Dutch designer Paul Coenen has unveiled a new furniture and lighting collection featuring innovative “shrink-wrap” patterned aluminum surfaces. Showcased during Dutch Design Week 2024 in Eindhoven, this collection highlights Coenen’s experimental approach to materials and manufacturing techniques.
The Birth of the Shrink-Wrap Pattern
The inspiration for this project came when Coenen encountered a gradient aluminum sample created by BWB Surface Technology, a technical coatings specialist. Fascinated by the potential for adding patterns to aluminum surfaces, Coenen collaborated with BWB to develop a unique hand-dyeing process.
The designer applied this method to pieces from his Section collection, including a coffee table, a stool crafted from a single folded aluminum sheet, and a lamp. Each item features intricate, crinkled patterns achieved by overlaying plastic film on the aluminum during the anodization process.
A Closer Look at the Technique
Anodization, a process that strengthens aluminum by creating a corrosion-resistant oxide layer, was the foundation for Coenen’s experimentation. By interrupting the standard anodization process, Coenen treated the aluminum panels with organic dyes, creating a dynamic interaction between color and texture.
The technique involves pouring liquid dye onto the panels, covering them with plastic film, and allowing the dyes to settle into creases formed by the film. Coenen described the process as “shrink wrapping” due to its resemblance to food packaging techniques.
“The idea behind the shrink-wrap is that applying it onto the wet dye makes the dye flow into the creases,” explained Coenen. “Outside of the creases, the dye is pushed away. Where more dye stays—in the crease—the aluminum gets a deeper, darker color.”
The Result: Unique and Unpredictable Patterns
Each item in the collection underwent multiple color treatments. For instance, the Column Coffee Table combines a yellow base with a purple-blue finish, while the Camber Stool features a single-layer purple-blue anodized finish. The process intentionally left some raw aluminum exposed, enhancing the visual depth of the patterns.
Coenen emphasized the unpredictable nature of the technique, noting, “Working with the dyes and the shrink-wrap technique revealed that while I could guide the outcome, I couldn’t fully control it. This unpredictability added depth and uniqueness to each piece, reminding me of letting the material and process take some control.”
A New Direction for Coenen
The “shrink-wrap” collection marks a departure from Coenen’s previous minimalist stainless-steel furniture designs. The colorful and textured pieces resonated strongly with the Dutch Design Week audience, garnering significant attention.
The collaboration with BWB Surface Technology also proved to be a transformative experience. “BWB’s openness to experimentation showed me how innovation often arises at the intersection of technical expertise and artistic curiosity,” Coenen remarked.
A Highlight of Dutch Design Week
The collection was part of the Say Something Nice group exhibition at the Sectie-C arts center, alongside works by Tim Teven, Onno Adriaanse, and Studio Guilty. Other notable exhibits included reconfigurable magnetic tile furniture and a house filled with whimsical cardboard creations.
Photography for the collection was provided by Paul Coenen.