For the 2013 edition of IMM Cologne’s Das Haus series, we created our Interiors On Stage, an installation that placed greenery at the centre of architecture. With inspirations ranging from Californian modernism to Japanese architecture to the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa.The concept of the space was an interplay between indoors and outside. In our “Haus”, nature was an architectural and design element. Around 350 plants were scattered on the exterior walls. Inside, potted plants were carefully chosen to enhance the indoor climate and were used as green walls that delineated different living zones. To us “Das Haus” was an artificial microcosm that symbolized the entire planet in ideal symbiosis with vegetation.

The colour palette we chose for “Das Haus” combined natural colours evocative of Scandinavian landscapes with the soft pastel shades typical of Venetian tradition. The 18th-century paintings of Canaletto of Venice served as a source of inspiration.

We collaborated with Italian ceramics manufacturer Bosa on a series of ceramic containers for the potted plants adorning “Das Haus”. Most of the furnishings were our own designs, several presented for the first time to the public. The Toshi cabinet collection designed for Casamania and the Flamingo table collection for MGLab. Cassina’s La Mise sofa made an impact in a new leather cover. The indoor variants of the Railway Outdoor table developed for De Padova translated the concept of a dining table for both indoor and outdoor use into two new materials: oak and marble. Unveiled for the first time on that occasion were also the table clock and bookend for Petite Friture’s Swell series of ceramic accessories, two new carpets for Nodus by Piccolo and a lounge armchair by the name of Hai for Hem.

Furniture was only one component of the whole arrangement. Besides the nuanced colour palette, the effects of the materials, the plants and accessories, our concept also included works of art, fragrances and music recordings – to engage all senses.