What did catch your attention about each other’s work and trajectory?

 

SEBASTIAN HERKNER: For me the people behind a brand are relevant for a collaboration. When I met them on a zoom call during covid, there was a direct sympathy and understanding for design, quality and a story we want to tell. Later I received the printed catalogue and I immediately got the wish to become part of the Ondarreta world. I love top collaborate with small and family driven brands, because the communication is much tighter and focused on a strong product.

NADIA (ONDARRETA): The sculptural pieces of Sebastian are gentle and warm, characteristics that are very aligned with Ondarreta’s style. Honest communication and common values have been vital to cooperate in the same vein.

 

 

When did discussions about Ginger start?

When did this become an idea that you wanted to work on together?

 

SEBASTIAN HERKNER: I had this idea to have a wooden shell for a chair already in mind for some time and I immediately knew that Ondarreta was the right partner for this project. Ginger is a quite complex product with a unique character. I proposed the wooden version and later Ondarreta asked me also to add two more metal bases to the collection. At the end the family was growing even with tables and side tables.

What did you want to create with the collection? What did you want it to stand out for? Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this piece?

 

SEBASTIAN HERKNER: Simply it is about comfort. The collection has a spontaneous and relaxed upholstery inside a framework. The frames give the structure and shape. Made of bended tubes or plywood we created three different personalities of Ginger. There is the very simple base with for legs for the chair and lounge chair, there is the more decorative metal base with the loops and the wooden one made of bended plywood. Last one is a bit like a boat or nutshell, something which hugs and protects you. It is maybe the most iconic version of the three.

 

 

What was Ondarreta looking for?

How has the joint design and manufacturing and production process been? Main challenges?

SEBASTIAN HERKNER: From the beginning, our conversations drove us to a common vision of the collection. The communication between me and the brand is very important for the relationship and the result. The task was a chair and for me it was the initial goal to find a new interpretation. In fact, the challenges lie in the simple details of a design. The bended wood elements are tricky to achieve as well as the bended metal loops and to bring them together with the injected seats.

NADIA (ONDARRETA): We were looking for a soft seating collection to complete our catalogue of product and we inmediately realised we were in front of a very special collection when Sebastian presented Ginger Wooden version to us.
The soft and generous sitting in injection of polyurethane foam provide comfort and cosiness. Hiding the fittings and the moulds developments have been som eof the trickiest things. The craftsmanship and technique need to come together to get to the final piece.
The upholstery is completely removable, and we have encountered a number of challenges to achieve this, that we have overcome working hand in hand with the team.

Are there any further members of the Ginger family waiting to be launched?

 

SEBASTIAN HERKNER: We just launched the various tables for the Ginger collection at Orgatec. Driven by the very positive feedback we are working right now on the barstool. The idea is to get a full family you can mix and match.

 

 

Who do you think is the client that will fall in love with the Ginger collection?

In what kind of spaces do you envision this furniture being used?

 

SEBASTIAN HERKNER: The client is definitely driven by quality. Someone who appreciate the story of a product and its manufacturing.
It is about slow design. I see the collection in a chalet next to a fireplace, but also in a huge hotel lobby in a city. I think the design and its options provides a huge potential for interior designers and architects.

NADIA (ONDARRETA): The seat and backrest can be dressed up to become different characters. There is a four leg structure, a more decorative and organic framework and a wooden shell to carry the upholstered seat and backrest. These options give a huge variety to get different individuals that integrates better in one environment or in a different context. We imagine a majestic table with chairs in a conference room, as well as a couple of lounge wood with a side table in a lobby…