the andes house creates wrapping spaces with composite wooden boards

the andes house creates wrapping spaces with composite wooden board
(above) the panels offer modularity, allowing ‘ensamble’ to accommodate to different environments
all images courtesy of the andes house 

the andes house is product and interior design studio based in chile. their overall proposal focuses on the experimentation of materials, with the aim of producing applications that respond to their own nature. the ‘ensamble’ project is the result of arauco‘s request to analyze their cholguan boards (composite wooden board) in order to develop new applications for contemporary environments, thus meeting the needs of their costumers.

cholguan is a wet-process, smooth-one-side thin hardboard panel, made with 100% radiata pine fibers

their first task involved observing and testing the raw materials and the manufacturing processes. they were surprised by the ‘wet step’ involved in the creation of cholguan, where a liquid mixture ends up as a dry product. this procedure made them aware that the liquid condition is associated with the flexibility of the panels and therefore, its use in curved forms revealed a unique feature that would be explored and highlighted. additionally, based on the format of the boards and their capacity to be curved, they searched for an application that could embody this attribute by creating wrapping elements for products that could be used to divide and organize spaces in a harmonious environment, adjusting to different needs and styles.

these wrapping elements divide and organize spaces

the design logic and the system solutions of these elements were linked to another attribute: low cost. this led them to use inexpensive elements, like MDF boards, glue for joining components, and simple methods of assembly. five panels were designed, resulting in different layouts. the system can be modified over time, and is easy to use based on the light weight of the elements, and their simple joints.

these panels are complemented by a series of accessories, which assist in forming the office workstations

the panels are complemented by a series of accessories, which assist in forming the office work stations. the ‘ensamble’ project proposes the office world as its first application, however, they consider that this product has a much greater potential and could be used in schools, libraries, and in emergency situations to divide spaces.

assembling video
video courtesy of the andes house

the panels are joined through carpentry, giving ‘ensamble’ another low-cost solution

workspaces can be arranged in multiple ways

part of the collection consists of table dividers, creating different workspaces 

the panels are so flexible that they can be used depending on the need of each customer

the designers talk about their work (spanish)
video courtesy of catálogodiseño 

the liquid mixture ends up as a dry product

this strong and flexible panel is 35% more dense than regular MDF

 
one of the greatest features of these panels is their capacity to be curved

the ‘ensamble’ system is linked to low-cost production 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.