ambiente 2017: combining japanese minimalist design with a modern application of ceramics, the bouillon ‘warm stool’ functions as a hot water bottle. by pouring steaming liquid into the clay seat, which then can be secured with a wooden plug, the furniture piece helps users maintain their body temperature with a feeling similar to that of holding a warm tea cup. the pleasant temperature, rather than a scorching heat, pairs comfortably with the softness of the ceramic material.
hot water warms the ceramic seat from within
image © bouillon
bouillon is a japanese design studio led by an architect and designer, shunya hattori and hiroki nasu. prior to presenting the final design at the ambiente 2017 fair in frankfurt, the concept of the ‘warm stool’ was first shown at the salone del mobile 2016 where it won second prize at the salone satellite award. with a now finalized design, the furniture’s wood nearly completely surrounds the edges of the ceramic, only leaving its top surface open. together with its matching pots, it reflects a primitive function that showcases a new application for the traditional material.
it features a wooden plug that, when inserted, runs flush with the seat top
image © bouillon
the clay seat can be removed from the wooden structure
image © bouillon
the seat is available in either dark or light red clay
image © bouillon
the matching ceramic pots
image © bouillon
hiroki nasu at bouillon’s stand at the ambiente 2017 fair
image © designboom
the finalized ‘warm stool’ design was present at the ambiente 2017 fair
image © designboom
