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Alpina furniture by Ries is made from thin steel shapes

Argentinian architecture studio Ries has designed a collection of minimal furniture based around simple steel frames.

The Alpina range includes a chair, work desk, table and storage unit, all of which feature V-shaped solid metal supports.

The studio created an underlying matrix with fixed proportions which they used to create the underlying steel framework for each of the four pieces.

"This matrix has measures and proportions that are fit to create a large number of furniture pieces," said the studio.

"The legs of the table are the matrix cut to a certain height, then rotated 90 degrees."

The chairs feature rectangular backs and A-shaped side supports, and have perforated copper seats.

"This material is used historically in factories, it has an industrial connotation, so by giving it a polished copper finish we like to think we are giving this material a new meaning and taking it out from where our minds think it comes from," added Ries.

Although the furniture may look "uncomfortable to the eye", the studio told Dezeen that it hasn't been designed for long periods of sitting.

The work desk includes a rectangular tabletop laminated with pale blue Formica, which rests in a framework reminiscent of a child's swing. The dining table is also covered in blue laminate, and rests on four slanted legs as well as two central V-shaped struts.

The storage unit combines the forms of the work desk with a pair of shelves, one of which includes a small hammock-like section.

"We wanted to design a furniture collection that looked visually light, weightless, but rigid at the same time," the studio told Dezeen. "We believe that furniture shouldn't be conceived or shown as isolated objects, we believe that furniture is part of a bigger environment when put into a space."

Slender metal rods were also used to form minimal chairs by Nissa Kinzhalina – one a variety of recently launched designs that look like line drawings.

Alpina furniture by Ries is made from thin steel shapes

Details

  • Argentina
  • Ries