Wallpaper*, the global authority on design, unveils The Handmade Retreat, a gorgeously rendered sanctuary of calm, wellbeing, mindfulness and barefoot luxury. As well as pieces from six established Singapore based creatives, the Handmade Retreat will also include a collection of the best Wallpaper* Handmade Classics – greatest hits from Wallpaper’s exhibition of specially commissioned one-off wonders debuted annually in Milan-, including AHEC’s project with David Chipperfield, The Butler.
The Butler was the result of a collaboration between AHEC, David Chipperfield Architects and E15 for the 2016 Wallpaper* Handmade exhibition in Milan. The piece reimages the hotel wardrobe / suitcase stand and creates a bespoke piece of furniture that allows travellers to unpack their belongings easily and ensure they won’t leave anything behind.
David Chipperfield Architects designed the piece and instructed furniture-makers E15, who manufacture much of the practice’s furniture. E15 pioneers the use of solid wood in its purest form and crafted The Butler out of American willow.
“Most hotels have badly designed wardrobes and cupboards,” says David Chipperfield. “They are not well organised and unpacking your suitcase is not enjoyable. The idea of Butler was to design a ‘dressing table’ that makes unpacking in a hotel room into a joy.”
‘We started Wallpaper* Handmade nine years ago – inviting talented designers, craftspeople and makers from all around the world to collaborate in the creation of extraordinary, beautiful and unique pieces,’ says Wallpaper* Brand & Content Director Tony Chambers. ‘With Singapore now on our radar as one of the fastest developing design destinations, we are delighted to be showcasing and celebrating the city-state’s dynamic and creative spirit.
07th March, 2018
