Extremista 04 by Extremis

ISSUE 04 | SPRING 2012

WWW.EXTREMIS.BE *extremista* = extremis + rivista meaning: particular - extremely - exceptional highly - ultra - eccentric - greatly - special - ...

burgundian lifestyle journal

tools for togetherness

PAGE 4 PRODUCT SPECIAL

PAGE 8 PRODUCT OVERVIEW

PAGE 10 TIMELESS CLASSICS

PAGE 12 REFERENCES

hopper, a star on the rise

the complete extremis range

ecology or marketing?

extremis is represented worldwide

hopper conquers the world Slightly more than a year after our Benjamin, Hopper, was launched and let loose on the world in large numbers, we were curious to find out what had become of them. Had they found a secure and welcoming home and were they living in perfect harmony with their surroundings? And more importantly: what about all the eating, drinking, partying, togetherness and joy around the long table? Welcome to the fourth issue of our Burgundian lifestyle journal! www.pacificeiland.be - photo: photojoost.com

GO TO PAGE 6

DIRK WYNANTS SHANGHAI DESIGNSTUDIO GO TO PAGE 11

extremis interior special, a contradiction? The Extremis pieces, always thought of as outdoor furniture, seem to have gradually found their way indoors. It appears that there is a growing trend for using our furniture in lofts, living rooms, and kitchens. Extremis creations are a combination of high-end design, weatherresistant and sturdy materials and the spirit of togetherness and cosiness. They are perfectly suited for summer enjoyment in your backyard, and are stylish and comfortable enough to also merit a place inside the house. GO TO PAGE 14

the award battle hopper vs picnik GO TO PAGE 2

extremis by night Extremis stuff seems to have a certain added value at night. No, we’re not just talking about a cosy, dimmed light and the wind rustling through a row of Sticks, we’re not talking about extremely comfortable and inviting cushions... We’re talking about magic! GO TO PAGE 3

gargantua, a future design classic AT LEAST, WE HOPE SO. BUT WE ARE TRYING HARD TO ACCOMPLISH THIS, SINCE IT’S PART OF OUR EXTREMIS PHILOSOPHY. WHY? READ MORE ON PAGE 10

extremis 18y! party time!

visit the new extremis.be

The company extremis has reached the age of 18 and can be considered grown up and wise from now on... (That’s why our first intention for 2012 is to party as if we were 17!!!)

we have a government! After 541 days (!!!) of “anarchy”, our Belgian politicians finally succeeded. But what happened in the mean time? GO TO PAGE 11

BREAKING NEWS

extremista issue 04

spring 2012

On 18 November 2011 the brandnew showroom of our Chinese partner opened its doors in Guangzhou, southern China’s largest city. This showroom covers more than 5000m² and presents several leading European design brands. Many Extremis “Tools for Togetherness” are on display in the window, welcoming the design lovers. It goes without saying that Extremis had to be present at this event. So our export manager, who was at the time travelling through Asia, flew over to China to do the honours. A press meeting kicked off the first day of the event. As in China no event is complete without tea, we witnessed a Tea Ceremony, a truly Chinese tradition of preparing and serving tea that goes far beyond the simple drinking of the fluid. Repetitive detailed actions with a wide array of flavours as well as utensils for its preparation. The most important part of the event however started when all the representatives of the collections on display were given the chance to present their company and products. Our sales manager used this opportunity to focus on the development of the Chinese design market and Dirk’s participation

guangzhou showroom report in the Beijing De Tao Masters Academy next year. In fact, our big boss has been invited to give several guest lectures at the Universities of Beijing and Shanghai. Read more about this further on in this Extremista issue. This memorable day

ended with an enjoyable reception, in which our Behive took centre stage as the main relaxing point, ideal to get to know other people and to enjoy a tasty glass of wine.

On the 2nd day, the grand opening for the general public was used for individual talks and presentations. Our Tools for Togetherness were once again introduced to dozens of design lovers.

the award battle “in the left corner... hopper!”

