Iron Hive System: A Modular Masterpiece

Designer Davide Mezzasalma's Award-Winning Innovation in Furniture Design

Unveiling the Iron Hive System, a unique modular shelving system by Davide Mezzasalma. Inspired by the complex geometry of a beehive, this innovative design has won the prestigious Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2019.

Mezzasalma's inspiration for the Iron Hive System stemmed from the repetitive geometrical elements seen in natural structures such as beehives, atoms, cells, and crystals. The aim was to create a modular system that encapsulates the strongest properties of these elements: the rigidity and lightness of a beehive, the flexibility of atoms, and the duplicability of cells.

The Iron Hive series is composed of individual modules that allow the user to classify, store and “grow” the storage solution as required. With the support of a wooden base, the modules also function well as side or night tables. When the modules are combined, they can form a bookshelf, a sideboard or any furniture desired. The cubic geometry of the module, dimensions 330 x 330 x 330 mm, allows to store a wide range of different objects without waste of space.

The modules are realized by processing iron sheets. The use of metal allows to achieve an optimal structural strength with a minimal thickness. The laser-cut pieces are bent and welded, the modules are finally powder coated. The biggest challenge was to find a connection system to link modules without interfering with the purity of the forms. The definitive solution came by emulating this appearance and converting magnets into stainless steel round nuts, so that every element is safely screwed together.

The project started in March 2015 in Berlin. The development and testing process finished in December 2017. The final design is in production since January 2018, it has been exhibited in INDEX design fair in March 2018 in Dubai and in London Design Fair in September 2018.

From every angle, its shifted lines appear different: organic and structured, light and strong at the same time. The philosophy of this system is flexibility, this means you'll find the way to personalize it and make it match your needs, but also expand or modify it as required. From residential to commercial and hospitality, this product can find an appropriate application.

The Iron Hive System is not just a piece of furniture, it's a testament to the power of design, innovation, and the beauty of nature's geometry. It's a design that grows and transforms with the needs of its user, offering flexible and dynamic high-end solutions. This is the essence of Davide Mezzasalma's design philosophy, and it's what makes the Iron Hive System a deserving winner of the Silver A' Furniture Design Award.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Davide Mezzasalma
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Liron Leibu, Iron Hive Bookshelf, 2018 Image #2: Photographer Liron Leibu, Iron Hive Sidetable, 2018 Image #3: Photographer Liron Leibu, Iron Hive Sideboard, 2018, Image #4: Photographer Liron Leibu, Iron Hive Stool, 2018 Image #5: Photographer Liron Leibu, Iron Hive Console, 2018 Video Credits: Creator Dennis Fernandez, 2018
Project Team Members: Davide Mezzasalma
Project Name: Iron Hive
Project Client: Davide Mezzasalma


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