The new item in the MATERIA collection reinvents the concept of a modular cork shelf. STOW IT was designed by the renowned British designer James Irvine in the framework of the Metamorphosis project, which has now been adapted by the Studio Irvine for the MATERIA collection.
Launched in 2011, MATERIA is a collection curated by Experimentadesign for Corticeira Amorim, constituted by ground-breaking cork objects for everyday life - that combine functionality and personality - designed to grow and gradually adapt to market expectations.
After the launch in 2016 of Tipsy, an irreverent wine bottle holder, developed by Keiji Takeuchi (JP), STOW IT is now taking the market by surprise. STOW IT is a cork-based multi-functional wall shelf, which can be used - as a single unit or combined with other units - to accommodate various objects, such as a book, tablet or computer. STOW IT also reduces noise in meeting rooms or empty spaces.
In the opinion of Marialaura Rossiello, who runs Studio Irvine: “Cork is a multifaceted material that has a great deal to offer in terms of quality. In addition to its functionality, cork is a soft raw material and very pleasant to the touch,” adding: “STOW IT takes care of objects: it’s soft and has a very pleasant aroma”.
STOW IT is a useful and discreet item that combines contemporary design with pure functionality down to the smallest detail. Given cork’s elastic memory, STOW IT can also be used as an original memoboard.
Developed as part of the metamorphosis project, STOW IT was originally conceived as an acoustic shelf, with cork conceived as an architectural element, on the basis of its characteristics: thermal and acoustic insulation, 100% natural and biodegradable, abrasion- and fire-resistant.
After the challenge launched by Corticeira Amorim to Studio Irvine, “STOW IT evolved also to a useful and portable shelf, keeping its personality and characteristics - an everyday, multifunctional object that is perfectly aligned with the concept of the MATERIA collection.
STOW IT is the second item of the MATERIA collection designed by James Irvine. With six, James Irvine reinforced the collection’s link to the world of wine, by designing a fantastic bottle holder or mini wine cellar, with a capacity for holding six bottles.
STOW IT will be available for sale from January in museums, interior design and furniture stores, and digital platforms, with a recommended retail price of € 120.
About James Irvine | Studio Irvine:
www.studio-irvine.com
Born in London, James Irvine graduated in 1984 from the royal college of art, London. In the same year he moved to Milan.
From 1984 to 1992, he was a design consultant for Olivetti Design Studio Milan, under the direction of Michele de Lucchi and Ettore Sottsass.
In 1987 he worked for one year at the Toshiba design Centre in Tokyo. He returned to Milan in 1988 and opened his private design studio. His first clients were Cappellini and SCP.
From 1993 to 1997, in parallel to his private studio, he was a partner of Sottsass Associati, responsible for the studio’s industrial design group.
In 2004 he was the guest of honour at the design biennale interieur, in Kortrijk and was also elected royal designer for industry by the royal society of arts, in London. In 2007 he was awarded an honorary doctorate in design from Kingston University.
His design studio in Milan has worked and works with various internationally renowned companies including alias, Arper, Artemide, B&B Italia, Canon, Magis, MDF Italia, Mercedes Benz, Muji, Olivari, Olivetti, Offecct, Phaidon, Thonet, Wmf and Zumtobel.
Today, Studio Irvine is run by his partner Marialaura Rossiello Irvine and now, as in the past, is always ready to take up new challenges.
