Piet Hein Eek: unrefined furnishings in iron and wood

Unrefined and scrap industrial materials feature in the new oversized furnishings by the Dutch designer, entrepreneur and manufacturer.

With his customary focus on materials and recycling old industrial objects, Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek admits he arrived at the Salone a little breathless after trying to exploit the little time left over after the project that kept him busy all year, from February to October—the refurbishment of his office in Eindhoven, a huge industrial shed formerly owned by Philips. "I put all my energy into the project and many of the objects I am presenting here in some way linked to it as they are made from scrap materials and objects I found there", explains Piet. One example is a number of huge iron ceiling pipes turned into a sofa and armchair ("We filled 10 containers with pipes and have another five's worth," he says).

So, basically, the process that prevented him from preparing new objects for the Salone ended up becoming his main source of inspiration. "Before moving I had also purchased an enormous stock of timber", he continues. And here we see it converted into a bench and chair. In the centre of the room, on the other hand, a highly sophisticated piece of furniture snakes through the space. This is based on a previous project, a counter for a clothes shop which can be freely composed to create different forms. "It is quite abstract and in total contrast with the surrounding unrefined materials and scrap", adds Piet. Inside are some ceramics and resting on the table are glass pieces created for the Glass Museum in collaboration with African glass blowers. ES

Spazio Rossana Orlandi
via Matteo Bandello 14, Milano
12–17.04.2011, 9 am–8 pm

Piet Hein Eek: unrefined furnishings in iron and wood

Unrefined and scrap industrial materials feature in the new oversized furnishings by the Dutch designer, entrepreneur and manufacturer.

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