YOUNG TALENTS
Symbiotic Ornaments
Line & Raphaël is a design studio that creates and manufactures its furniture from start to finish. After studying at the Ecole Supérieure d'Art et de Design in Reims, Line Pierron turned her attention to 3D printing, as it allows the greatest possible freedom in the design of shapes. Raphaël Cuevas studied object design after a classical carpentry apprenticeship and approached his favourite material, wood, from this angle. When the two founded their manufactory "Line & Raphaël" in 2019, they were driven by the desire to combine craftsmanship and design even more closely. Since then, they have merged their respective expertise: far from mass production, Line Pierron and Raphaël Cuevas design individual pieces or small series such as cabinets, lampshades, wall lights, doors and even jewellery in their studio near Paris.
Line explains the step-by-step process: "We are ardent advocates of craftsmanship and want to see what new tools can bring us instead of working against them. I am responsible for the creative part, drawing by hand and later also in 3D on the computer. I take care of the whole new technology part, including 3D printing, laser cutting, digital milling machine. It takes a lot of time to create the exact data and make sure that everything fits perfectly!" Raphaël is responsible for the manual part of woodworking. "I manage the entire production process. We discuss the technical possibilities together before Line starts drawing. We have a workshop with traditional woodworking tools with which we can fulfil more complicated orders."
The relatively new technology of 3D printing is used for the traditional craftsmanship of marquetry. This gives it a very contemporary update without the wooden furniture having to sacrifice the craftsmanship and aesthetic quality of the traditional material. "Marquetry is an old technique, but our approach is very new," emphasises Raphaël. He adds: "When it comes to joinery, we keep in mind references that are anchored in the artistic history of our profession. We believe that they must remain distinctive in areas such as ours, even if we try to bring a touch of renewal through new manufacturing methods." Their approach takes marquetry from two-dimensionality to three-dimensional forms, Line explains: "I want to design complex shapes for the 3D manufactured marquetry that could not be made any other way. So my approach is to find various motifs that evolve. I want to stage the gradual transition of a motif that transforms into a volume and merges with the wood."
Whether brass or nylon: the ornamental patterns have a futuristic, partly organic design. The black pear veneer of the "Astral" console is processed with a laser so that the handles and brass inlays can be inserted. "Our brass furniture handles are designed like pieces of jewellery and are also produced using the 3D printing process. This enables complicated, innovative shapes." For the "Neuronal" sideboard, for example, they use sycamore maple and walnut, into which Raphaël inserts triangular inlays of oak, chestnut and elm. The relief decoration made of 3D-printed nylon is placed on top and also serves as a handle. "Both materials primarily exist side by side, but we want to go one step further, we want them to sublimate each other. The idea is to utilise the strengths of each element to create an absolutely unique product."
As each object is made to measure, it can be produced with different woods and colours. The patterns and materials of the 3D elements can be used for furniture and decorative objects. The Ivry-sur-Seine-based studio also creates interior design projects in which its special design language generates an original impression. In 2024, Line & Raphaël was honoured with the Rising Talent Award in the Craft category at the anniversary edition of Maison&Objet for its successful fusion of craftsmanship and technology.
