Mater | Gymnasium Edition.

Mater Gymnasium – Pine Edition

Mater Gymnasium – Oak Edition.

Mater Gymnasium – Old Edition.

You know when you see something so awesome that you wish you thought of it yourself? Yes, well, that happens to me at least once a day. I’m sick of it really. I seriously need some original ideas myself. Ok… Sorry… that was another one of my tangents.

What I really wanted to talk about is this super awesome range of cabinets from Danish company Mater called Gymnasium Edition. This limited edition collection was created from recycled gym floorboards (awesome!!) and it launched in 2008. Today the range is mass-produced using sustainable, eco-friendly materials like renewable pine and controlled Danish oak with water-based fixatives and varnishes. The result is a brilliant series designed by Søren Rose Studio and crafted by Denmark’s oldest cabinet makers Bruno Hansen Carpentry.

In fact, I’ve been meaning to tell you about Mater ever since I first found out about it a few months ago after visiting the Corporate Culture showroom. Founded in 2006, Mater is a Copenhagen-based company with a strong vision to create timeless and beautiful design based on an ethical business strategy. The company combines exclusive high end home accessories with working methods that support people, local craft traditions and the environment.

Brass folded collection, made with recycled and raw brass sheets with polished edges. Also available in recycled and raw aluminum, which looks like concrete (in a good way!) Truly stunning pieces, the photo doesn’t do it justice. Inspired by origami, each piece is hand folded in India which ensures that every bowl is unique.

Recycled aluminium dome lamp (40cm). Winner of Wallpaper* 2009 Design Award for best table lamp.

Here’s a little quote from Henrik Marstrand, CEO & founder of Mater, about their design philosophy:

“For every one of the millions of products we use to improve our lives, there are associated environmental, ethical and social consequences. Some products have a small environmental bearing while others consume finite resources in vast quantities. We strive to avoid or minimize the adverse impact on society, focusing on ethical criteria’s while creating sensual, timeless and durable products that will both stand the test of time and inspire consumers to cherish and maintain”.

Bamboo coat-hanger, chopsticks and bowls are made in Vietnam. Porcelain cups are made in China.

In this day and age when most companies are chasing profits and pursuing personal agendas, it is so inspiring to see that there are companies out there like Mater that are taking the opportunity to revitalise the design industry by working with environmentally, ethically and socially sustainable solutions. Mater has an international outlook which embraces local craftsmanship, natural materials and new technology with a human and emotional approach to design.

Extreme love.

Above and below are some of their other products.

Available in Australia through Corporate Culture.

Hand spun aluminium shade, made in a small workshop in India.

Marblewood Collection made with hardwood and castoff marble. Made in Jaipur, India.

Solid stained oak and leather high stool, also available in low version. Handmade in Jaipur, India.