The Brussels Furniture Fair’s Balthazar Awards have again celebrated the best at the exhibition.
This year’s Best of Belgium award went to Theuns for the Linio collection.
‘The collection stands out for its slender lines and rounded detailing. The overall effect of tables, cabinets and sideboards is a veritable Gesamtkunstwerk. But aesthetic choices are not the only thing that stand out here. The use of solid oak is a nod to the DNA of the Belgian firm that excels at carefully considered craftsmanship. Connoisseurs will note the inlaid leg connection, milled detailing and edge finishing,’ say the judges.
Laureates went to Vipack for Olive and Mobitec for Toro.
The Best International award was won by Kluskens for Unica.
‘You can say a great deal about this design from the Dutch firm Kluskens in very few words. The Unica is a solid wood lightweight that is striking in its stylish simplicity. The chair is legible, honest and complex in its minimalism. Unica is synonymous with superior craftsmanship. Completely devoid of arrogance.’
Laureates went to Glam-more for Eclips and Cartel Living for Fez.
Revor won the Best of Innovation award for Neonest.
‘Neonest is a circular and modular bed frame fashioned from 100 per cent recycled material. A sustainable alternative to traditional wood or metal frames. It is designed for the circular economic model of the future. Revor is one of the few firms at this fair to be taking steps towards true innovation beyond the current mindset. Although the product is not yet fully implemented in production, this is far more than simply an intellectual exercise. The buy-back policy, the use of residual streams, and the room for modular expansions attest to a future-proof vision. Bottom-up innovations of this kind have real potential. Neonest stands for true innovation.’
Laureates went to Lucide for Janderin and Kreamat for Organic.
The Love at First Sight award was won by Bijnen for Cameleon (pictured).
‘This small sideboard looks fantastic and is guaranteed to find a place in every interior. The diversity of colours is naturally eye-catching. But equally interesting is the flexibility of the piece, its adaptability and the unique way the design is laid out. A feast for the eyes.’
Laureates went to Rom for Sola and Confortluxe for Tokyo.
The Belgian Design Island award shines a spotlight on a young designer whose work is on display in the area of the show. It was won by Axelle Delboo for Vette indruk.
‘The design language of this chair design is inspired by the anatomy of the bold letter. The Bold Impression. Heavy, upright and with soft curves. What’s more, the impression in the leather not only catches the eye, but intuitively tells us something about its use. Just like a letter that is read, you read the lounge chair and are irresistibly drawn to sit down on the visibly indented seat. Vette indruk is a monochrome piece, where indented leather and a glossy frame engage in a play of light and shade. A design that is pleasing to both the eye and the touch.’
Laureates went to Anouk Meurice for Resitu and Eline Delanghe for Tabl.ed.
The judging jury was Veerle Windels, journalist; Hans Lecompte, tutor; Mathias De Ferm, product and furniture designer and Lennart Van Uffelen, tutor.
