IMM Cologne: The Great In/Outdoors
The Das Haus exhibit by Valencia-based MUT Design was one showcase example of a concept being explored throughout this year’s IMM Cologne, which was blurring the lines between traditional indoor and outdoor living, yet in the most organic way imaginable.
This New House
The Spanish duo MUT Design delivered a provocative centrepiece for IMM Cologne’s annual Das Haus exhibit. Under the title A la fresca! (“Step out into the fresh air!”) architecture and furnishings seemed to merge into an informal whole – like a masonry bench growing out of whitewashed walls or a gangway that draws the gaze into the distance – and together created a space that thumbed its nose at the usual boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. (Photography by Constantin Meyer; Koelnmesse)
Roll chair | Sancal
A lot of slack is given to furniture pieces designed for site-specific installations, as this chair was for the Das Haus exhibit by Spanish designers MUT. Yet considering the very minimalist design approach, this stackable and short-term seating solution manages to be surprisingly comfortable and stylish.
ASPA | Pulpo
Clearly something good should result when two über-cool companies like Pulpo and MUT team up. A something did: number of smooth and textured glass surface panels are merged geometrically to create this transparent and striking coffee table available in grey, rose and yellow.
Ayno | Midgard
Designed by German outfit Diez Office, this simple to use and unobtrusive lamp, with a clever and colourful power cord acting as height adjustment, manages to blend in perfectly into any residential or commercial space.
Tant | Aromas Del Campo
Designed by JF Sevilla, this elegant table lamp in rattan with a matte gold finished steel frame creates a warm and inviting ambient lighting for any space (with a hint of Art Deco to boot).
JoJo | Sofia Souidi
When explained that JoJo is the German word for yo-yo, the design inspiration for this wall lamp becomes clear. Activated by a dangling string the lamp emits a bright warm LED light which starts to fade and gradually extinguish after a short period of time, making it ideal for small spaces in need quick illumination.
Stendhal | Ligne Roset
Designed by LucidiPevere, this clean desking solution with a fold-out work surface, built-in shelving and lighting can be neatly closed after usage to hide any work clutter, making it a perfect companion for the current work-from-home environment.
Sail Out | Cassina
Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni and framed in metal tubing and incorporating teak wood panels, polyurethane foam and water-repellent fabric and lining make this sofa system an ideal outdoor lounging setup, especially when combined with the cement top coffee table.
Pipe-Line | Vosding Industrial Design
This dining table has a deliberate industrial-looking exposed pipe design that incorporates an extending mechanism which easily pulls apart to lengthen the tabletop, which is made from lightweight honeycomb cores.
Ormeggio | Mariantonia Urru
This rug, designed by Paulina Herrera, mixes wool, cotton and linen and interprets the Sardinian landscape with a clever framing device that emulates the rush of water around the perimeter, an example of a popular trend this year toward asymmetrical thread weaving finishes and patterns.
Cuoio | Walter Knoll
A simple leather and black powder-coated steel frame construction contribute to a truly minimalist feel augmented by clean lines and a touch of warmth. Designed by EOOS, the chair is available with or without an armrest, as well as lounging armchair and ottoman combination.
Uilas | AMES
Designed by Mae Engelgeer and handmade in the Colombian provinces of Santander and Boyacá, this rug showcases true Latin American craftsmanship. Dry fique fibres and natural virgin wool are combined to illustrate the contrasting radiance of the Rio Magdalena and Tatacoa Desert.
Caleo | Le Klint
Originally designed by Rikke Frost for the popular Danish TV show Danmarks næste klassiker, this pendant dining table light is made from cross-pleated paper accentuated by bronze stringing and held together by a brass angular bar.
Yantra | Jan Kath
When it comes to sacred geometries, there are few shapes as prominent as the square. Holding significance in many meditative cultures such as Hinduism and Tantrism, it serves as a microcosm of the universe, or in this case, inspiration for Kath’s newest collection customizable hand-knotted rugs.