WOOD-SKIN X 6:AM Glassworks launch decorative glass surface collection

Surfaces brand WOOD-SKIN and Murano glassworks creator and manufacturer, 6:AM Glassworks, both based in Milan, Italy, recently collaborated to create a new decorative glass surface collection +GLASS. The collection combines the avant-garde digital manufacturing design solutions that are offered by WOOD-SKIN with the ancient knowledge of the Murano experts.

“As soon as I stepped into the furnace I was deeply in love with this ancient tradition, for as much as the two processes, digital and traditional, can look different, they are both unique in the way they generate always one of a kind shapes and textures,” says Giulio Masotti, who co-founded WOOD-SKIN with Susanna Todeschini in 2013. The brand utilises digital manufacturing technologies to create dynamic 3D surface designs from a wide range of materials, while also ensuring that their products are versatile and processes sustainable. “Wood-Skin is meant to welcome other surfaces upon it, we really enjoy this kind of inclusive aspect and we are always excited for new opportunities,” adds Masotti.

The +GLASS surfaces have been designed in three different colour and texture combinations. They were created by superimposing glass on top of the 3D surfaces digitally manufactured by WOOD-SKIN. The marriage of technology with ancient glasswork knowledge renders the design unique, levelling it up with sculptural pieces that can transform the character of the space they occupy. In addition to functioning as bespoke decorative pieces, they are also designed to fulfil the role of luminaires that can softly bathe the space around them with a play of colours and reflections.

The initial selection of the materials was made from the glass catalogue of 6:AM and combined with the wide range of parametric surfaces created by WOOD-SKIN in their characteristic style. Produced through a combination of machine processing and manual effort, the final designs are a combination of the Tailor Made and Mesh membranes by WOOD-SKIN and 6:AM’s Cotisso, Chips and Colato processes.

6:AM is a well-known brand that produces its own glasswork, while also connecting master glassmakers, designers and artists that work with Murano glass from around the world. This collaboration is perhaps an extension of this ritual of inviting new designers and combining the ancient art of Murano glassmaking with newer techniques of design, thus producing unique products that ascribe to extant trends.

The uniqueness of these surface designs is further enhanced by the fact that it examines the versatility of the Murano glass used on the surfaces. Bending and curving at different angles, the glass fixtures that fill the surfaces compete well with the flexible systems created by WOOD-SKIN. Further, the combination of solids and the transparent surfaces lend balance to the design, making it appear neither too heavy nor too light. With the +GLASS series, the two brands have now initiated a collaboration that will witness more innovative and unique designs in times to come.