Merci online shop
Designed by Akira Nakagomi.
In an era where outdoor living is elevated through thoughtful design, the Play Metal Fireplace stands out as a unique blend of craftsmanship and functionality. Crafted using a minimalist process of laser cutting and bending, this lightweight fireplace, assembled quickly, showcases how industrial techniques can be transformed to produce elegant and practical objects.
Upon first look, the design's flow is captivating. The elegant curves soften the natural rigidity of the metal, turning it into something warm and inviting. When in use, the fireplace unfolds its three components like the petals of a flower, creating a dynamic form that becomes vibrant when lit. This unfolding is visually poetic and highly functional, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, making it a practical addition for outdoor gatherings.
The beauty of this design lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its versatility. When stored, the Play Metal Fireplace takes on a completely different shape—compact, resembling a handbag. This portability adds a layer of functionality often missing in traditional outdoor fire pits. It's not just a fireplace; it's functional art that can be used and stored easily, making it a practical addition to any outdoor setting.
While the Play Metal Fireplace may seem easy to use, each experience with it adds a layer of meaning. Lighting a fire and watching the metal change color with heat, then storing it away for future adventures, creates a sense of connection and ritual. It's a tool made to age gracefully, allowing users to build memories around its flame.
Play Metal Product is a brand based in Kitakyushu, Japan's industrial heartland with a strong history in the steel industry. The fireplace, designed by Akira Nakagomi, pays homage to this legacy by combining the city's robust manufacturing history with a modern, minimalist approach. Nakagomi's vision is reflected in the fireplace's blend of strength and elegance, demonstrating how traditional steelwork can be transformed into something refined.
The Play Metal Fireplace offers portability, craftsmanship, and visual appeal, making it more than a functional outdoor accessory. It represents thoughtful design where industrial roots meet contemporary living.
Folded sizes: 305mm x D300mm x H14mm
Assembled sizes: W325mm x D315mm x H290mm
Product design: AKIRA NAKAGOMI DESIGN @akira_nakagomi
Branding Design: TETUSIN DESIGN https://tetusin.com/
Photo: Yusuke Murata https://yusukemurata.com/
"Lei" is the world's most poetic aroma diffuser powered thoroughly by the heat of a candle.
Lei is an ultimately sustainable aroma diffuser, powering electricity by the heat of a candle instead of a power source.
It is an entirely self-sufficient product patented for its innovative mechanism, redefining existing home appliances. The generated electricity creates a gentle breeze that allows the volatilized aroma to permeate space. Its minimalist design made from recyclable materials, cordless mobility, and low-maintenance usability guarantee great functionality along with emotional appeal that is indispensable to any quiet, solitary time or social situation.
*The essential oil and delivery fees are excluded
"and-on" is Japanese paper and light.
From ancient times to the present, this combination has given rise to various lighting fixtures.
The lighting fixtures using "washi and light" are strongly associated with Japanese "wa" (harmony), which limits their use in a variety of modern & harmonious lifestyles.
"and-on" is one of the lightings that mesmerizes as it invites you to admire the nuanced texture of the paper.
This lamp is a concept project created in collaboration with designer Kenji Fukushima and paper specialists Tesuki Washi Tenino.
Washi is one kind of traditional hand-made Japanese paper made of natural raw materials. Since the 1300s, it has been a large part of Japan's cultural heritage.
This LED lamp combines innovative lighting technology with the beauty of Washi in new forms to continue the unique craft tradition for generations to come.
The team aimed for this time was neutral and straightforward lighting that would match any situation in modern lifestyles and make the most of the beauty of washi paper as a material.
"and-on" is a light that illuminates your precious moments.
Idea (Task, Relevance, Fit for purpose)
*To adapt to various lifestyles, we do not emphasize "Japanese" but pursue the beauty of Japanese paper to the utmost limit in a neutral and simple design.
*The material used is Brass instead of bamboo or wood to create a more contemporary design.
*The gentle light from the dense Japanese paper, which was arrived at through trial and error, is like sunlight filtering through the trees.
*Since it emits light on both sides, the reflected light from the wall is designed to give a softer impression when installed on the wall.
*It can stand on its own, either horizontally or vertically, and can be placed anywhere.
Form(Aesthetics, Emotional appeal, Execution)
*To respect the Japanese artisans, the washi material used is handmade Ogawa washi, a traditional industry in Saitama Prefecture, made from Japanese paper "KOZO," using traditional methods and tools.
Function (Usability, Efficiency, User Benefit)
*It is simple and can match a variety of lifestyles.
*The product's shape ensures its diversity as a product, with new combinations of materials, a soft impression of light, a unique but not too assertive appearance, and a high degree of flexibility in the installation environment.
*and-on emits light from both sides, and the indirect light on the wall creates a beautiful space.
*The width of the brass outer perimeter is designed to be thin enough to stand on its own, giving it a presence that blends in with the space.
*The Japanese paper is designed at the optimum distance to diffuse the LED, and only the soft light will emerge.
Differentiation(Innovation,Brand Differentiation)
*Ogawa washi has many air chambers and breathes. It absorbs moisture according to the humidity in the room, releases moisture, and prevents condensation and mould, keeping the humidity in the room constant.
*Our company, which produces the lighting, and the craftsmen who make Ogawa washi is located in Saitama Prefecture, and through "and-on" we hope to pass on the tradition to the future.
*and-on is a light that illuminates your precious moments.
Impact (Effect, Social Benefit, Sustainability)
*Since the paper pulp is not used, it can be said that the environmental burden is low.
*On the other hand, the primary raw material of Japanese paper proliferates, and it is a material with high economic efficiency compared with ordinary paper.
Delivery fees are excluded.
Welcome to the BL (Biulam Design) eyewear collection, now available at Merci Magazine's online shop. This collection features a unique fusion of timeless design and innovative artistry. BL redefines eyewear as a "walking art form," striking a balance between classic elegance and the vibrant energy of pop art. Each frame is meticulously crafted using spray-painting techniques to create striking graphic expressions beyond conventional methods. These frames are not just accessories; they are bold statements.
Each pair comes in packaging that is an integral part of the design itself: a sleek, brushed aluminum time capsule inspired by the era of space exploration. The case, made from recycled Dupont material, reflects BL's commitment to sustainability. This capsule encourages users to contemplate a "Future Antique"—a tangible item designed to endure both trends and the passage of time. This thoughtful design philosophy celebrates craftsmanship that engages the senses, transforming everyday objects into meaningful experiences.
BL's vision is simple and profound: to create eyewear reflecting personal journeys, moments, and memories. Each piece is a true reflection of the wearer, gaining a richer patina over time and inviting users to see themselves as part of this evolving work of art. Discover BL at Merci Magazine's shop, where design transcends the visual and leaves a lasting impression.