It seems that our most awarded creation, the charming Picnik is facing increasing competition from its younger brother, Hopper. So far Picnik, which boasts no less than 7 awards, has been the most popular Extremis article, though these days Hopper is getting dangerously close. Hopper, although launched only a year ago, has nearly matched Picnik’s success, counting 6 awards already. The temperature is rising, will it have to

share the throne with Picnik or will Picnik be driven pitiless from the throne by Hopper? It’s a real thriller! It is however no wonder that these two Extremis creations got in the clinch. If you take a good look at the two favourites, you can’t deny that they are very closely related. Their elegant shapes and similar style reveal that theyhave been designed by the same creative mind. Hopefully they won’t end up like Cain and Abel…

6-7

“in the right corner... picnik!”

ON THE DARK SIDE

a true and heartbreaking love story… Once upon a time there was a beautiful young lady called Hildegard. She had everything a young girl could wish for and lived in a beautiful castle in the woods with her loving parents. But Hildegard was not happy. Ever since she had met that young hunter a few weeks ago, she had become very restless and sad. They had only cast a quick glance at each other before he had disappeared in the woods with his spear, but she was under the spell of his eyes and hadn’t

stopped thinking of him since. One summer night, when as usual she could not get to sleep, she decided to take a walk in the castle park to get some fresh air. Suddenly he stood there right in front of her looking more handsome than in her daydreams. “What’s your name,” she asked softly. “I am Diederick,” he whispered. “Listen carefully. I live in the small cottage at the other side of the woods. My mum died years ago and left me behind with my stepfather, the old wizard carpenter. He really treats me very badly. He was with me when I first met you and he noticed that it was love at first sight between you and me. He immediately registered the strong

extremis by night chemistry that took place. Wicked as he is, he caught me when I was running away. He used his magic powers and put a curse on us”. “Hocus Pocus Extremus,” he said, “you will never ever have my permission to make this Hildegard girl yours, unless you can create the most romantic setting ever, here in the woods by the lake. There you can ask her to marry you, but only, and I insist, only on a full moon night”. “So let me go now Hildegard and leave it up to me. I will not come back before I will have realised our dream, how big the challenge may be”. And Diederick disappeared in the dark. The following

days, weeks and months he locked himself up in his stepfather’s carpentry shop and started working relentlessly, trying to create the most wonderful romantic setting in the world. Years later Hildegard was walking aimlessly through the woods by night. She had not even noticed the full moon. Suddenly she arrived at the lake and before her very eyes appeared the most romantic and magic setting she had ever imagined. It almost looked like in these pictures… A fire was burning in a big iron dish (the thought flashed through her mind that it looked very much like a Qrater). She passed along a long white shade, gently rustling in the wind (what are those funny sticks doing here, she briefly asked herself). “Help, help a huge snake,” she suddenly yelled in utter panic. But soon she pulled herself together. “Oh, just a Serpentine,” she sighed with relieve. She approached the magnificent white round couch (I suddenly feel so closely related to the Kosmos, she thought by herself) and her heart almost stopped beating when she saw the man of her dreams lying down on it, opening his arms to her (he had been smart enough to lower the table in the middle so that the couch looked like a big round bed.). “Come to me, my dearest Hildegard,” he said, “come and be my love forever”. “Diederick, my love,” she wept in supreme emotion and threw herself in his arms. And they lived happily ever after and had lots and lots of children… Shh, we are trying to keep it a secret, but the story goes that ever since that night couples who make love in a Kosmos on a full moon night, live happily together for the rest of their lives… Always worth a try, isn’t it?

pictures © hilde verbeke | demooistezwembaden.be

PRODUCT SPECIAL

extremista issue 04

spring 2012

the hopper new shade system

hopper bench For balconies or public spaces in particular, Extremis has launched Hopper Bench, consisting of a single bench and a tabletop that also serves as a backrest.

colours & options

new shade system

Hopper is available in 4 sizes for at least 4, 6, 8, or 10 people. Its legs are available in powder coated aluminium (white, eco plate mapping red, and earth colour) or in galvanised steel. Extra options: backrest and ground anchor kit.

