a Piece of Furniture


In his practice, Federico Maddalozzo often draws inspiration from production errors and distinctive features of materials. In the pieces presented here, the characteristics of the wood grain and the positions of the knots are the starting point for designing coat racks and a cabinet.

Peculiarly shaped steel inserts are applied to plywood panels and function as hanger hooks or pulls. The bent or welded steel components jut out and cover areas where the wood grain forms knots. These knots are often patched during the manufacturing process, and the steel inserts mimic the shape of these irregular wood plugs. The colours of the hooks are derived from the leaves of the trees in autumn.

The cabinet, its shape and proportions a tribute to Ettore Sottsass´s superboxes, serves as both countertop and cupboard; it stands on wheels and can be used from all sides. It is built out of a single plywood panel, and while hooks provide areas to hang bags, cables or a jacket, steel rings open the doors on opposite sides.

Each exemplar is unique, taking shape depending on the characteristics of the wood used.