COLLECTION FEATURE INTERVIEWS

Lighting the Way – Volker Haug Studio

Words by Thida Sachathep

Photography by Haydn Cattach

When Volker Haug first established his studio in 2006, little did he anticipate the studio’s meteoric rise on the Australian design scene would be this remarkable. Assembling each product by hand, the studio hallmarks its design with an unmatched quality of craftsmanship.

Founded by Volker Haug, the eponymous studio is based in Melbourne and specialises in interdisciplinary lighting product. Though Volker is German-born, he has embedded a distinctly Australian aesthetic that engages those with an eye for design.

Since 2006, the studio has remained at the forefront of the lighting industry through its manufacturing processes. By forging a personal connection between the maker and the material, each product celebrates originality and integrity.

The collaboration between Volker Haug Studio and John Hogan resulted in a number of novel lighting features. Pictured above, Form 1 and Form 4 have been manufactured from cast aluminium and finished with a semi-polish. This subtly contrasts with the reflectivity of the dichroic glass and a tinted float.

Understanding the fine line of balancing natural light with artificial lighting, Volker Haug Studio has numerous collections that take cues from urban industrialism. The success of the studio is twofold – not only does Volker Haug Studio support Melbourne’s local talents to remain truly Australian, but also manufacture ‘backwards’ by using the light source as the inception of all ideas. This pragmatic approach ensures that each lighting fixture fits into the space instead of being dominated by it.

Featuring tiered conical forms, the Pyramid Scheme range includes a wall lamp, ceiling oyster, pendant, chandelier and table lamp. These pieces would objectively fit into any space with the option of individually arranged or collectively arranged – it is definitely a remarkable approach to spatial ornamentation.

Earlier this year at Fuorisalone, Volker Haug Studio debuted a new lighting collection, Pyramid Scheme. Inspired by the mathematical precision of ancient geometries, the range explores repetition and the reflection of forms.

The Big Kick pendant and the Triple Step pendant are not obtrusive and makes an impressionable statement. The designs are easily integrated into any kitchen or living space without obscuring internal views.

Extending their offering, Volker Haug Studio also welcomes the opportunity for clients to develop and design custom lighting fixtures. During this process, the studio works closely with architects and designers to develop custom lighting that will complement and elevate interior surroundings as desired.

The Ceres Gable House, designed by Tecture, is rich with a monochromatic palette of modernised materials. The Volker Haugh pendant was custom made to harmoniously fit into the residents’ design.

Volker Haug Studio is working on releasing new finishes for the Anton range and adding more variations to their existing collections in the near future. A distinct and bold 2020 Milan Exhibition is also in the works, representing an exciting next step in the trajectory of the studio.