10-14 10

inspired by beer & hops

6-8 6

eco plate mapping

rectangular shade When Dirk Wynants planted his hop garden (the first new hop garden in 25 years in the region), he probably did not imagine that it would one day lead to much more than just Tremist, Extremisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; very own beer. However, you only have to look at a hop field with its countless rows of hop vines, to see the visual resemblance they bear to the sunshade he purposely designed for the Hopper table. The perfect tool for enjoying a cool moment with friends on a sunny day. Challenge While Hopper succeeds in comfortably seating four, six, eight, ten, or even more

ground anchor kit

8-10 8

belgian togetherness

The bench can be put against a wall or a balcony rail. It is 68 cm wide and consequently ideally suited for narrow locations. It can also be used as a freestanding bench provided that its leg is anchored to the ground. Their various seating possibilities mean that Hopper benches can also be used in public spaces.

attached to Hopper

with concrete weights

beer

inspired by beer &

people, this purpose-designed sunshade provides lots of refreshing shade. Designing a sunshade for a long table is one of the most daunting challenges facing any designer. By creating Hopper Shade Extremisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; main designer took up the gauntlet and won the challenge. Both opened and closed, Hopper Shade perfectly follows the lines of the Hopper table, creating of course a very aesthetically pleasing effect. But there is more to it than aesthetics. If you are familiar with the Extremis philosophy, you know that innovation is at the heart of each new design. This sunshade has not only been created to meet the above expectations, it also opens and closes effortlessly, does not take up extra space next to the table, and offers great wind resistance thanks to its flat surface.

belgian togetherness

beer

PRODUCT SPECIAL

family

visit the new extremis.be

REALISATIONS

extremista issue 04

hopper goes public

spring 2012

pacif ic eiland iep

Riverpark restaurant Manhattan, USA

Deltalight hq, Wevelgem, Belgium

Mindshare, London,UK

Viproom, Knokke, Belgium

shopping mall Yotsubako, Tokyo, Japan

Yotel New York City, USA

REALISATIONS

hopper goes private first hoppers find new home GIJVERINKHOVE • On Wednesday 2nd of March 2011 a first series of Hoppers left the Extremis headquarters to find a new home. The Hoppers have found their way all over the world

(Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Canada). Extremis is really proud of its latest creation and is happy that it has started to discover the world. The entire crew is convinced that the Hoppers have already offered their new owners many joyful moments outdoors and will continue to do so for many years to come.

interview with the first hopper owners POPERINGE • We contacted one of the first buyers of a Hopper table and sunshade and asked the following questions:

hopper under the church bells

EXTREMIS: Which size of Hopper table have you chosen? The biggest model seating 10 people.

Joye Horses, Wulpen, Belgium

the very first prototype in use

tweet your own hopper pic #extremisdesign © hilde verbeke | demooistezwembaden.be

EXTREMIS: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your Hopper table? A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. EXTREMIS: What is your best memory of your Hopper table? The bout of drinking with Hilde and the children during the photo shoot. EXTREMIS: How often do you use the table? Whenever the weather is warm and sunny, so not a lot this summer. EXTREMIS: What is the highest number of people ever seated at your Hopper table? 10 people. EXTREMIS: Has anyone danced on the table yet? Not yet, but it is bound to happen one day. EXTREMIS: How many litres of beer have already been drunk at this table? Not a lot actually, but quite a few litres of wine though. EXTREMIS: What is the nicest thing you have ever eaten at your Hopper table? Deliciously grilled Angus Aberdeen beef. EXTREMIS: If you had to choose again, would you still go for a Hopper? Of course!! EXTREMIS: Do you consider your Hopper a maintenance-friendly table? Definitely, as we have never cleaned it up till now!! EXTREMIS: Do you always open the sunshade when you sit at your Hopper table? Yes, because I can’t stand the heat from the sun on my head. EXTREMIS: Do you sometimes open just one side of the sunshade? No. EXTREMIS: Which other Extremis product would you like to own? The Behive!!

extremista issue 04

tools for togetherness

spring 2012

TOOLS FOR TOGETHERNESS

extremis added value innovate or die we love the planet classics for the future sexy outstanding stuff reason of existence design is human timeless design this is not furniture these are tools for togetherness

10 TIMELESS CLASSICS

extremista issue 04

spring 2012

gargantua, a future design classic extremis’ mission statement into practice

Quality however isn’t the only thing coming into the equation if we talk about sustainability. People can throw away a sweater in perfect shape, just because they don’t like it anymore, aesthetically. Or they can have their rock solid kitchen demolished, just because it’s “oldfashioned”.

