Dezeen Magazine

Claesson Koivisto Rune Stone Pillow

Claesson Koivisto Rune models vibrating massage pillow on pebbles

Claesson Koivisto Rune based the stone-like appearance of these massaging pillows on pebbles found on Sweden's beaches.

The Soft Stone back and neck pillows were designed by the Swedish studio for Dream Co. Japan following a two-year research and development process.

Claesson Koivisto Rune Stone Pillow

Aiming to avoid a clinical look, Claesson Koivisto Rune took inspiration "directly from nature" for the design of the massage pillows, combining a rounded shape with grey speckled fabric to make it look like a stone.

"One of the main challenges of this commission was to encourage the brand to go against the Japanese medical device market sector norms of employing an attention-grabbing mixture of fabrics, colours and forms for the product's design in order to communicate various functions and carve out a market position," the studio told Dezeen.

Claesson Koivisto Rune Stone Pillow

"In Sweden there are many pebble beaches," they said. "We have always found the rounded stones that you pick up on these beaches both pleasing to the touch and intriguing to the mind."

The pillows are designed to be used on the floor. Their shape ensures users are laid down in the right position, which involves the arching of the chest and neck.

Claesson Koivisto Rune Stone Pillow

The massage is a similar pressure to a hand massage and is intended to relieve muscle tension caused by stress.

The Stone back and neck pillows will launch during Tokyo Design Week 2016, which takes place from 2 to 7 November 2016.

Claesson Koivisto Rune Stone Pillow

Claesson Koivisto Rune was founded in Stockholm in 1995 by Mårten Claesson, Eero Koivisto and Ola Rune. The studio started out as an architecture office but has since branched out into all aspects of design, including furniture, lighting, interiors and electronics.

Recent projects include the Inde/Jacobs art gallery in Marfa, Texas and the Cover collection of chairs and tables for Teknion.

Last year, the multidisciplinary studio launched the Smaller Objects label, which offers designers an alternative to the traditional royalty model.

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Claesson Koivisto Rune Stone Pillow
Claesson Koivisto Rune Stone Pillow