NATURAL FLOW

Not one for following the rules, home-grown design practice Upstairs_ strives to innovate and experiment, which makes their collaboration with MM Galleri a fitting one. “We were fascinated by the idea of using a sheet of stone and stretching its surface like a liquid form,” says Dennis Cheok, the creative director of Upstairs_. “The design is not possible if the method of bending marble does not exist.” Inspired by the concentric movements of water ripples, Cheok wanted to recreate the ripple effect onto the stone’s surface itself to reflect the movement of water. The result is a mammoth sculptural bench that features undulating waves with different seating groups of vertical ripples. Resembling the look of sharp, compressed waves, this striking furniture mimics the concentric circles of water ripples. The entire bench is clad in Apocalypse, a black granite with thick white veins that has been chosen for its likeness to the fluidity of water. “We wanted the stone grain to appear like a sheet of water, and saw a perfect resemblance with Apocalypse,” explains Cheok. Not only does this bold piece stretch the possibility of furniture design, it also makes room for more inventive ways to approach a rigid material like stone. “I’ve seen many images of the MM Galleri showroom space, but it was rather mind-blowing to experience the marble cave in person,” shares Cheok. “The showroom inspires one to dream about new ways to work with stone—i would love to see how the marble bending technique will create its own distinct aesthetics in time.”