Sustainability is the key factor to producing ecological products these days. R ight from the start in 1994, this was the obvious way to go forward for Extremis. The use of extremely durable materials offered the first Extremis new shade system product ever, our Gargantua, the high level of quality we consider necessary for outdoor circumstances. With a little maintenance, this table with adjustable benches will stand aggressive influences (U V rays and rain) for ages. Just like all on one products. otherone Extremis conversation

That’s why we don’t want to make things “fashionable”, we want our products to last for a long time and we don’t want our customers to regret their purchase, even after 18 years. This is what we call timeless design, because in our opinion only this kind of products can stand the test of time. And only this kind of products can become design classics of the future. All our tools for togetherness are designed to be potential future design classics, but we leave the judging up to you of course... Please remind us to ask this question again in the year 2062.

hopper table

ecology or marketing?

inumbra combi

eco plate mapping

outdoor > structured powder coated

2 no material waste exactly 1/2 fill alu plate

unique folding technique > roll & fold transport

beer

stacking > transport enjoy

8-10-12 2.40m

extremis founder dirk wynants’ vision on sustainability belgian togetherness

picnik

eco plate mapping

indoor >by glossy inspired beer & hops

compact transport

2.00m

1.60m

tools for togethe rness

wood stock

eco plate mapping

compact transport

tools for togethe rness

What does sustainability actually mean? At a time when greenwashers use all kinds of arguments to try to convince everybody is equal us of their charitable intentions, I find it extremely difficult to communicate about sustainability.

arthur

for sustainability 2010

The principles I have always tried to follow since the establishment of Extremis are based on common sense and obviously imply that you cause as little damage as possible to the world around you. This should go without saying, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

“I really don’t want to put a product on the market that already exists.” The market is full, even overloaded with products from which we have to choose. Before allowing yourself, as a manufacturer or a designer, to put yet another product on the market, you must make sure that it is needed and functional as well as beautiful. How well we succeed in doing so, I leave to others to judge, but in any case I try to make sure that our designs offer enough added value compared to existing products, that they are better, more beautiful, more functional, and better adapted to the new, continuously evolving needs of society. I really don’t want to put a product on the market that already exists, even if it sells well. That is so incredibly boring.

“My principles are based on common sense.” The fact that we manufacture highquality products that can stand the test of time, and that we try to be as eco-friendly as possible with respect to materials, manufacturing techniques, packaging, transport, etc. is only natural. Being ecofriendly first of all implies creating things that have a reason for existence, not merely for the novelty of it, but to really improve the quality of life, today, tomorrow and even in the distant future. If my designs have the potential of becoming future design classics, they have the eco-impact I am after. The future will tell. Dirk Wynants. Visit Dirk Wynants - Design Works? March 31 > June 3 at the Design Museum - Ghent

HOME & ABROAD

we have... a government! OUR POLITICIANS MAY HAVE CREATED THE PERCEPTION THAT THE BELGIANS

dirk wynants’ designstudio branch in asia About a year ago, Extremis owner and designer Dirk Wynants was contacted by the De Tao Masters Academy in China. The Academy contacted him and a selection of other internationally renowned designers, architects, and artists to take part in their unique program. They made their selection based on the numerous international awards Dirk has already won with his designs. The philosophy of the Academy is to collect the industrial wisdom of the world, by gathering the world’s leading masters. This way they want to nurture professional elites for industries and improve the development

little girl Lore were born into the families of our team members.

