Dezeen Magazine

Industrial metal processing techniques used to create steel homeware collection

Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki of Japanese Design Studio id inc have launched Gradation/ Texture, a collection of products for the home made using industrial processes and materials.

Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki

The collection comprises Gradation Lamp, Gradation Chair, Gradation Tray, Texture Tray and Texture Stone, all of which are made from steel.

Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki

The base and inside of the share of the Gradation Lamp are a different colour from the rest of the lamp, an effect caused by heat treating the steel. The colour difference is highlighted when the lamp is switched on.

Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki

"I visited several metal processing factories in Yokohama City and wanted to create a range of original products that expressed the advanced skills that I saw there," said Oguri.

"As a result, I focused on gradation and textures which are collaboratively manufactured by companies with different characteristics. I thought that using the methods not usually seen by the public would create a fresh impression."

Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki

The square tubular legs of the Gradation Chair gradually change into a circular tube that forms the backrest. The chair is made using a combination of industrial skills such as pipe bending, machine cutting and welding.

Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki
The hexagonal Gradation tray is also coloured by a heating process. By limiting the portion exposed to the heat, another type of gradation is created. The trays can be used separately or stacked and tessellated to create an interesting centrepiece.The hexagonal Gradation tray is also coloured by a heating process. By limiting the portion exposed to the heat, another type of gradation is created. The trays can be used separately or stacked and tessellated to create an interesting centrepiece.
Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki

The Texture Tray is patterned using a coating process called shot blasting, which creates a tactile irregular surface.

Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki

The Texture Stones are either accessory cases or cord holders in a shape of large pebbles – the same coating process creates an attractive texture, which tempts people to touch and hold it. "Although the whole collection takes advantage of the strength of metal, each product leaves a soft impression," said the designer.

Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki

The products are made for id inc by metal processing companies within Yokohama Makers Village. id inc is a multidisciplinary Japanese design office founded in June 2013 by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki have worked for Nendo.

Graduation/Texture collection by Seiji Oguri and Yohei Oki