Kvadrat Maharam Reveals Creative Collaboration with Skeehan Studio
Kvadrat Maharam’s latest collaboration with Tom Skeehan of Skeehan Studio combines fresh design perspectives with Kvadrat and Maharam’s textile expertise.
Since its inception, Skeehan Studio has made a significant impact on both residential and commercial interiors in Australia. Its Hoshi collection, originally developed for Stylecraft, celebrates its 10-year milestone this year, presenting the perfect opportunity for Skeehan to “dive back into the archive, and introduce something new to the range.”
The latest iteration, Hoshi Butter, breathes new life into the classic Hoshi chair with a focus on comfort and adaptability, including a new version designed for outdoor use.
Skeehan explains the thoughtful process behind selecting materials that are not only comfortable but also durable enough to withstand Australia’s diverse climate; “It was crucial to choose materials that felt soft yet were robust enough for outdoor conditions,” he notes.
Collaborating with Kvadrat Maharam has opened doors to a range of high-quality, durable fabrics that complement the sleek, minimal design of Skeehan’s creations. “Selecting the right fabric was essential. Our partnership allowed us to use materials that are not just resilient, but also enhance the aesthetic and comfort of the chairs,” adds Skeehan.
This collaboration marries Skeehan’s meticulous design approach with Kvadrat Maharam’s deep commitment to quality textiles, resulting in a beautifully crafted product that stands the test of time. The Hoshi Butter chair features some of the finest fabrics from Kvadrat and Maharam, known for their exceptionally tactile fabrics.
Finding the right fabrics that aligned with the original design intent involved an extensive testing process. The journey to perfect the upholstery spanned 12 months, during which the Skeehan team experimented with nine full-scale prototypes, exploring different types of fabric, clips and webbing.
After rigorous consulting with the Kvadrat Maharam team, Skeehan selected Acca Stripe by Sahco and Coda 02 by Kvadrat. For the outdoor version, the team went with Range in the colour Deepwater by Maharam.
Vanessa Chavez, Country Director at Kvadrat Maharam, reflects on the collaboration: “Working together, the partnership highlights our commitment to Australian design and innovation. It’s a project that showcases Tom’s thoughtful design approach, which has been enriched by our specialised textile expertise.”
The Hoshi Butter chair will debut at Melbourne Design Week 2024, providing an excellent opportunity for design enthusiasts to experience firsthand the superior craftsmanship and innovative design that define this collaboration.
Discover Acca Stripe by Sahco here
Discover Coda 02 by Kvadrat here
Discover Range by Maharam here
Photography by Pew Pew Studio