At Maison&Objet 2026, German design company pulpo introduces two material-focused developments: the Industrial Art collection and the Alwa Square series. Both lines show how construction materials, industrial finishes and handcrafting techniques can find new roles in interior and furniture design.
The Industrial Art collection centres on materials that usually appear in architectural or industrial settings. These include concrete, steel, aluminium and metal-coated surfaces. Pulpo works with small production batches, which makes it possible to highlight the natural variations that occur during manufacturing.
The X Mirror uses bronze-tinted mirror glass. A cast black pigment mark forms during production and creates a unique pattern each time.
The X Bench and X Table combine a spruce or oak structure with different metal slipcovers. Options include chrome, copper, high-gloss powder coating and hot-dip galvanised steel. These finishes each create a different surface effect, which helps designers compare how coatings influence both appearance and durability.
The K Table series uses hot-dip galvanised steel I-beams. This material normally forms part of a building’s framework. When galvanised, the steel gains a zinc coating that protects it from corrosion. The process also creates a recognisable crystalline texture. By keeping this finish visible, the tables show how structural profiles can shift from building components to interior furniture.
The S Table combines a cast concrete top with a galvanised steel base. The concrete retains a coarse texture, while the zinc layer on the steel emphasises durability. This combination reflects a straightforward use of two familiar construction materials and demonstrates how they can work together in interior contexts.
The Cut Chair is made from welded and ground aluminium sheets. Aluminium offers low weight and good structural stability, which makes it suitable for seating. A removable leather or fabric cushion attaches with visible screws, which shows the mechanical assembly clearly.
Designer Sebastian Herkner extends the Alwa series with Alwa Square. This version uses a square, hand-cast glass top. During casting and cooling, the glass forms small air bubbles and thickness variations. These natural irregularities arise from the process itself, and each top develops its own character.
Pulpo combines the glass with powder-coated steel frames or mouth-blown glass cylinders. Together, these elements show how cast glass can function as both a structural and decorative component in interior design.
Source: pulpo / v2com press release
Photos: pulpo