Inside Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen
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Time to read 5 min
Deep in central Copenhagen, the studio of Johannes Foersom and Peter Hiort-Lorenzen is a space where tradition and innovation come together.
With a design partnership spanning over five decades, their workspace acts as a place to shape through hands-on experimentation, blending heritage with forward-thinking design.
Their latest release is The Mat Range, a ground-breaking example of innovative natural materials and eco-conscious processes, pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.
The legacy of Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen
Johannes Foersom and Peter Hiort-Lorenzen have been pivotal figures in Scandinavian design since 1977 when their partnership was established.
Aligned in their approach to designs celebrating organic forms, pure functionality and enhanced durability, they started their careers in different yet similar disciplines.
Johannes Foersom brought cabinetmaker experience from his apprenticeship in 1969 and Peter Hiort-Lorenzen began his career as a ship carpenter in 1962. And so began a fusing of two time-honoured craftsmanships.
The design philosophy of Studio Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen centres on creations of long-lasting value, both aesthetically and functionally. These creations must serve the well-being of those that use them, the individuals and their environments.
An integral focus is high standards of collaborations, process and in turn, product, leveraging knowledge, experience and innovations as key foundational resources.
The result? Every piece produced has been pondered and planned to align function, form and material, with miniature 3D prototypes produced to trial the culmination.
Sociological understanding and ergonomically abilities are at the forefront of every design because for the product to work, it must be lived and have ‘life’.
Notable designs of the past that have garnered worldwide attention and accolades are designs such as The Apollo chair, The Trinity chair and The Gesja Chair.
It is no surprise, then, that the work of Studio Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen has been featured in various museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
A hands-on approach
It can be said that the studio of Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen is more than just a workspace—it is a living, breathing workshop where ideas take physical form.
Beginning with an intimate exploration of materials, a physical approach is taken to study their tactile qualities and potential for use. Design, they believe, should be experienced through making.
Whether they are manipulating and working with moulded veneer, recycled composites, or plant-based fibres, material innovation and pushing design boundaries is what connects them deeply to Scandinavian design heritage and maintains them as figureheads for forward-thinking design.
A balance of precision and intuition, their processes and designs are achieved through a delicate interplay between hand and material.
It is their unfailing dedication to craftsmanship at the core of their creations that ensures each design is not only aesthetically refined but crafted to endure.
Sustainability & material Innovation
Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen have long shown a commitment to using sustainable materials with a particular focus on plant fibres in their designs.
Wool
In earlier designs, the studio used wool, which is valued for its natural insulation properties and biodegradability.
Although an animal fibre, it is renewable and has a long lifecycle, which aligns with the studio's sustainable ethos.
Linen
Derived from flax, linen has also been a key material for the studio. It is resistant to pests, reducing the need for excessive water, pesticides, and fertilisers during cultivation.
Flax
The studio uses flax fibres in select designs, which are both durable and have a minimal environmental footprint.
FSC-Certified wood
The studio frequently uses timber sourced from responsibly managed forests. This commitment aligns with biodiversity, ethical forestry practices and long-term environmental sustainability.
Oeko-Tex certified upholstery
Many of the upholstered pieces from Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen use Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics, which are rigorously tested to be free from harmful chemicals.
This results in furniture that is not only safe for use but also has a lower environmental impact; marrying the user and natural well-being.
Introducing: The Mat Collection by Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen
Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen’s latest collaboration with Normann Copenhagen, The Mat collection, redefines sustainable furniture design with unbridled innovation.
Normann Copenhagen is a Danish design brand founded in 1999 by Jan Andersen and Poul Madsen. It is celebrated for its minimalist aesthetic and innovative approaches to furniture, lighting, and home accessories.
The collaboration with Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen is a natural fit, as their shared design philosophy and commitment to sustainability have brought The Mat Collection to life.
The core values and driving force behind this range centres on a commitment to circularity, environmental responsibility and refined aesthetics.
Released this year by exclusive retailers, the range is launched with:
- The Mat Dining Chair – Available in two shell variations: one made purely of hemp and another combining hemp with eelgrass.
- The Mat Bar Stool – Designed in two heights to suit different counter and bar settings.
- The Mat Bar Chair & Mat Bar Armchair – Also available in two heights, ideal to match your desk or table.
There are additional upholstered versions which include front and fully upholstered versions
The Mat Collection’s sustainable innovation
The culmination of years of research into alternative materials and eco-conscious production methods with a shell made from a surprising material discovery.
Hemp and eelgrass
Incredibly, Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen have crafted a unique shell for the chairs in The Mat Range using hemp and eelgrass, which is a type of seaweed.
Renewable and biodegradable, these low-impact natural fibres not only contribute to a more sustainable product but also inform the distinctive, speckled aesthetic, with an interesting and rich organic texture and tactile appeal.
The collection additionally embraces circular design principles, with a watchful eye on every component to ensure it is fully recyclable.
And too, the chairs, which form a significant portion of the collection are designed for easy disassembly, allowing materials to be repurposed into new productions, thus extending their lifecycle and minimising waste.
Recycled polyester
The Mat chairs feature upholstery made from recycled polyester, which reduces waste and the need for virgin materials.
Recycled polyester is often made from plastic bottles and helps to reduce the amount of plastic in landfills, also lowering energy consumption during production.
Recycled wood components
The collection includes chairs and bar stools with components made from recycled wood, contributing to a circular economy and reducing the demand for new raw materials.
Natural fibre upholstery
Some particular pieces in The Mat Collection use fabric blends that combine natural fibres like wool and cotton. These in turn provide durable and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic textiles.
The Mat Range is brimming with attention to detail that extends well beyond its direct use and spills into the wider environment— and the future.
Design with durability
A testament to furniture that lasts, the simplicity and functionality of the Mat pieces are built with durability in mind.
Whilst minimalist and streamlined in silhouette, they are robust with powder-coated metal frames, making way for both inside and outside use.
All in all…
As stewards of design, Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen are committed to exceptional craftsmanship and the use of sustainable, natural materials in their designs. The Mat Collection perfectly exemplifies their approach, blending minimalist design with adaptable functionality and unique, eco-friendly solutions.
Owning a piece from the Mat Collection means investing in responsible design that draws inspiration from nature and gives back to it in due course.
Where to buy The Mat Collection
The Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen Mat Collection is available at high-end retailers like Holloways of Ludlow.
Written by Kieran Martin
Kieran is the Holloways of Ludlow Brand Manager and the face behind our social media. Outside of work he is an influencer in his own right running documenting the renovation of his home on Instagram @no.3renovation