Architectural Cases

British designer Max Lamb has partnered with the luxury brand Bottega Veneta to produce a distinctive seating arrangement for its Winter 2026 fashion presentation in Milan. Utilizing expanded polystyrene, a material commonly associated with disposable food packaging, Lamb meticulously crafted 421 chairs. These unique pieces were thoughtfully arranged in precise rows within the historic Palazzo San Fedele, serving as both functional seating for the audience and an integral part of the show's aesthetic. The collaboration also featured artist Poppy Jones's Woven Shirt painting, which Bottega Veneta's creative director, Louise Trotter, incorporated into the event's invitations.

The chairs, presented in a subtle cream tone, created a striking visual contrast against the rich red velvet carpeting of the venue. Each seat's surface displayed distinctive, uneven textures, a testament to the individual hand-cutting and finishing processes employed by Lamb and his design team. The fabrication of these chairs began with four-inch-thick slabs of expanded polystyrene. To minimize material waste, Lamb meticulously planned the cutting process, dividing each slab into precise components. The final chair design incorporated separate parts for the seat, back, and legs, demanding thousands of individual pieces to complete the entire collection of 421 chairs. Every leg and support structure was also fashioned from the same foam material.

The creation of these chairs followed a structured sequence: cutting, bonding, assembly, and protective coating. Lamb employed specialized hot wire tools for precise cutting of the polystyrene. Drawing inspiration from his previous project, the Economy Chair (01) for Salon 94 Design gallery, he refined his hot wire cutting techniques to achieve the intricate shapes required for the Bottega Veneta collaboration. These precise cuts were instrumental in defining the chair's geometric form, with straight lines and flat surfaces contributing to its ultimate structure.

Following the assembly stage, each chair received a layer of unpigmented polyurethane rubber. This coating, applied directly from its container, effectively sealed the foam surface, creating a seamless and durable exterior. The result was a chair featuring a foam core enveloped by a rubber shell. The commitment to craftsmanship extended to every detail, with each chair being meticulously hand-cut and hand-finished. This project underscores Max Lamb's extensive 15-year exploration into expanded polystyrene, a material he has consistently utilized in his 'Poly' and 'Scrap Poly' series. Through this collaboration with Bottega Veneta, Lamb not only scaled up his design approach but also maintained the integrity of his signature techniques, showcasing his ongoing innovation in material use and design.

This innovative collaboration between Max Lamb and Bottega Veneta highlights the potential of reimagining everyday materials for high-fashion contexts, showcasing both aesthetic appeal and a conscious approach to design. The chairs served not just as seating, but as a conversation piece, reinforcing the brand's commitment to artistry and unique expression within the fashion landscape.

The Itupeva House, a distinctive residential project by UNA MUNIZVIEGAS in Brazil, showcases a profound respect for its natural landscape. The architectural concept treats the existing trees, geological formations, and water features as fundamental components of the living space. During the construction process, significant boulders on the site were carefully moved and then reinstated, with some even being repurposed as exterior paving, underscoring a commitment to minimal environmental disruption and resourceful material use. The dwelling's design intelligently responds to the contours of the land, featuring an elevated ground-floor pavilion crafted from glued laminated timber, which accommodates the primary communal areas. This light, permeable structure contrasts with a series of bedrooms for children, which are robustly integrated into the hillside using reinforced concrete, visually anchoring the residence like natural rock formations. Above this concrete foundation, a serene swimming pool acts as a reflective surface, mirroring the verdant forest and completing the meticulously planned outdoor aesthetic, all unified by the core elements of wood, concrete, and water.

This innovative residence is organized into two distinct volumes that adeptly balance private and social functions. The upper timber pavilion, with its open and translucent living spaces, fosters a connection to expansive outdoor views and daily activities, making it ideal for both intimate family life and larger social gatherings. Conversely, the lower concrete level provides more secluded and personal retreats, reinforcing a sense of security and quiet. This thoughtful dichotomy in design ensures that both privacy and hospitality are accommodated without compromise. The material choices further accentuate this contrast: the wooden structure appears weightless and inviting, while the concrete base offers a sense of stability and protection, partially obscured by the terrain itself. Each stage of the construction remains visible, narrating the building's assembly through its layered structure and varied material transitions, highlighting the architectural journey and its integration with the site.

The main access point to the Itupeva House is situated on the elevated northwest side of the property, resembling a welcoming porch that ushers residents and guests directly into the main timber pavilion. This strategic placement elevates the primary living areas, affording sweeping vistas across the landscape. Large sections of the house extend into covered terraces, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living and offering direct access to the gardens and the pool. Given the local climate, these shaded outdoor zones are designed for prolonged daily use, providing essential respite from both sun and rain. A thoughtfully designed system of deep eaves and protruding balconies defines the timber roof, which also incorporates a secondary ceiling layer. This creates a ventilated air cavity, significantly enhancing thermal performance and reducing the need for mechanical cooling. The roof also plays a crucial role in passive temperature regulation by collecting rainwater, capable of lowering interior temperatures by up to ten degrees. This holistic approach ensures that the house not only coexists with the natural environment but actively reconfigures it into a coherent and enriching living experience, embodying a philosophy where architecture enhances, rather than diminishes, its surroundings.