A visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York ignited the inspiration for architect and designer Hannes Peer's latest furniture line with the Italian brand SEM. Peer was particularly captivated by Louise Nevelson's wooden assemblage sculptures from the 1970s, which served as the pivotal moment for his 'Core' collection's conceptualization. This collection aims to translate the essence of mid-century sculptural art into contemporary, monolithic wooden furniture, combining simplicity of form with intricate bas-relief details.
The 'Core' collection, comprising eight distinctive pieces, is meticulously crafted from solid mahogany, rosewood, and cherry. Each item is characterized by an abstract, carved facade, echoing the influences of designers like Pierre Chapo, Leroy Setziol, and Jean Touret, known for their tactile wooden creations. Peer's design process ingeniously merges traditional handiwork with digital innovation. While the foundational concept stemmed from a desire to celebrate dwindling handcraftsmanship, the practicalities of production for a series (rather than one-off pieces) necessitated a digital approach, enabling the intricate carving details to be rendered with precision using 3D modeling and CNC milling. Despite this digital foundation, each piece undergoes a final, extensive hand-finishing process by skilled artisans, ensuring a warm, beeswax-treated surface and a honey-toned appearance.
Among the notable items in the collection are a grand pedestal cabinet adorned with a variety of shifting patterns, including gouged grids, concave circles, and chevron motifs, alongside a dining table with a diamond-shaped base that showcases carved, stratified wood sections. Additionally, Peer created two wall-mounted panels that transcend functionality, presenting the collection's sculptural artistry in its purest form. This innovative blend of digital precision and traditional craftsmanship, as Peer aptly puts it, serves as a compelling metaphor for contemporary design in 2026.
The 'Core' collection represents a profound exploration of materiality and form, pushing the boundaries of what wooden furniture can be. It reminds us that true artistry lies not only in the final product but also in the thoughtful process and innovative techniques that bring it to life. By embracing both advanced technology and time-honored handcraft, Peer offers a vision where modern design retains a soulful connection to the human touch and the rich heritage of craftsmanship.