Tandem Design House Unveils its First Furniture Collection

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Sarah de Pina

Tandem Design House’s first furniture range “foldi” is a fusion of solid wood and folded sheet metal that embodies Johannesburg’s urban essence.

Based in urban artisan complex of Victoria Yard, Tandem Design House draws inspiration from South Africa, specifically Joburg, which acts as a central guide for their design aesthetic and choice of materials. The design studio’s first furniture range, “foldi”, emerged through the appreciation of simply folding 2D shapes into 3D objects and combines solid wood and folded sheet metal to make up its pieces.

“Our steel components are cleverly designed to leverage CNC technology, by cutting and bending a simple and available material like sheet metal into precise and structural forms. Alongside this we have a strong appreciation of handmade elements. All wooded components are carefully crafted, planed down, joined and finished by our small team and within the four walls of our workshop,” explains Pia, one half of the designer-maker duo behind the brand.

The harmonious interplay of handcrafted and machine-produced elements within the “foldi” range reflects the essence of Joburg as an urban forest and industrial city.

The joinery stands out as a prominent feature in the range, and its playful zigzag pattern, which mimics the folding technique, adds a whimsical touch to the pieces. “In its simplicity, our furniture can be easily understood in its aesthetic and assembly. “‘foldi’ is a collection designed for anyone to curate their space and craft their home,” says Pia. 

Our furniture strives to be open and honest in material and manufacturing methods with an emphasis on quality and detail.

For more information on Tandem Design House and the new “foldi” range, visit tandemdesignhouse.com or follow them on Instagram.

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