ARE THE SLOWEST WORKING FOLKS

of prosperous business. Through projectbased cooperation with the masters, companies and institutions, the De Tao programme offers an apprenticeship to students, allowing them to develop hands-on experience, learn from their experience and wisdom, develop ethical and professional standards, and establish their own professional track records. The masters, students, technologies, and capital for De Tao are coming from all over the world. the concept of the Masters Academy originated in China but aims to have worldwide influence with its unique semi-public, semi-commercial and open business approach.The De Tao Masters Academy is dedicated to improving enterprises and institutions and thus contributing to the harmonious development of society. Dirk is proud to be a part of this prestigious project.

how to use: abachus

ON EARTH, THOUGH QUITE THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE. TO PROVE IT TO YOU, WE GIVE YOU AN OVERVIEW OF

- We welcomed four new players to strengthen our team: Sascha, Nadine, Ferre, and Paul.

SOME OF THE THINGS THE EXTREMIS TEAM MANAGED TO ACHIEVE WHILE THEIR LEADERS WERE CHEERFULLY QUARRELLING AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE.

On 13 June 2010 we all performed our civic duty and went to the polls, having not the slightest idea of what it would take to get a new government. - Our Benjamin, Hopper, was launched in October 2010 and conquered the world. We decided to also manufacture a H.O.T. wood version and even created a spin-off: Hopper Bench. Not only Hopper managed to produce offspring.... Twins Siebe and Jens and the cute

- We found a new home in the charming village of Proven, where we will be able to expand as much as we want. We hope we will be able to move in very soon. - Our Hoppers got a prominent place on the beautiful market square of our future hometown Poperinge. - And last but not least, Dirk has already harvested his hops twice and transformed them into the very tasteful Tremist beer, of which he drank ..... litres (we have not been able to get the exact figures but we presume a lot...).

are you a DIYer?

ABACHUS IS PROBABLY THE MOST INNOVATING TABLE OF THE ENTIRE EXTREMIS RANGE: A COCKTAIL TABLE WITHOUT BAR STOOLS BUT WITH ARMS TO LEAN AGAINST.

In good company, having a drink or two, people tend to be moving around more and changing conversation partners more often when there are no chairs, whereas they rather stick to the same place when they are seated. This certainly increases social contacts between people. As you know, Extremis stands for togetherness, and the more people you get to know, the more pleasant life becomes!

nal protective sleeves the

optional small ashtray

“getting-toknow-people-table”

At least, that is what we could see with our own eyes in Poperinge where the local Christmas market opened on 16 December and people seemed very eager to enjoy togetherness at the Abachus tables we had installed for the occasion.

inumbrina combi

ORDER THE EXTREMIS DO-IT-YOURSELF-KIT! CHECK IT OUT

optional big ashtray

REFERENCES

extremista issue 04

spring 2012

extremis products, extremis projects

extempore - tower bridge view - london, uk

extremis, tools for communication Many Extremis products seem to have found their way to the project market. Extremis is increasingly tapping new markets such as the hospitality sector and is embellishing public places like town squares. Somewhat unintentionally we are conquering the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;project marketâ&#x20AC;?. The Picnic table and, to an even greater extent, the Hopper bench turn out to be ideal solutions for small balconies in hospitals, retirement homes, and small apartments. The charming Romeo and Juliet and the big Alea plant box are doing very well as street furniture. As to our Sticks, they are very popular creating privacy in restaurants and large reception halls.

sticks - bloom hotel, be

romeo&juliet - espoo, fi

alea - espoo, fi

sticks - philips hq amsterdam, nl

design: olav de boer - picture: rick geenjaar

REFERENCES 13

picnik - mcdonalds, au

arthur - cayman, be

sticks - modatex, ger

gargantua & inumbra - shopping mall, tw

picture ÂŠ hilde verbeke | demooistezwembaden.be

donuts - hilversum, nl

hopper - nieuwpoort, be

abachus + gargantua + inumbra vlamertinge, be

kosmos - wĂśrthersee, at

14 TREND REPORT

extremista issue 04

spring 2012

interior

extremis products perfectly adapting to indoor use. The Extremis pieces, always thought of as outdoor furniture, seem to have gradually found their way indoors. It appears that there is a growing trend for using our furniture in lofts, living rooms, and kitchens. In fact, this is hardly surprising. Extremis creations are a combination of high-end design, weather-resistant and sturdy materials and the spirit of togetherness and cosiness. The results are pieces that are perfectly suited for summer enjoyment in your backyard, and are stylish and comfortable enough to also merit a place inside the house. As these models have been designed to withstand stormy weather and days of

pouring rain and to carry packs of snow, they are quite sturdy and can handle spilling and other domestic “accidents” without its owners having to fear that they will never get them clean again. Let’s take a closer look at our collection to see which of our “brainchildren” can make the changeover to the living quarters.

