NUMBER ONE
You are holding the first issue of the new Rö magazine in your hands. Our wish: to get one step closer to you, our customers. To take you into the world of Rö, to show you our projects and innovations. But above all: to give you a look behind the scenes. For example, into our sustainable production cycle in Gümligen or into the creative world of the young designer Marc Gerber.
Sit back and enjoy the latest stories from the Rö universe – curtain up!
Conte armchair from RÖTHLISBERGER
Designer: Marc Gerber
When Bram Stoker wrote his famous „Count Dracula“, he had the protagonist clearly in mind: noble appearance, long cloak and the typical large coat collar. 125 years later, our Conte armchair takes to the stage. An elegant appearance in wood, with a wide seat full of character and a backrest reminiscent of the Conte’s coat collar. The seat and backrest elements are interlocking, based on the table technique of chairs from the Alpine region. „Conte“ offers an upright posture and a comfortable, ergonomic way of standing up and sitting down. The seat and backrest are complemented with upholstery that follows the outer contours of the molded shells.
Conte is available in two wood finishes, natural effect or off-white black, and with a choice of black leather or fabric. Like every piece in the Röthlisberger collection, Conte was born to be a design classic. Or as Bram Stoker would say: he is immortal.
„An elegant appearance“
Interview with designer Marc Gerber
How did the collaboration with Rö come about?
After working as a designer for Konstantin Grcic in Berlin for a year, I returned to the Basel School of Art and Design for my diploma thesis. It was important to me to incorporate the experience I had gained into my work and to bring a partner from the industry on board directly. An initial tour of Rö in Gümligen was the starting signal for the project. A close exchange began with Jan Röthlisberger, who accompanied me through the project.
The back and forth resulted in an interesting furniture concept, which convinced Jan to continue.
Why does Conte fit into the existing collection?
During the design phase, I was always concerned with the values of the collection, which I got to know better and better over time. One of the cornerstones of the collection is the originality of the designs, which, combined with the quality of the craftsmanship, results in exceptional furniture. It is furniture that is consciously purchased, with which you build up a relationship and which you keep over time. With its elegant appearance, the armchair fits perfectly into the versatile overall picture of the collection thanks to its combination of tradition, character and contemporary design language.
What were your thoughts behind the design?
I wanted to design an armchair that could take over the room with its presence. The aim was to show wood openly as a supporting structure and not hide it behind thick upholstery. The focus was on the appropriate use of wood as a material. For example, the backrest and seat can be made of plywood with the same press mold. The design makes reference to tradition and is based on table chairs from rural regions. The armrests are formally simple and surprising in their orientation. The two versions of the armchair consist of the same components, only the height of the backrest is different. For me, sustainability in relation to furniture means designing it in such a way that it remains in use for as long as possible. The well-balanced upholstery can be replaced when it wears out.
The exposed, stable wooden structure of the armchair can also be refreshed.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From everyday situations. I am a person who observes a lot and is very interested in technology. I wonder how things work and how they are made. These insights flow into my work and inspire me.
What design dream would you still like to fulfill?
There are certainly still a few dreams that I would like to fulfill. In general, my goal is to work with interesting and quality-conscious companies. I have already fulfilled my dream of having my own design studio. Now it’s all about continuously developing innovative ideas into functional and formally appealing products that meet the requirements of sustainability. A project in a public space would appeal to me. A recurring element like a bench that can shape a cityscape.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working for various clients in my studio. Projects are underway in areas such as outdoor and office furniture, lighting design or classic product design in the kitchen sector.
Torsio chair from RÖTHLISBERGER
Designer: Hanspeter Steigert
The Torsio chair family has been part of our collection for twenty years. Time for an upgrade! The bar chair now comes in a new design: more seating comfort thanks to adapted dimensions and a fresher and more inviting look, the Torsio chair blends harmoniously into any environment and can be combined with other furniture. The new bar chair is available in black and natural effect, now at the same price as the bar chair without the hard anodized base. The entire chair family is now also available in natural oak effect lacquer, a slightly lighter natural shade with additional UV protection to counteract the natural yellowing of the oak. We already offer the Stabellö chair family, the Hommage sideboard and various of our table models in this finish as standard and have received a lot of positive feedback from our customers.
Rik side tables from RÖTHLISBERGER
Aebi & Vincent
Whether in the lobby of the Federal Palace or as a bistro table at home, Rik cuts a fine figure everywhere. To make the perfect all-rounder even more adaptable, Rik will be available in a wider range of combinations and colors from 2022: three leg sizes and five different heights are now available. The table tops can be selected in sizes 52-110 and are available in eight materials suitable for indoor or outdoor use. A low coffee table in smoked oak in a cozy living room. A high table in marble for the elegant entrance hall. A large dining table made of synthetic resin with two combined legs for the extended family.
