Celina: A Luxurious Blend of Style and Function

A Portable Speaker Designed by Kain Kerkhove

Kain Kerkhove, a talented designer, has created Celina, a portable speaker that seamlessly blends natural and man-made materials. With its rounded corners, soft edges, and emphasis on light, Celina evokes a sense of emotion and luxury.

Unique Properties

Celina stands out from other portable speakers with its ability to blend in effortlessly with any environment. The combination of woven wool and textured aluminum creates a visually stunning look and a feel of opulence. The speaker's 360-degree bass output, cleverly integrated into a subtle slit, not only enhances the audio experience but also plays with light, giving the impression that the top cover is floating. Additionally, a ring molds around the upper part of the speaker, flowing down from the center gap to the underside, creating a sense of unity and completeness.

Realization Technology

Celina's shell is made of ABS plastic, which securely holds the internals and fabric together with easy-to-use clips. The manufacturing process involves injection molding techniques, ensuring a seamless and durable finish. The ring that wraps around the speaker is crafted from stamped sheet metal, adding a touch of elegance. The upper part of the speaker is made of milled aluminum, which is then finished off with a textured powder coat, further enhancing its luxurious appearance.

Specifications

Celina measures 170 mm x 90 mm x 84 mm, making it compact and portable without compromising on sound quality.

Interaction

Operating Celina is intuitive and user-friendly. The power button turns the speaker on or off, while holding it prepares the speaker for pairing with a new device. Volume adjustment is easily controlled with the dedicated volume up and down buttons. The forward and backward buttons allow users to cycle through songs effortlessly. When an auxiliary cable is plugged in, the speaker automatically switches to aux mode, and removing the cable reverts it back to Bluetooth mode. The battery status and charging level are conveniently indicated by LEDs on the back of the speaker.

Design Process and Challenges

Kain Kerkhove's design process for Celina involved extensive research and self-reflection. He aimed to create a speaker that not only reflected his personal style but also resonated with his interests and values. The challenge lay in finding the perfect combination of materials, shapes, and surfaces that would evoke the desired emotions and mood.

Conclusion

Celina, designed by Kain Kerkhove, is a testament to the power of blending style and function. With its luxurious materials, innovative design, and seamless integration of technology, Celina stands out as a portable speaker that not only delivers exceptional sound but also adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Image Credits: Kerkhove Kaïn, 2019.

Awards and Accolades

Celina was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Digital and Electronic Device Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes Celina as a well-designed, practical, and innovative creation that meets professional and industrial requirements. It is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, ultimately contributing to a better world.