Munich-based industrial design firm RelvaoKellerman has developed a new line of stackable cork storage boxes for German furniture brand Auerberg, claiming that storage containers represent "the third archetype object in our culture history, following the table and the chair." The handsome Cork Boxes are designed for both indoor and outdoor use and are expected to retail for €148 (approximately $173) each when they enter production.
The design firm justifies their bold claim about storage boxes by tracing the historical significance of containers throughout human civilization. According to RelvaoKellerman, "People always created containers for their things to be stored: Our predecessors travelled with a basket, in the medieval period people used artful chests to express their social status, sailors had their sailor boxes and the 68 generation used old orange boxes as shelves." This reference to the "68 generation" relates to the wave of student and worker protesters who emerged in Europe, particularly in France, during the late 1960s as they questioned and rejected the rise of consumer culture.
The Cork Boxes are manufactured using an innovative process involving "natural toasted cork agglomerate," which is created when cork granules are subjected to high heat and pressure. This manufacturing technique activates the natural resin found within cork, transforming it into a binding agent that eliminates the need for any chemical additives or synthetic adhesives. This environmentally friendly approach aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable furniture solutions.
The stackable design of the Cork Boxes makes them versatile storage solutions suitable for various environments and purposes. Their durability and weather resistance make them particularly appealing for outdoor applications, while their aesthetic appeal ensures they complement indoor décor. The boxes represent a convergence of functional design and environmental consciousness that characterizes modern industrial design trends.
While the Cork Boxes are reportedly moving toward production, they have not yet appeared on Auerberg's official website as of the time of reporting. The collaboration between RelvaoKellerman and Auerberg demonstrates the ongoing innovation in sustainable furniture design, where traditional materials like cork are being reimagined for contemporary storage solutions.
