Post-Modern Cornerstones – Strato Collezione Marmi by Biasol
Strato by Melbourne-based design studio Biasol is a dynamic, modernist range of coffee tables and decorative accessories inspired by influential Italian architect Ettore Sottsass. Embodying the core material language of the Memphis movement Sottsass established, Strato’s inaugural collection – Collezione Marmi – celebrates the spirit and graphic expression of post-modern design and its abiding synergy within today’s refined spatial narratives.
Strato is a formative furniture and accessories collection that encapsulates a design vision mediating between modernity and innovation. Driven by a similar design purpose to that of the Memphis Group — whose abandonment of trend shook the status quo — the limited collection is distinguished by a refined elemental purity that transcends style to land on a beautility that is ambitiously timeless yet visually eminent. Designed and made in Melbourne, each piece in the collection has been conceived as a cornerstone object with the design ingenuity to bring artistic expression to timeless, refined interiors or hold its own within more maximalist environments.
Strato’s inaugural collection – Collezione Marmi – has emerged from a highly considered development process balancing sustainability, multi-disciplinary aptitude and a desire to insert a playful ambiance into any space through the power of materiality. “Strato is inspired by the artistic expression of Ettore Sottsass’s infamous Memphis Group, with each piece distinguished by layers of striking stone which explore geometric form across the breadth of the collection,” explains Biasol Director Jean-Pierre Biasol. “It represents a playful approach to design, one that we hope to see more of.”
Coffee tables that reflect both the elemental gravitas of Sottsass’s graphic design language alongside the distilled architectural gestures seen in contemporary aesthetics are complemented by styling pieces that act as accents in space or standalone objects. Elevated by a beautiful interplay between Fibonacci’s Deep Vault Terrazzo and Verdi Alpi Marble, Collezione Marmi is distinguished by its celebration of remarkable materiality balanced by clean silhouettes. “The Memphis characteristics are quite loud in nature,” says Jean-Pierre. “Our approach was to adapt and refine the style in Strato so that it can remain relevant and timeless.” Interchangeable discs in both monotone and jewel-like layers make up each table leg introducing a spirited energy to temper the monolithic volumes. This mode of construction also allows for considerable versatility and resilience through simple alterations to the number and arrangement of discs.
Strato’s inaugural collection – Collezione Marmi – has emerged from a highly considered development process balancing sustainability, multi-disciplinary aptitude and a desire to insert a playful ambiance into any space through the power of materiality.
Driven by sustainability, which seeks to both balance material procurement and sustain the integrity and relevance of the pieces, Strato harnesses a multifaceted approach to manufacturing that prioritises local collaborations, longevity and durability. “It’s crafted from a limited run with materiality hand-selected by our designers,” explains Jean-Pierre. Material waste is largely eliminated through the use of both spectacular primary sections of stone as well as the unique residual portions. Collaboration with local stonemasons and the conscious sourcing of materials keep the carbon footprint to a minimum while retaining quality control and superior outcomes.
Strato Collezione Marmi has ultimately emerged from a distillation of intents to achieve monolithic form, artful graphic expression through its unique material pairing, aesthetic reverence, breadth of functionality and commercial intuition. This premier collection sets the stage for Strato, an ever-evolving brand that will grow to include future complementary pieces.
