by Cathy Buckmaster

Nordic design studio ÅBEN has become synonymous with the concept of slow design. Each product offered has been chosen carefully and must embody the brand’s core values: intelligent innovation, considered craftsmanship and sustainable design using ethically sourced materials.

The same process of slow, considered selection is applied when it comes to the collective’s designers, each handpicked by founder David Harrigan — and all of whom share an unmistakably Nordic aesthetic. In March, ÅBEN welcomed its thirteenth designer into the fold: the cross-disciplinary studio Örn Duvald.

Speaking to ALHAUS magazine, David Harrigan said, “We are obsessed with discovering the very best emerging design talent from across the Nordics. We’ve known about Pétur for some time through our network in Reykjavik, but it was through the honing of his collaborations with Søren that the magic happened. What makes Örn Duvald unique isn’t just their detail-driven approach to design, but their relentless desire to craft a collection that will endure for generations.”

Örn Duvald was founded in 2012 by Icelander Pétur Örn Eyjólfsson and Dane Søren Oskar Duvald. Long-time friends and collaborators, the duo explores the crossroads of architecture, art and design. Although their approach is minimalist, they are endlessly detail-driven, considering their work first and foremost driven by inquisitiveness. “Our end goal is based on curiosity. It’s always stunning to see something unfold, just by working step by step, layer by layer,” explains Pétur.

Originally setting out to be a classical pianist (Søren) and a photographer (Pétur), they were brought together while studying architecture in Copenhagen. The pair believes their lack of formal design training is what creates their point of difference. “Designers know a lot about certain materials and how to use them, whereas we are quite naïve when approaching new material and often make mistakes — but sometimes it’s a nice mistake,” explains Søren.  As such, while woodwork is central to their focus, they are always looking to experiment with new materials, including coloured rubber.

Both Søren and Pétur enjoy creating collaboratively and agree their work is stronger for it. “The ping-pong aspect of working together is important for our practice. When we’re creating something, we talk a lot about the feeling of it. The fact there are two of us and we speak to each other will have an effect on the final piece.”

Örn Duvald has launched three pieces that are now available via the ÅBEN shop. The LE Light is an elegant wall lamp that provides an indirect glow; the versatile EM Desk functions as both a desk and dresser; and the adjustable DU Table has a flippable desktop which is available in four different colour ways.

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