Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) is an important step in the development of Scandinavian design during the 20th century. After working with Alvar Aalto in London and Le Corbusier in Paris, he had Eero Aarnio and Yjrö Kukkapuro as assistants. One of his main focuses was the search of the optimal multi-purpose chair, like the Domus chair (or Finn) he drew for the student residence Domus Academica in Helsinki, which was used as office, conference and meals chair, while being stackable. From 1951 to 1960, Ilmari Tapiovaara received no less than 6 gold medals at the Triennale in Milan, more than any other designer.
His furniture is now produced by Artek, which gives it an new international visibility.
Ilmari Tapiovaara
68% new wool, 26% cotton, 6% nylon – 19 available colours – 100.000 Martindale (durability)
100% natural aniline leather
price group 5
Prestige is a beautiful, strong and supple leather. It is extremely soft to touch, with a slight shine on the pebbles. The leather is full grain, which means that its natural surface structure has been preserved and all natural markings are visible. Natural markings are the hallmarks of the animal’s active life and give the piece of furniture a unique sense of character.
Despite its upscale appearance, Prestige has an incredible appealing practical side, as well. The protective surface finish makes it extremely durable and entirely smudge-proof. Moreover, it is extremely comfortable.
The H55 pattern has been designed in 1955 by Elissa Aalto, second wife of Alvar Aalto.
For Aino and Alvar Aalto, fabrics were an integral element of domestic life and played a crucial role in Artek's design philosophy from its earliest days to the present. Aino Aalto originally discovered the classic Zebra fabric during her European travels and incorporated it in Artek interiors as early as the 1930s.
Characterized by a soft, sensual feel and striking visual depth, the Zebra fabric brings a touch of the wild to any interior. Today the wool and cotton based Zebra fabric is manufactured in Germany, woven exclusively for Artek.
price group 4
price group 3
price group 2
price group 1
94% new wool, 6% nylon – 31 available colours – 100.000 Martindale (durability)
100% wool – 35 available colours – 45.000 Martindale (durability)
90% wool / 10% helanca – 47 available colours – 100.000 Martindale (durability)
58% wool / 25% viscose / other – 24 available colours – 50.000 Martindale (durability)
90% wool / 10% nylon – 50 available colours – 100.000 Martindale (durability)
92% wool / 8% nylon – 49 available colours – 100.000 Martindale (durability)
70% wool / 30% viscose – 58 available colours – 100.000 Martindale (durability)
Elegance is an exquisite type of leather of the finest quality European oxhide. It has an exclusive and natural look and is soft and pleasant to the touch. Elegance is aniline leather and is chrome tanned but then subsequently vegetable tanned, which gives the leather greater firmness. This type of leather has a natural and raw surface, allowing the leather to breathe and offers excellent sitting comfort as well as a feeling of exclusivity.
The leather is full grain, which means that its natural surface structure has been preserved and all natural markings are visible. Natural markings are the hallmarks of the animal’s active life and give the piece of furniture a unique sense of character. Elegance leather varies in colour from hide to hide and acquires a beautiful, lighter patina with use and exposure to sunlight.
> Sörensen Elegance leather
100% pigmented and protected leather
> Sörensen Prestige leather
60% wool, 40% cotton
> H55 fabric (Artek fabric)
56% wool, 39% cotton, 5% polyamide
> Zebra fabric
The lounge version of the classic Domus chair. A light, compact and very confortable lounge chair. The Domus lounge is available with and without upholstery.
woods
natural lacquered oak
black lacquered birch
honey stained birch
natural lacquered birch
inspiration
Natural lacquered oak with black leather
Natural lacquered birch and black stained birch (+ Tee Tee table)
Seat and Back form pressed birch or oak plywood
Frame, Legs and Armrests solid birch or solid oak. Felt gliders.
Upholstery available with or without upholstery
Dimensions W59 x D71 x H87cm. Seat height 39cm.