Of course our Sticks don’t have to make any changeover, as they have always been offered for both indoor and outdoor use. They are perfectly suited for creating privacy in a garden or a terrace, as well as for arranging a room entirely to your own taste, without losing the sense of freedom typical for large spaces. Especially the LED-version creates truly surprising light effects in your living room. And

no fear for any damage to your highquality floor covering, a special felt protection pad is supplied with our rubber indoor bases. Our Gargantua table has already consolidated its place in several spacious kitchens. After all, the kitchen is the ultimate place for family communication, where you can enjoy your meals, all gathered around the Gargantua. It offers the opportunity to put all the family members at the same eye level, including the children. The elegant Picnik table, especially the high-gloss version, is a real eyecatcher in a contemporary interior. Its minimalist design is a delight to the eye in modern villas and lofts. We even have special feet with protective felt for delicate floors, for instance wooden parquet floors.

No need to tell you that the indoor use of Kosmos is a sufficiently tested approach. If you like a very intimate setting for lounging with your family or friends, you don’t have to wait for sultry summer evenings. Kosmos combines adorable looks and extreme comfort and cosiness, the ultimate instruments for enjoying life, closely together while the wind and showers beat at your windows. And again no fear for domestic disasters the day after, Kosmos is made out of very resistant material and easy to clean. In our Extempore collection our tables and chairs in standard, low, extra low, medium and high version are very popular in interiors of people who like clean lines, sharply designed pieces, made out of fair and sturdy materials.

event calendar 2012

date

place

IMM

16 - 22 January 2012

Design Post, Cologne, Germany

Stockholm furniture fair

7 -11 February 2012

Stockholmsmässan AB, Stockholm, Sweden

Salone Internazionale del Mobile Milano

17 - 22 April 2012

Milan Fairgrounds Rho, Milan, Italy

Interieur 12

20 - 28 October 2012

Xpo, Kortrijk, Belgium

TREND REPORT

special Donuts in a flashy colour can look very cool in the kids’ room or kids’ corner. The table-seating combination with inflatable seating part is strongly appealing to kids. They can do their homework or play on it with their friends, it will surely withstand all the monkey acrobatics of your youngsters. Furthermore Donuts is very light and can be moved in no time: from the inside to the garden on sunny days and vice versa on rainy days of course... Arthur is the exception to the rule. Although Arthur is generally used indoors as a dining or conference table, it can stay outdoors all year round as well. It is made out of HPL with a coating layer that is extremely weather-resistant and UV-stable. Still it remains pre-eminently a conference table. The rotating tray in the centre of the table is an ideal instrument to pass on documentation or whatever to your meeting companions. Its round shape

sticks - d-hotel kortrijk

arthur - binst architect

“picnik feet with protective felt for delicate floors” and its perfect compartimentation create a feeling of equality between all the participants. It’s a pity King Arthur could not live to see this creation, he was born too early... As to Qrater, we would strongly advise you NOT to use it indoors!

kosmos - avc headquarters

donuts - google sydney (au)

upcoming hype: after inline skates, we present to you inline sticks! Our Sticks have always been one of the most popular items of our collection. High time to come up with an “extreme make-over”. In fact, a whole new type of indoor Sticks are launched during IMM Köln 2012, with much smaller bases and meant to be used as a screen or even a folding screen, with the possibility to place it in round of curved shapes as well. It is still under development, but we couldn’t resist giving you an early glimpse of it. More on this soon!

hopper ÂŠ design by dirk wynants extremis | www.extremis.be | info@extremis.be