Formica Group elevates everyday spaces with the sculptural simplicity of the ‘4x4'

Renowned surface solutions brand Formica Group presents the 4x4 collection—a series of limited-edition furniture designs that highlights the materiality of its products through creativity and innovation. Showcasing four distinct sculptural design pieces that underline the role of materials in transforming interior design settings, the laminate-expert brand plans to release another 12 pieces in the collection as the year progresses. To explore the versatility of surfaces, Formica Group invites four Spanish designers—Manuel Espejo, Nacho Álvarez, Sigfrido Serra and Virginia Albuja—to channel their design ethos into contemporary designs, manufactured exclusively by designer furniture brand Moblitte® that debuts with the collection.

Madrid-based interior designer Espejo's Sarsen sofa design is an assemblage of sleek cuboidal forms that translate the majestic stones of the famous Stonehenge. The minimal design combines a bench-like seat and a lighting design to craft a hybrid piece of furniture, using laminates that resemble natural textures for a sense of familiarity. The Arpa® laminate in the stone decor, 3486 UMA, in the finish KER, complements the Homapal® 470 Alu Mirror Polished Superior Natural metal laminate, the fusion of which creates the visually harmonious modern design.

Inspired by neoplasticism and constructivism, along with the cubism of French painter Georges Braque and renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, Spanish architect Álvarez shapes the New Earth table. Its clean lines and simple geometry demonstrate balance, acting as "a visual metaphor for spiritual harmony and timelessness", according to the project's press release, evoking a sense of stability. Exuding a minimalist elegance, the table uses a combination of grey Arpa® laminate, brushed aluminium metal laminate Homapal® SRM 'Scratch Resistant Matt' and layered, brushed finish Formica Group décor in the colour of sand.

The Loop coffee table by Valencia-based interior designer Serra, featuring organic forms dressed in visually pleasing colours, also acts as a stool or a side table. Informed by Spanish sculptor and painter Miquel Navarro's utopian cities, the table, with the "forcefulness of its lines", reflects the strength of the product designer's resolve. Using Fenix® laminates in two shades of green and a dark violet, the table stimulates the mind with its curves and solid forms, bringing a touch of personality to any space.

Reflection of light informs Spanish designer Albuja's Reflejos (reflections), a table design that extends into the space through reflections upon interacting with other surfaces. Three bold, asymmetrical legs finished with Homapal® metal laminates form the base of the table, while the tabletop surface features the innovative Fenix® laminates, crafted with advanced technology. The visually striking, polished base and the matte finish tabletop with curved corners exist in contrast to one another, appealing to the visual senses through experimentation and exploration of opposing design orders.

In an attempt to inspire and challenge the design of everyday spaces, the 4x4 collection, which was unveiled at the Madrid Design Festival this year, explores the limitless possibilities of product designs through interventions as simple as surface treatments. Presenting a fusion of craftsmanship and a variety of design languages, the pieces embody the creative philosophies of its furniture designers while showcasing Formica Group's latest innovative materials.