Story | Zu Hui Photography | Courtesy of Massproductions
A Stockholm-based company has made a point of doing away with filters in design. The whole process, from design to production and marketing, is handled in-house, so that every item is true to the designer’s vision.
Jump easy chair: The seat of the chair appears to “float” on the long and slim frame. The simple construction makes it easy to remove the cushion for laundering. The oiled oak handles add a dab of charm.
Last year, English designer Chris Martin, founder of Massproductions, was awarded the Bruno Mathsson Prize, considered the Nobel Prize for Scandinavian design, described as “super normal” by the adjudicators—sustainable and highly applicable to normal lifestyles—not just eyecatching. Exactly what Martin aims to achieve with Massproductions.
Spark Lounge chair: Combines a slim profile with comfort. The integration of fabric, wood and leather add warmth and a soft touch.
Born in the 1970s in a north London suburb, Martin graduated from the Royal College of Art, revealing his super-slim, light and minimalistic wooden chair. He was spotted by furniture designer Jasper Morrison and went to work in Sweden, where Ikea was a major client. His works were often featured on the cover of the company’s catalogues and the Mästerby step-stool he designed can still be found in its stores. Made with a mix of plastic and wood, it is light yet sturdy.
Mega daybed: A spin-off from the Mega sofa, it lures you to relax.
Mass Production of Good Designs
At a time when limited production is in vogue, Martin makes mass production a brand priority. The designer thinks that any design worthy of mass production has to be in demand and cost-effective enough to produce in bulk. Having immersed himself in industrial design, Martin felt that, instead of coming up with dazzling design plans, he’d rather know more about production, and the pros and cons of different raw materials.
Dandy sofa: The soft curves on the sofa envelop you like a warm hug.
He was invited to collaborate in the design of a metal outdoor bench. However, when the client decided he didn’t think the design was feasible, Martin and partner Magnus Elebäck decided to establish their own brand, Massproductions. In the end, they proved that the metallic bench could be made and be appealing.
Massproductions is the brainchild of Magnus elebäck (left) and chris Martin (right). elebäck sets the unique “no filters” ethos for the company, taking control of the entire production chain for a seamless connection between design and production. after the duo concurs on a design, they find a factory and don’t waste time with go-betweens.
That bench, titled Tio, became their showpiece and won Sweden’s golden Chair Award. It become a best seller, seen at numerous restaurants and outdoor venues, and was later added to the permanent collection of the Swedish National Museum of fine Arts.
BAM! This pop art sofa has a gothic support structure. The cushions are made of recycled duck and goose feathers from down jackets. The embroidered BaM! logo is a tribute to american artist Roy Lichtenstein. The sofa can even be flat-packed for easy transportation and reassembly.
When Massproductions was set up, the pair was hands-on with design, production and sales. Martin even found inspiration from a bread tin at a neighbourhood bakery. That’s how the popular Mega sofa came about, its puffy cushions now available as a sofa bed.
Draft table: Chris Martin designed these no-frills tables for the swedish national Museum of fine arts to focus all eyes on the design and setting.
