‘AJ Domestico’ by André Jacob envisions a metallic extension of domestic spaces

In their debut series of objects, Paris-based creative studio André Jacob explores mundane moments of intimacy between objects and the user—its minute details and poetry. Dubbed AJ Domestico, the collection of products, all actualised in metal, fosters a constantly evolving user interaction as it transforms with time and use. To achieve the aesthetic, design duo Max André and Jordan Jacob draw inspiration from art, decoration and nature, also paying tribute to Argentine-Italian painter, sculptor and theorist Lucio Fontana. The cohesive ensemble encompasses candle holders, vases, a plaid, a carpet and a bolster. “The inaugural collection focuses on a distinctive aesthetic characterised by clean lines and original designs, such as the radical appearance of the chainmail throw. The main goal is to achieve a symbiotic relationship between form and function, where the fusion of container and content creates value akin to alchemy,” the designers share.

As architects and designers, Jacob and André express a transdisciplinary design language, perched at the intersection of architecture, craftsmanship and the digital world. Their creative vision is guided by an artistic sensitivity as they experiment with the entities of space, use, production and contemporary aesthetics. In line with their ethos, they launch their inaugural furniture line AJ Domestico as an ode to domestic life and its subtleties through functional yet sensitive objects. Each object aspires to shapeshift between its utilitarian purpose and its associated logic, and an injected aesthetic allure. “We strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, aiming to merge form and utility seamlessly, thus creating innovative value,” the product designers comment on their philosophy. "Our collection embodies this perspective, where each object transcends its primary function to offer a multi-dimensional experience,” they add.

The product designs consist of clean metallic lines that delineate each object. The deliberate choice of conceiving the collection in a single material allows an emphasis on a singular aesthetic that binds the diverse oeuvre together. Furthermore, this restriction drives the designers to “dissect, explore, and push the boundaries of metal craftsmanship at every stage of production.” A troupe of elegant candle holders in different dimensions pay homage to the post-war modernism of German architecture. A metal plate serves as a protective barrier for the wall while a wire mesh mounted on it plays the role of a canvas on which the wax cascades and creates art. Through a dynamic dialogue, the candlestick leaves behind an ephemeral presence. Vase de Lucio.F, on the other hand, reveals parallels with Fontana’s approach. In the slender metal bodies of the vases, the designers explore an unconventional functionality of the iconic notch—a sleek slot cut into the metal to hold the blooms.

A set of designs also strives to reconcile the robustness of metal with a softness that adds to comfort. The Armour plaid, for instance, draws inspiration from chainmail used as protective clothing in mediaeval battles. The external steel is juxtaposed with the softness of a carefully selected plush wool lining, ensuring comforting warmth. The perception of metal as cold and uncomfortable is further challenged by the Weapon bolster. Speaking of the challenges faced while approaching the design, the duo explains, “The bolster design and manufacturing provoke perplexity as we strive to reconcile comfort with the rigid nature of metal. We intentionally deformed the metal to create an ergonomic shape for headrest comfort.” The collection is completed with yet another unique interpretation, this time of a rug design. Envisioning the Territory carpet as a centrepiece for interior design, the creators provide the users with the flexibility to place it on the floor or a wall as a tapestry. The simple yet sharp triangular canvas is coated with fine sheep’s wool, fulfilling a dual purpose of equalising the cold metal and offering comfort.

AJ Domestico emerges as a representation of a balanced, symbiotic relationship between form and function. This thoughtful interweaving, where no one facet overpowers the other, but rather meshes harmoniously, yields unique objects. An element of experimentation, and a passion for it, is also conspicuous in the interventions as metal is harnessed in unexpected ways to harbour an uncharacteristic warmth and cosiness. As a family of metal silhouettes, the ensemble aims to become an augmentation of the space it occupies, constructing a secure and protective territory in a material perceived as neither.