Keilhauer Introduces the Epix Collection

DESIGNING A SUSTAINABLE, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FUTURE OFFICE

Keilhauer collection April 2021

Press Contact

Emma Hamilton
Public Relations Coordinator
[email protected]

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April 13, 2021 (Toronto) – Keilhauer is excited to introduce an innovative collection designed to support the future of workplace, Epix. Rational, refined and modern, the collection future-proofs the commercial office setting with highly functional pieces that seamlessly transition across various work, group and meeting tasks throughout the day. Incorporating tables, seating and storage, the new collection is designed for Keilhauer by the Swedish design studio Form Us With Love (FUWL). The collection is intended to fulfill every workplace need through a series of sustainable, 100% recyclable set of tools that anticipate the commercial design challenges that lay ahead.

Epix is a first time collaboration between Keilhauer and FUWL. Their mutual passion for sustainability and modern design, and a shared commitment to design activism, informed the collection’s coherent aesthetic – balancing rational, industrial design with warmth and elegance.

Epix collection

THE FUTURE OFFICE AS A GATHERING SPACE

Just as shared passions informed the aesthetic, the skeleton and functionality of Epix was developed through research and examination. At the early onset, a research study, including interviews and surveys, examined how people used the office and what they most desired to see in the future. Above all else, gathering spaces were identified as the most important area of focus.

“Keilhauer has always believed that the heart of the office is formed by the spaces where people come together. These spaces create team cohesion, corporate culture, creativity, and can support production and execution for individuals and groups,” says Keilhauer President, Mike Keilhauer. “With Epix, we’ve created a very unique and environmentally focused approach to supporting these spaces – and followed through on our design activism commitments.”

The results of this early research inspired FUWL to develop a blue-sky list of tools that were later filtered using a five-step process examining craft, innovation, durability, scalability and sustainability. This short list was then further refined by aligning to Keilhauer’s technical expertise and industry leading engineering to inform the final collection of seating, tables and storage.

Epix Seating: Keilhauer is excited to introduce the cohesive Epix seating collection, made entirely from pure materials. A pure aluminum frame is the base for all Epix chair options, providing strength and support to the interchangeable formed seat shells. The pure aluminum frame holds the shape of the seat shell, which allows for the shell to be made in two pure material options: pure polypropylene plastic or pure PET felt. The usage of only pure materials in the construction of the Epix chair allows for seating that is not only comfortable, but fully recyclable. The plastic seat shell is available in 12 color options, and the felt seat shell is available in three standard cEpix Seating: Keilhauer is excited to introduce the cohesive Epix seating collection, made entirely from pure materials. A pure aluminum frame is the base for all Epix chair options, providing strength and support to the interchangeable formed seat shells. The pure aluminum frame holds the shape of the seat shell, which allows for the shell to be made in two pure material options: pure polypropylene plastic or pure PET felt. The usage of only pure materials in the construction of the Epix chair allows for seating that is not only comfortable, but fully recyclable. The plastic seat shell is available in 12 color options, and the felt seat shell is available in three standard colors. An additional upholstered seat pad with a recycled plastic insert can be installed and easily removed when the time comes for recycling. Legs are available in four different styles: a 4-leg in seven finishes, a wooden 4-leg base in Walnut or Ash in 11 colors, a 4-star caster base in eight finish options, and a sled base.olors. An additional upholstered seat pad with a recycled plastic insert can be installed and easily removed when the time comes for recycling. Legs are available in four different styles: a 4-leg in seven finishes, a wooden 4-leg base in Walnut or Ash in 11 colors, a 4-star caster base in eight finish options, and a sled base.

Epix Shelving and Storage: In a category first for Keilhauer, the addition of shelving provides a number of practical solution that expands the collection’s applications. It provides a visual divide and, with the addition of knockout, movable felt panels, physical and auditory privacy as well. Shelves are available in seven sizes and 12 standard powder coats. Options include three color choices of dividing felt panels, and laminate or wood veneer surfaces.
Understanding that employees tend to congregate around the tools they need, a mobile cart was added to the collection – allowing tools be brought in and out with ease to spaces better designed for congregation.

Collectively or independently, Epix provides a functional and intuitive furniture system. “In terms of use, in terms of set up – it is easily understandable. There is no fuss. You can see how to use each item and each item together. One collection is a full solution to make it easy for the specifier,” says FUWL Creative Director, John Löfgren.Epix Shelving and Storage: In a category first for Keilhauer, the addition of shelving provides a number of practical solution that expands the collection’s applications. It provides a visual divide and, with the addition of knockout, movable felt panels, physical and auditory privacy as well. Shelves are available in seven sizes and 12 standard powder coats. Options include three color choices of dividing felt panels, and laminate or wood veneer surfaces.

Understanding that employees tend to congregate around the tools they need, a mobile cart was added to the collection – allowing tools be brought in and out with ease to spaces better designed for congregation.

Collectively or independently, Epix provides a functional and intuitive furniture system. “In terms of use, in terms of set up – it is easily understandable. There is no fuss. You can see how to use each item and each item together. One collection is a full solution to make it easy for the specifier,” says FUWL Creative Director, John Löfgren.

DESIGNING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

With its focus on the future, sustainability was an important part of the design process. As design activists, Keilhauer and FUWL were able to bring this design vision to life through meticulous material planning, selection, and long-term, lifecycle considerations. To divert waste from landfill, the collection is 100% recyclable and designed for easy disassembly and the use of replacement parts.

“The goal is to prevent the need to replace the furniture,” says Löfgren. “It can instead be upgraded over time. The chair, for example is designed to be a cage for the seat shell, and the seat shell easily changed – even in field – as new, more sustainable materials are developed or design needs change.”

“What we’ve done with these seating options is take pure materials like polypropylene or PET felt, which don’t necessarily have the strength you need, and framed them with aluminum, which supports the seat shell,” adds Keilhauer. “A glass-filled nylon shell would have to go in the waste, but Epix’s materials can go directly into pure recycling.”

The 100% recyclable Epix collection is built from the highest quality materials, is designed and manufactured to last for many years, and is supported by Keilhauer’s standard 10-year warranty. Epix is expected to carry BIFMA LEVEL® 2 and SCS Global Services certification for Indoor Air Quality at the Indoor Advantage™ Gold level. It is manufactured in facilities that produce zero waste to landfill, and which offset 100% of electricity use with renewable energy credits.

ABOUT KEILHAUER

Founded in 1981, Keilhauer is a privately owned, design focused contract furniture manufacturer. Keilhauer manufactures seating and tables that makes work more comfortable for all. Keilhauer products are thoughtfully made to support communication and engagement in spaces such as meeting rooms, collaboration areas, lobbies and lunchrooms. Working with world-renowned furniture designers, Keilhauer is internationally recognized for award-winning design, built with extreme craftsmanship, to the highest environmental standards. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit Keilhauer.com.

ABOUT FORM US WITH LOVE

Form Us With Love, is the international design studio founded in 2005. Since its conception, the studio has burned with a passion for design and its democratic potential. Its belief is that we all have a right to meaningful design.

At the studio’s core lies a process that blends traditional creative practices with a lean, strategic application. The central intention is to evolve with the needs of each project, its place in the market and the ever-changing needs of real people.

Today, the work of Form Us With Love falls into three areas: Consultancy—an engagement in products, ranges, collaborations and spaces for clients around the world, Ventures—disciplined and holistic approaches to launch and build brands, Civic—based on knowledge transfers and sharing of experiences, actively contributing to the broader spectra of design.

 

For more information, images or to request an interview. Please contact:

Press Contact

Emma Hamilton
Public Relations Coordinator
[email protected]