stefan diez crafts colorful kimono cabinets from tropical wood for MEETEE

at IMM cologne 2018, stefan diez debuts fabric-like wooden furniture for MEETEE, a japanese furniture brand. called ‘KIRI’, the designs are a contemporary interpretation of the traditional kimono cabinets that the german designer discovered during a visit to hiroshima, japan, in 2016. typically, these items are made from paulownia, a tropical wood used for its breathable qualities to prevent smells and humidity on clothes. as such, and although the timber’s low density makes it unsuitable for mechanical assembly, its lightweight characteristics enabled the creation of large-scale cabinets with fabric hinges.

the collection is composed of a low, side and two wall cabinets

available in an array of colored timber, MEETEE‘s ‘KIRI’ cabinets still showcase the distinctive, natural but seemingly bespoke grain of the paulownia wood. these boards are configured within a straight construction that not only makes the pieces regimental but also architectural with their presence. their doors fold horizontally in an intuitive gesture and with the friction of the natural wood, they hold open in any position. composed of a low, side and two wall cabinets, each piece of stefan diez‘s collection is suited throughout the residential interior space.

the doors hold open in any position

the ‘KIRI’ low cabinet

the colorful, large wall cabinet

the side piece

the small wall cabinet