THROUGH THE MATERIAL
A black tubular element that elegantly insinuates itself into steel volumes: an unexpected and ironic characteristic distinguishes the series of small house hold appliances designed by the Japanese studio Nendo.
In Japanese, “toru” means “through.” This is why the term was chosen as the name of the new series conceived by Nendo for Alessi: the handles of the objects seem to pass through the main body that composes them, curving elegantly to trace an ideal single line that penetrates the steel volume and re-emerges as if continuing into the spout or a second handle. The functional need thus transforms into a refined and original design.
The collection includes an electric kettle, a toaster, and a citrus juicer. The profile of each object is minimal and clean.
"Utilizing Alessi's exceptional metalworking techniques, which have always been the heart of the company, the stainless steel electric kettle has a simple pitcher shape. The handle protruding from the top appears to pass through the side of the body to the spout," explains Nendo. "Usually, the handle of a kettle is gripped laterally, but the suspended high handle shape of Toru allows this kettle to be easily lifted by holding the top of the handle."
The juicer consists of two volumes with a deliberately minimal design: a stainless steel body topped by a transparent dome. The profile line disappears under the base, giving the illusion of a slightly suspended shape: a detail that enriches the overall experience of the object.
The toaster is a single-volume with an essential design, where the characteristic detail of the collection enters and re-emerges from the shiny body, creating two comfortable handles. Along with the toaster, the designer has created two accessories that can be purchased to enhance its performance: toaster racks and a warming rack for buns.
A composition of forms that is ironic and playful yet always highly comfortable, reflected in all the appliances in the series: Toru showcases Nendo's ability to transform abstract concepts into tangible forms, creating objects of effortless elegance and uncompromising functionality.
