'I like to try to get to use different materials next to each other, so you get to see their qualities even better,' said Tangelder. The design comes in different sizes, in brass, aluminium, ash and oak. The name Etage, which means 'floor' in both French and German, relates to its various levels. This design emerged after Tangelder was asked by a client to create a piece that could be used to store glasses. 'That is definitely a signature of Destroyers/Builders.' 'It was a really important work because it combined a form language that is very primitive with a texture that is really hand made,' said the designer. It is made from pigmented chipboard, carved by hand to create its unusual texture. Tangelder produced this design while she was completing her graduate studies at Design Academy Eindhoven. 'It becomes much lighter, much less gold,' she added. The piece is made from brass but, instead of a polish finished, Tangelder chose to give it a softer, brushed finish. I wanted to take this architectural remnant and give it a new function.' 'They're quite dominant, with this conical shape. 'In Belgium you have a lot of chimneys in the landscape that don't have a function anymore,' said Tangelder. The tables come in lacquered wood, natural wood and concrete.Ĭhimneys were the inspiration for this brass shelving-system, particularly the ones found on buildings in Belgium. 'The function definitely came later in the development.' 'I thought it would be nice to make a positive shape out of these negative windows openings,' said the designer. They offer a subtle reference to Tangelder's own Brazilian heritage. The surfaces of these tables match the shapes of windows on the SESC Pompéia Factory in São Paulo, a building famously designed by Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi. 'Chipboard is normally used for insulation I thought it would be interesting to make it unrecognisable,' the designer said. Here, she picks out six of her key projects:īy referencing the architectural column, Tangelder gives a feeling of weightiness to her Bolder Chairs. Yet only one of the two versions is actually heavy – the first is made from chipboard and a pressed textile-fibre, while the second is limestone and brass.

Tangelder spoke to Dezeen following the news that she is Biennale Interieur's 2019 designer of the year. It should be simple and for a large group of people.' 'It's strange that you only work for a small number of people that can afford the pieces,' she said. 'Design is such a luxury job and it shouldn't be. This approach means that, although Tangelder has produced some production pieces for Belgian brand Valerie Objects, the majority of her work is in the realm of collectible design.

'I don't think it's strict enough to be design.'

Tangelder works as a designer, but her approach is more like an artist. She often starts with an idea and only later applies a function, so her designs are highly sculptural.

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