Hoek af: A Unique Design with Missing Corners

Combining Quirkiness and Functionality

The inspiration for Hoek af came to David Hoppenbrouwers through his fascination with language and how words can be interpreted in different ways. As he explored the concept of "missing a corner," he realized that in Dutch, it refers to someone being a little bit crazy. This sparked his imagination and led him to think about a friend who is "missing a corner" but is undeniably interesting.

Translating this concept into furniture design, Hoppenbrouwers created Hoek af as a table and chair set that embraces the idea of missing corners. When a square is cut, two new corners are created, symbolizing the idea that instead of losing something, something is gained. Each piece of Hoek af has lost a corner but gained two new corners and two legs, adding a unique and playful element to the design.

The classic part of Hoek af is represented by the wood, which is made from oak. The legs of the table and chairs are turned and finished with a white parquet oil, giving them a timeless and elegant look. The seats of the chairs are meticulously hand-caned, ensuring both strength and durability. This labor-intensive process allows for the creation of tension, preventing the cane from snapping easily.

Adding a burst of color to the design, the colorful parts of Hoek af are made from metal. These metal components are welded and painted, creating a vibrant contrast to the classic wooden elements. The combination of wood and metal showcases the harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary design elements.

Hoek af has garnered recognition for its innovative and creative design. In 2013, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. Hoek af stands as a testament to Hoppenbrouwers' technical and creative skills, contributing to the improvement of quality of life through unique and thought-provoking design.

Hoek af is not just a table and chair set; it is a statement piece that challenges traditional notions of design. Embracing the idea of "missing a corner" and celebrating the quirks that make us unique, Hoek af adds a touch of playfulness and personality to any space.