Næssi’s FÒLIA Collection

An innovative furniture collection that explores organic forms and the potential of blending traditional and contemporary carpentry techniques.

Eleonora Carbone and Alessandro D’Angeli, co-founders of Rome-based multidisciplinary design firm Næssi, think outside of the box when creating items as varied as minimalist glassware or modular shelving that looks like artistic wall décor. With FÒLIA, the Italian designers continue to push the boundaries of product and furniture design. The result of several months of experimentation, this series explores the organic forms of plants and the merging of traditional and contemporary woodworking techniques. The name means both “leaf” and “sheet” in Latin. Using the petals of flowers and the veins and fibers of leaves as sources of inspiration, the duo created three-dimensional shapes from flat sheets of wood. The innovative material features a structure made of recycled panels that are manufactured from reclaimed rice waste.

Sustainable and versatile, the material is both lighter than MDF and easily recyclable. As for the glossy exterior, the studio used maple briar wood, which has a pronounced texture as well as more variations in hues and opacity. To obtain the distinctive wavy surfaces, the designers used a thermoforming process. Bent with pressure and heat between two templates, the panels quickly fold into wavy forms, minimizing energy use and waste. The flat sheets of wood thus transform into three-dimensional surfaces that provide the foundation for the creation of imaginatively designed furniture. Indeed, the FÒLIA tables and console look unlike anything else, resembling sculptural works of art rather than functional furniture.

The three FÒLIA designs showcase the possibilities of using these techniques and eco-friendly material. On this project, the studio has collaborated with Devoto Design, who specializes in custom furniture and interior design elements. Naessi has introduced the FÒLIA collection at the 2023 edition of the Lake Como Design Festival. Photography © Serena Eller Vainicher – Eller studio. Images courtesy of Næssi.