Trees existed before humans knew how to build a complete house. Over time, people gradually learned to utilize natural materials in their daily lives. They began to use wood for most household items, as tools for work, and then wood became an expensive, luxurious material with many different versions to serve many different needs.
Let's learn about some unique materials made from wood in this article!
ALPI ARCOBALENO, RAGGIOSOLE AND TRAMONTO - KONSTANTIN GRCIC
ALPI's most prominent new product of 2023 is the result of a collaboration between Vittorio Alpi and German designer Konstantin Grcic. With extensive experience in wood, Grcic and ALPI have explored completely new wood treatment methods, creating two unique veneers: Arcobaleno and Raggiosole.
Arcobaleno and Raggiosole are the result of a meticulous study of colour, a hallmark of ALPI’s product culture. Grcic and his team spent a lot of time experimenting with subtle colour mixing techniques, creating unique colour transitions. From a distance, the colour changes appear smooth. But up close, the colour gradients appear as natural veins.
Arcobaleno, which means “rainbow” in Italian, is playful and vibrant with its vibrant colors. Raggiosole, on the other hand, brings a quiet and elegant feeling with its warm red to black hues, reminiscent of vintage electric guitars. Both veneers follow the same structural logic but have different color moods. One is psychedelic and pop; the other is more serious. Both veneers are available in both large and small sizes, with straight and curved surfaces.
Designer Konstantin Grcic shares that the production of ALPI veneer is a complex and meticulous process, but that is what makes the products unique and diverse. Arcobaleno and Raggiosole are two prime examples that show the endless creative possibilities of wood.
Konstantin Grcic (born 1965) founded his own company, which develops furniture, products and lighting for leading design companies in1991. Among his manufacturers are Authentics, Muji, Mutina, etc. In the field of lifestyle and fashion, he has collaborated with Audi, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, etc. He has personally won many international design awards such as the German Design Award Gold and the Compasso d’Oro.
Image Copyright: ALPI ARCOBALENO and RAGGIOSOLE, Alpi
Konstantin Grcic continues to impress with ALPI Tramonto, a work of art on wood veneer. By harmoniously combining shades of red, burgundy, brown and black, Grcic has created an emotional ombre effect, resembling a beautiful sunset painting.
ALPI Tramonto is not only a decorative product, but also a perfect solution for modern interior spaces. With high-quality natural wood and superior fire resistance, this veneer brings elegance and safety to every space.
Image Copyright: ALPI TRAMONTO, Alpi
FLOOR LANDSCAPE - MONICA ARMANI
Designed by architect Monica Armani, the FLOOR LANDSCAPE collection is the result of a multidisciplinary approach to the theme of surfaces. Thanks to the collaboration and craftsmanship of CP Parquet, the collection starts from the study of Italian culture linked to art, sculpture and architecture, to create a modern and innovative product.
The result is a collection of wooden floors and surfaces that translate the most important values of Italian culture into four contexts: Milan, Florence, Venice and Corvara. From these places, from their history and structures, creative compositional solutions are born, but always in harmony with the heritage of the land from which they are inspired.
The collection offers a variety of horizontal surfaces, wall panels and perimeter panels, allowing users to freely combine them to create unique spaces that express their own personality. Each space becomes a living picture, whether it is a home or a hotel, where wood is considered a fabric, the surface is a palette, and users are artists freely creating unique works of art.
Monica Armani is an architect and designer. In 1996, she and Luca Dallabetta created an extremely successful product line, Progetto 1. When the project was launched by B&B Italia in 2005, Monica Armani began working with leading international design companies in the field such as: B&B Italia, Boffi, Tribù, Snaidero,... She not only focuses on interior design but also cares about architecture, brand image and even the smallest details such as light and greenery.
Image Copyright: Floor Landscape, CP Parquet
LINEADEKO – ALDO CIBIC
The collaboration between Inkiostro Bianco and Listone Giordano, which began with the creation of the first laser-engraved parquet collection, Undici, is now further consolidated. An initial thinking focused on the horizontal surface has proven to have infinite potential when moving vertically, reaching the walls. This is how Lineadeko was born. A new interpretation of wood decorated with color digital printing or laser engraving. The new wall covering collection was presented at Milan Design Week 2018.
Aldo Cibic’s Lineadeko is a rich fusion of graphic suggestions. A collection of three-dimensional surfaces with a subtle graphic and decorative impact, rich in elements inspired by nature, graphic art, photography and contemporary art.
“The concept is bringing wood on the vertical surfaces of the bathroom. Thanks to the laser engraved decorations and the subsequent colour effects, it is possible to create totally unexpected bathroom settings.” - Aldo Cibic.
In 1977, Aldo Cibic (born 1955) became a founding partner of the studio Sottsass & Associati in 1980 and became a founding member of the Memphis Group – an artist group that marked an epochal transition in the design and architecture universe. He founded Cibic Workshop in 2010, a design and architectural research studio in San Francisco and Milan, pursuing architectural, interior and urban projects. In 2019, he was included in the list of the world’s leading architects by Domus architecture magazine “100+ Best Architecture Firms 2019”.
Image Copyright: Lineadeko, Inkiostro Bianco