The '313 Collection' by SANAYI313 sets a design dialogue with an industrial context

At the heart of Istanbul's bustling Maslak district, a locale defined by its industrial grit and creative spirit, Turkish multidisciplinary practice SANAYI313 has crafted a unique design narrative. Co-founded by two brothers, interior architect Enis Karavil and entrepreneur Amir Karavil, the studio celebrates its 10th anniversary with a deepened commitment to exploring the interplay between materiality, functionality and bold sculptural forms. Its latest 313 Collection encapsulates this dedication, drawing inspiration from its surroundings and years of creative evolution.

The Maslak district (where the studio resides) is a convergence of warehouse architecture, auto mechanic shops and a vibrant creative pulse. This environment informs every facet of the collection, as the product designer tells STIR, "Our studio is in the middle of auto mechanic shops where you see all sorts of cars, including classic ones, stripped down to their parts daily. That's quite a brutalist sight, but it teaches you to appreciate the honesty of materials and how the mechanical functionality of a car is dependent on the assembly of its parts. In the case of classic cars, there is even more to appreciate: their timeless aesthetics, the attention given to the slightest details and the craftsmanship." This appreciation translates into the collection, prioritising functionality with a deep respect for materiality.

The 313 Collection's aesthetic is defined by a juxtaposition of maximalist expression and minimalist restraint. Through low-slung profiles and rounded edges, each piece exudes simplicity and elegance. The collection expands upon SANAYI313's established vocabulary with new additions and a range of accessories such as bookrests, jewellery boxes and stackable trays. These pieces are unified by their exploration of ash veneer and black lacquer, materials that have become emblematic of their work. The 06313 Bookrest's M-shaped and stackable design adds a layer of adaptability, making it visually appealing and useful. Similarly, the 04313 Stackable Tray mirrors the design language of the 30313 Coffee Table and offers versatile functions of serving or display/ decoration, whether individually or nested together.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in the designs of the Turkey-based practice. Ash veneer, with its distinctive grain and warm texture, anchors the 313 Collection, complemented by accents of high-gloss black lacquer, burl wood, stainless steel and leather. "Our design approach is based on making striking statements through bold forms, highlighted by the natural texture of the materials," the interior designer explains. The careful material selection ensures the furniture designs remain cohesive, with an enhanced tactile and visual experience.

Among the notable pieces is the 08313 Floor Lamp, the studio's first foray into lighting design. The floor lamp features a pillar-like silhouette crafted with an ash veneer body and a finely finished veneer lampshade. When unlit, the shade's opacity exudes a sense of solidity; its translucent quality casts a warm, inviting glow when illuminated.

Another highlight is the 26313 Screen, a short three-panel folding screen that combines high-gloss black lacquer with decorative ash veneer laths. Designed as a decorative element and a functional partition, the screen exemplifies the studio's signature approach of blending artistry with utility. Similarly, the 05313 Jewellery Box, a scaled-down reinterpretation of their coffee table, offers a play on proportions with its bulky lid and low base. This design, like the collection's bookrests and stackable trays, emphasises SANAYI313's focus on creating objects that are both expressive and practical.

Karavil's multidisciplinary background, spanning fashion, interiors and architecture, imbues SANAYI313's works with a layered, narrative quality. Each piece is a reflection of the studio's journey and the cultural and material influences that shape it. "I have had a curiosity for all forms of design since I was little. For me, they are all a matter of materials, proportions and functionality," he tells STIR, explaining how this holistic perspective allows him to weave elements of different disciplines into cohesive product designs.

Maslak's industrial heritage, apart from being a source of visual inspiration, is also a philosophical guidepost for SANAYI313. Observing the craftsmanship of local auto mechanics has reinforced the studio's dedication to detail and quality. This ethos comes through in the meticulous construction of the 313 Collection, where every curve, join and finish reflects thoughtful design.

Over the past decade, SANAYI313 has carved out a distinct identity by blending the raw energy of its industrial roots with a refined design sensibility. The studio's evolution is marked by its willingness to explore new territories, as seen in its debut lamp design. Yet, this spirit of innovation is always grounded in a sincere respect for materials and an understanding of their intrinsic beauty.

As SANAYI313 moves into its next chapter, this collection is a testament to its philosophy and creative journey. Each piece tells a story of balance between boldness and restraint, artistry and function, industrial heritage and contemporary design. Through this, the studio invites us to see beauty in the intersection of contrasts, where the raw and the refined come together as a chorus. Reflecting on a decade of design, Karavil describes the anniversary as both a marker of progress and a stepping stone for the future. He expresses a commitment to pushing boundaries while staying grounded in the studio's core values.