good for the environment. Analogous to a clothespin, the mechanical pencil uses a single-body design that’s made entirely from recycled plastic, dispelling the myth that plastic stationery should feel cheap and be disposable. “Plastic is good if it is used wisely and long-lasting”, says PENTAPA’s designer Konstantin Diehl.

Designer: Konstantin Diehl

Designed to be used pretty much the same way a clothespin is, PENTAPA holds onto leads (or even crayons) the way the pins secure clothes on a clothesline to dry. To load or unload a lead, all you do is apply pressure on the rear pegs and the compliant mechanism causes the front to spread open. Add your lead, release the pegs, adjust its height to ensure you’ve got the right amount of lead peeking out of the front and begin writing!

The best part, however, is the fact that each PENTAPA is made from recycled plastic. While regular pens (yes, even disposable ones) can use a variety of virgin plastic types, with expensive tooling, tolerances, and a lot of wastage as a result, PENTAPA simplifies the entire process by using plastic that was originally meant to be discarded. The plastic is melted and poured into a wooden mold and removed after it’s solidified.

The post Clothespin-inspired mechanical pencil is sustainably made from 100% recycled plastic first appeared on Yanko Design.