Rollo Studio ensnares ethereal desert landscapes within the 'Dune' lamp collection

If one retrospectively contemplates the history of design and scientific inventions, a shared muse for many, was simply what existed and thrived around them— nature. From inventors studying the flight of birds with a yearning to devise a machine that flies like them, to something as ubiquitous as velcro emulating the hook-like structures of burdock burrs, countless innovations are inevitably, derivatives of biomimicry. For designers, the shapes and patterns abundant in nature—from symmetrical flowers and hexagonal patterns of honeycombs to captivating hues of the sky and the varied textures of the land—become reference points for their creative ventures. This leads to an expression wherein nature and modernity coalesce, forging designs that are new and vaguely redolent. What if desert landscapes extended within homes, encapsulated through lighting pieces?

Based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Rollo Studio is deeply committed to looking at nature as the primary source of information, proceeding to blend it with modern tools and digital fabrication techniques. The ensuing, unique language aspires to reimagine lighting designs through cutting-edge technology and fostered further with sustainability. Expanding their oeuvre of functional and aesthetically pleasing product designs, the studio unveils their Dune collection, a riveting series of lighting pieces that epitomise the beauty and versatility of quartz sand, taking cues from naturally formed desert landscapes. The ensemble constitutes three lamp designs titled 'Dome,' 'Parchan,' and 'Para.' “As a designer, I have always been fascinated with naturally formed organic structures and have developed an aesthetic identity of similar character and taste. My aim has been to create structures that look as if they’ve almost grown straight out of the ground, resembling the wild and untamed character of organic matter,” says Rollo Bryant, founder of Rollo Studio.

Since its inception in 2020, Rollo Studio has garnered the attention of design enthusiasts across the globe. Sustainable design and biomimicry are at the heart of the studio’s practice, perpetually drawing inspiration from nature's finest designs and processes, to create refreshing interpretations in design. With a specialisation in contemporary lighting pieces for interior design, the practice amalgamates organic geometry and earthy materials, subsequently pushing the boundaries of modern technology and embracing traditional craftsmanship. "We are Rollo Studio, and our mission is to create a harmonious blend of nature and modernity. By employing digital fabrication techniques and modern tools, we transform nature's wisdom into captivating forms," Bryant shares. The lighting designer’s quest to contrive singular designs while being mindful of the environmental footprint they create, is furthered in the Dune collection.

The elegant series of lighting fixtures includes lamps that are meticulously crafted using advanced 3D printing technology and carefully selected quartz sand. This process culminates in exceptional detail and a surface finish reminiscent of the beauty of natural formations. The sand used in the production process allows for the diffusion of light output, creating an ambient red glow that mirrors the soft haze of dusk in the muted desert. Apart from serving a functional purpose, the lamps are also statement pieces that elevate any contemporary interior. Each piece is injected with thorough attention to detail and ingenuous artistic design, testifying to the studio's passion to transcend the possibilities of lighting design. When positioned against a modern backdrop, the floor lamp and table lamps serve as gentle reminders of the breathtaking natural landscapes that most fail to admire.

Consisting of 98 per cent Bavarian quartz sand, the luminaires are surprisingly durable, considering their delicate silhouettes. A natural resin binder is utilised after the 3D printing process to buttress the strength of the structure while preserving its original colour and texture. “Even with some of the most advanced production technology, realising these pieces physically has seen many challenges. Until recently, producing objects with this kind of geometry, at scale and from aggregate material, would have been near impossible,” Bryant explains. The studio’s environmental consciousness is reflected in the use of sustainable materials and production methods. 3D printing allows the product designers at Rollo Studio to minimise waste by using only the necessary amount of materials, apart from recycling excess material to reduce the carbon footprint. “We are also proud to use sand, a renewable resource, in the creation of our Dune collection. By harnessing the natural beauty of sand formations, we are able to create stunning lighting pieces that celebrate the earth and the unique beauty of the natural world,” the Dutch designer states.

The Dune collection by Rollo Studio reiterates how often ‘innovation,’ rather than being something new, is a fresh adaptation of something that has existed for aeons—one only needs to pause and take a look around. The ongoing collection will soon include wall-mounted and hanging lamps, offering a diverse range of lighting solutions. Elucidating the ethos of his practice that relinquishes conventional designs from ‘wilderness,’ Bryant relays, “Ultimately, my work seeks to contribute to a world that is less divided from nature and more attuned to its inherent beauty and complexity. I believe that my designs are about communicating a deep respect for nature and a sense of connection to the environment while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible with modern technology and materials.”