Product Description:

ALDA & BÁRA

Sjaldan er ein báran stök | Rarely Does a Wave Come Alone

A dialogue between architecture, art, light and craftsmanship

Alda & Bára is a sculptural bench designed by Dögg Guðmundsdóttir for the Cabinetmakers’

Autumn Exhibition 2026, Light & Form, at Ordrupgaard Museum in Denmark.

ALDA & BÁRA · DESIGN STORY

The concept originated in January with an exploration of Snøhetta’s Himmelhaven architecture. Its faceted wooden ceiling inside the exhibition space and sculptural metal roof outside in the garden inspired the bench’s triangular geometry. The intention was to combine oak with handcrafted ceramic tiles, recessed into a CNC-cut pattern so that the natural wood remained visible between the tiles.

During a visit to the museum in April, the French paintings of the sea introduced another layer of inspiration: the movement of waves and the shifting tones of seawater. The warmth of the wooden interior informed the choice of oak, while the paintings helped shape the colour palette of the ceramics.

Through sketches, cardboard models, 3D drawings and printed prototypes, the triangular pattern and the bench’s structure were gradually developed. Early studies explored angled, sculptural seating surfaces. However, combining those surfaces with precisely recessed ceramic tiles would have required five-axis CNC machining, which was not available within the project. The final design was therefore refined into a lighter, flatter form, with two geometric legs connected beneath the seat. Originally conceived as benches, the finished pieces can also serve as coffee tables.

The ceramic tiles, made in three triangular sizes, were developed and handcrafted in close collaboration with Isabella Rosendorf. What began as tile fabrication grew into an extensive shared process of experimentation with clay, firing and glaze. Together, we explored matte and glossy finishes and layered different glaze colours on selected tiles to create nuanced tones reminiscent of seawater and changing light. Custom 3D-printed cutting templates helped make the hand-cut tiles consistent in shape.

Two benches were completed, each with a slightly different colour composition. Every tile was individually handcrafted, with subtle variations in glaze and texture, giving each bench its own character and finish. The ceramic surfaces become a focal point of the design, bringing together geometry, colour and craftsmanship.

Alda & Bára explores the dialogue between architecture, art, material and light - and the transformation of an idea through design, digital fabrication and traditional craft.

PROJECT CREDITS

Design & concept | Dögg Guðmundsdóttir

Ceramic co-design & development | In collaboration with Isabella Rosendorf

Woodworking | In collaboration with Morten Lyhne

CNC fabrication | In collaboration with Bo & Co, Ølstykke

Exhibition | Cabinetmakers’ Autumn Exhibition 2026 – Light & Form, Ordrupgaard Museum

Dates | 23 October – 13 December 2026