There is a new design brand in town, SP01, and it’s already making waves overseas, making its international debut during Milan Design Week where it showcased two new collections.
Combining down under cool with tried-and-true Italian quality, the furniture business was launched to bring something different to the market with collections that are suitable for homes, offices and hospitality environments both large and small, from Tokyo to Sydney.
“We were inspired by Australian living, which blends both an eastern and western aesthetic, while ensuring the rigorous quality and ease of distribution that comes with Italian manufacturing,” says Matt Lorrain, SP01 head of design and product development.
“Our vision was to create accessible, versatile pieces that would sit beautifully in the world’s finest homes from a New York studio to a central London terrace.”
The Indoor by Metrica collection features stunning dining chairs, tables, armchairs, sofas and coffee tables that feature solid ash timbers, sculpted hand-finished wood and an extensive range of detailed upholstery.
“The goal was to create a timeless collection by mixing the right combination of material and proportion,” says Metrica designer Robin Rizzini. “My approach to material and design is honest. I try not to overdesign.”
SP01’s first outdoor collection by Tom Fereday is a series of chairs, tables and stools designed to withstand the Australian outdoors.
“From the beginning there was a clear attempt to develop an outdoor collection that was refined enough to sit comfortably both indoors and out,” says Fereday.
Having an Australian designer work on the collection brought a feeling of confidence, says Lorrain.
“Fereday is a rising star of industrial design. He has an innate understanding of the impact the environment can place on furniture.
“Proximity to the sea and exposure all year round to the elements provides challenges for furniture to survive… We spent an enormous amount of time making sure the manufacturing process exceeded international standards.”
Also part of SP01’s overseas expansion is the launch of Over/Under, a concept shop developed in collaboration with US based L&G Studio. The popup concept―which is part showroom, part stage set and part public space―is part of NYCxDesign and is open until 31 May.
“We looked to L&G Studio to design an experience beyond the traditional showroom—a destination where guests can relax into our pieces, which are designed with urban life in mind,” says Lorrain. “We’re thrilled to expand our growing presence in the US during such an important international design event.”
By Marion Gerritsen
