Exclusive details

Exclusive details

by Marta Bernasconi

Until recently they were regarded as simply unimportant add-ons in an interior design project, but now control devices have acquired the status of functional and attractive assets that can enhance the look of any interior. Italian company PLH has launched an intriguing initiative whose aim is to broaden the scope of applications used in lighting design and domestic automation.

The company was founded in the early noughties as a spin-off brand from an established electronics and IT business. The project was sparked off by an idea from Enrico Corelli, who recognised the aesthetic potential of previously humdrum devices used in domotics. His vision was based on a handful of elements – the choice of materials like solid metal (aluminium, stainless steel, brass, copper), wood and DuPontTM Corian®, shunning plastic, and a stylistic appeal impervious to changing trends. The production process also reflects the sartorial nature of the products, which means shapes, materials, textures and surfaces are chosen and worked without restrictions. As a result of this design approach all PLH collections, cable or wireless, can be personalised using laser or plotter marking machines, and can be given finishing treatments that require

high-level artisanal skills, like satin finishing, micro-sand blasting, polishing and oxidation. This production strategy provides great exclusivity and generates demand from an especially sophisticated sector – luxury yacht building.

PLH plates are enjoying exceptional success in this special design area. Some exclusive features of the PLH lines are especially appreciated by owners and designers – the Slim collection, for example, is only 4mm thick, which means it blends almost seamlessly into the surface it is mounted on. Piero Lissoni chose Slim and Slim Custom plates for the interiors of the Sanlorenzo SX112, Patricia Urquiola chose Slim with black buttons and Neo for the lighting on SD96, also by Sanlorenzo, while Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel went for total custom plates for the luxurious interiors of the Navetta 30 by Custom Line, a Ferretti Group brand. PLH products have a wide range of uses, harmonising with different style concepts.

Riva, another Ferretti Group brand, opted for PLH collections for all the yacht range. New design possibilities are now provided by PLH Belcanto, a switch plate with superb tactile qualities for controlling light and music.

www.plhitalia.com

High-level performance and cutting-edge technology have taken PLH to the peak of the domotics sector, which also fits perfectly into the luxury yacht world

questions to Enrico Corelli

CEO of PLH

Let’s talk about the exciting new arrival –what is PLH Belcanto?

Belcanto is a sound system that integrates with switches and outlets we’ve created and developed in partnership with Outline, a Brescia-based company that’s a leader in production of professional audio systems and digital sound processing solutions. A year of intense, complex and exciting development led us to create a miniature system with a wireless amplifier (the Maestro), two mid-range tweeters (the Contralto) that can be integrated into the control plates, outlets or single installations and a subwoofer (the Baritono), which completes the sound quality by giving the system depth and power.

What opportunities does a light and music control plate provide?

This system, now ready for launch, is designed to enhance the sensory and emotional experience in private residential settings, hotel rooms and on-board yachts. Take, for example, the wrap-around stereo effect the sound plates can produce when installed in the bed head. The controls are positioned at exactly the listening height, so the speakers linked to the controls are in the perfect location for listening and control. What makes your products competitive in the high-end sector?

The opportunity to make new pieces that meet the requirements of architects and demanding clients who see custom products as providing added emotional and aesthetic value. How do you achieve this design flexibility?

We don’t use prints, but 3 or 5 axis numerical control machinery that enables us to create, on the basis of a strip of material, anything the client or architect wants. Then there’s our great expertise in finishings and treatments. Can you give some examples of especially interesting bespoke PLH products?

We’ve created plates with Rubelli silk inserts and others using a selection of Antolini marbles, split to a thickness of just 1mm. We also use antique, inlaid woods that can be transformed into devices.

Above, the Riva 100’ Corsaro and its owner cabin with personalised Slim plate can be seen in the door to the bathroom. Below, the 34 metre SX112 by Sanlorenzo, with interiors designed by Piero Lissoni, and a detail of the living area with personalised PLH wall outlets

Courtesy by Riva

Courtesy by Sanlorenzo

Left and below, some examples of the many possible colour and decorative combinations in the Mono collection, inspired by Bauhaus design principles with an emphasis on simplification and ease of use. Its minimal aesthetic dominates, except for the number of controls. Top and right, the new line from PLH, now ready for launch – devices in the Belcanto collection, created to offer a new sensory experience. Opening page, plates from the Slim collection