Credit: Darius Gumbreviõius / Inga Valentiniené
Simplicity of design transformed into Cork
‘Cork Cross’ is made of 100% cork material – One piece. Two shapes. Endless possibilities.
Built from two identical interlocking cork modules, no screws, glue, or hardware required. Lightweight, solid, and intuitive to assemble.
Credit: Darius Gumbreviõius / Inga Valentiniené
Cork Cross shows how simple ideas can spark meaningful design innovation.
Two identical segments are stacked on top of each other, resulting in a piece of furniture that is easy to assemble and disassemble with a simple but expressive shape.
The Cork Cross table/chair is a collaboration between Lithuanian designer Sandra Kasperavičiené, the Vilnius Academy of Arts and the shopfitting, furniture & interior design specialist, Fitsout.
Credit: Darius Gumbreviõius / Inga Valentiniené
Design and architecture exhibitions around the world are presenting new materials and technologies that are sustainable and made from renewable sources to solve the challenge – what will happen after consumption? How to use the item again without compromising aesthetics?
The applicability of materials of natural origin to interior design objects is a topic explored by the designer at the Vilnius NEB Research Centre.
Credit: Darius Gumbreviõius / Inga Valentiniené
This striking piece was presented at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale in the Lithuanian pavilion “Archi / Tree / tecture” (curator G. Balčytis).
With thanks to Fitsout for the prototype, and to their partners in Portugal, Amorim Cork Solutions for supplying the knowledge and cork materials.
“The subtle yet robust form and the combination of natural Portuguese cork and strawberry-red cushions is my personal visual statement.”
– Lucie Koldova.
Credit: Lucie Koldova
Lucie Koldova is a renowned Czech product and furniture designer based in Prague. She creates objects of desire using classic craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies. Her visually striking furniture pieces, glass sculptures, and light designs have received numerous international awards. Pictured here is her ‘Corques’ lounge sofa.
Credit: Lucie Koldova
“A large-scale object to serve as the centrepiece of the interior. It was a fascinating experience to sculpt an object out of a soft textured material.”
– Lucie Koldova.
Credit: Lucie Koldova
The outer monolithic shape of the Corques lounge sofa is carved from a single bloc of pressed cork made from sustainable material leftovers in Portuguese bottle cork factories.
The cork material – supplied by Portuguese company Granorte – was finished with a special varnish for long-lasting resistance and to give a soft, pleasant touch.
The upholstered cushions are closely stretched to fit the textured shell.
“Cork is a completely natural and biodegradable material, which makes it very attractive to work with. Other benefits are its versatility and resistance to wear and tear.”
– Lucie Koldova.
Credit: Lucie Koldova
The design was inspired by the amazing properties of cork and the high-end manufacturing possibilities it offers. The Corques seat is defined by its timeless design, which combines earthly tinted cork with juicily colourful fabric and an unorthodox approach to materials that goes hand in hand with environmental awareness.
With thanks to Lucie Koldova.
An all-natural cork bed that aids better sleep
Credit: Design Italy
This magnificent bed – the first cork bed in the world – designed by Matteo Congium, is named “Bisu” from the Sardinian word for “dream”, and was made by the atelier company OTQ based at Ortacesus in Sardinia.
Bisu combines functionality, well-being, ethics and design. The complete absence of metal elements, the naturalness of the cork material and its antistatic properties protect the sleeper from destabilizing magnetic and electrostatic flows.
The bed is trimmed with a choice of oak, teak or walnut wood.
It can be paired with matching bedside tables for the perfect bedroom set.
Credit: Design Italy
Credit: Design Italy
With thanks to Design Italy and Artemest.
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