The making of Sottsass timber veneer: A story of innovation and craftsmanship.
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    The making of Sottsass timber veneer: A story of innovation and craftsmanship.

    Alpi Designer Collections   Eveneer Raw

    01.10.24

    During the 1980’s Memphis designer Ettore Sottsass collaborated with the world’s leading recut timber veneer manufacturer, ALPI, to design and create a game-changing recut timber veneer. In his words the process ‘accentuated the value and exalted the texture of timber veneer through the distinct markings of the veining, evoking the unusual and irreverent combinations’ which have now become renowned.

    To create this iconic timber veneer, veneer ribbons are peeled from the fast growing poplar trees grown in managed forests. The strips are then cut into standard lengths, coloured in organic dye baths and reassembled as square logs. Each man-made ‘log’ is then spliced and reassembled before being cut into thin veneer sheets. The unique pattern and grain of the new timber veneer is the result of custom moulds and forms creating a topography that allows the language of the designer to be reflected in the unique markings. Veneers are then pressed onto board and polished as joinery, panelling and furniture.

    Sottsass designed this unique veneer in 4 signature tones red, grey, orange and brown. Elton Group are the distributors of Eveneer ALPI Sottsass veneers in Australia.

    Embraced by designers internationally, local studios Flack Studio, Greg Natale and Rezen have all used this veneer to create focus, texture and vitality in recent projects.

    As part of 2024 Melbourne Design Week’s ‘The Hands that Touch the Timber’, Melbourne Designer Dustin Fritsche of Softer Studio exhibited ‘Next to Bed’ Remix- a series of side tables pairing Sottsass with bold primaries.

    For Saturday In Design 2024, Elton Group collaborated with K5 Furniture to reskin the Segis table in ALPI Sottsass Red.

    Photo Credits:

    ALPI Sottsass Collection
    Image: Fredrico Cedrone

    1920’s Dutch home
    Design: DAB Studio
    Image: Alice Mesguich
    Source: Dezeen

    Casa MILC Madrid Apartment
    Design: Kresta Design
    Image: Jose Hevia
    Source – Yellowtrace

    Untitled Richmond
    Design: Flack Studio
    Image: Anson Smart

    MacMasters Beach
    Design: Greg Natale
    Image: Anson Smart

    Gibney
    Design: Rezen
    Image: Jack Lovel

    Next To Bed Remix
    Design: Dustin Fritsche