Configure your own Rik to suit your needs.
Stabellö chair collection from RÖTHLISBERGER
Tomoko Azumi
What sets us apart at Rö: Always improving the good. Stabellö is now a solid wood chair with no visible metal joints. The three-dimensionally shaped backrest made of plywood is now anchored in the seat and therefore no longer has any visible screws. With its turned legs and solid wood seat, Stabellö comes even closer to the traditional Stabell chair from the Alpine region. „Back to the roots“, the Stabellö looks just as good in a rustic chalet as it does in an urban loft. As before, the chair family is available with two different backrests or as a stool, in natural oak effect and stained black oak.
Arcos table from RÖTHLISBERGER
Koni Ochsner / Werkdesign
Eating outdoors in a large group is now completely relaxed. Our Arcos table is now available as an outdoor version with table tops made of Santa Margherita quartz. Already tried and tested in the kitchen, the polished surface defies food residues and stubborn liquids such as wine, coffee, lemon juice or olive oil. The table tops are available in three colors. The Arcos base remains the eye-catcher: the uniquely constructed base has a light and lively appearance
Central base with a transparent look. The necessary stability is provided by the metal skeleton and polyurethane cast construction. Arcos is therefore both practical and sophisticated and proves that elegance can be very easy to maintain.
Indoor camping with Campfire from RÖTHLISBERGER
People have been gathering around fireplaces for thousands of years. With our Campfire lounge table, this can also be done safely in your own living room. Visually inspired by a campfire, Campfire brings warmth and coziness to living rooms, lounges and reception rooms. But even the archaic needs an upgrade now and again: Campfire is now available in various sizes: model „M“ has a table leaf size of 90, while the standard model comes in sizes D110, 123 and 136. Both models are available in various woods and finishes
Highly finished with the Ovolo desk from RÖTHLISBERGER
Working from home has become a matter of course for many of us. But it should also be elegant and comfortable in the home office. That’s why our Ovolo desk is also available as a standing desk. This not only allows you to work in style, but is also easy on your back. The back panel of this elegant all-rounder serves as a magnetic surface and leaning surface and the storage channel provides space for writing utensils. Solid wood elements structure the table surface into individual areas and add practical bookends. Ovolo – a desk as flexible as today’s working world.
Colorful storage with Shell wardrobe from RÖTHLISBERGER
Our classic in a colorful way! The award-winning Shell wardrobe is available in numerous colors, just the way you like it. The eye-catching all-wood cabinet made of Finnish birch plywood fascinates with its three-dimensional curvature. It moves on castors and opens with two hands like a book cover. The interior can be customized with adjustable shelves and drawers made of anodized aluminium. Shell reliably accommodates everything that is dear to you and now brings even more cheerfulness and color into your everyday life
Torsio: 20 years of twists and turns from RÖTHLISBERGER
The Torsio chair turns 20 this year. And the design classic still looks young and surprising. With his design, designer Hanspeter Steiger has explored the bending and torsional capacity of plywood technology and created a timeless chair. Torsio won the iF Design Award in 2002 and the Swiss Design Prize in 2003. We look forward to the next 20 years with Torsio in our collection
Stack of drawers: 40 years stacked by RÖTHLISBERGER
Would you say the stack of drawers has been around for 40 years? The classic is timeless and looks modern and elegant in any room. Seven drawers for seven days of the week – that was the practical idea behind Susi and Ueli Berger’s design classic. And even if we are more networked, busier and faster on the move today than we were 40 years ago, our week still has seven days and there is only room for a limited number of „things“. The real thing endures. And we say: „Happy birthday, pile of drawers!“
Electrified
A power connection at the conference table is indispensable today. But with style, please! We now offer an elegant solution for power boxes for our tables, such as our Leonardo model. Whether solid wood or veneered: our tables can be fitted with all the components you require. The lids are made of wood with a continuous grain and push-to-open system. When tapped, they simply turn inwards and disappear into the table top. Of course, individual solutions with additional plug-in options or lid solutions are also available. Conference tables are now fully connectable without sacrificing style.
Oval table from RÖTHLISBERGER
Teo Jakob
Sometimes it takes true greatness to leave a lasting impression. Our oval table masters this task with flying colors. Its qualities really come into their own in spacious conference and dining rooms. Fixed or extendable, it adapts to any room. Insert panels allow the table to be extended three times without losing any of its elegance. The table top and base are available in different woods and colors. For weighty and important items.
At-At desk from RÖTHLISBERGER
Tomoko Azumi & Barbara Etter
The all-terrain attack transporter from Star Wars, At-At for short, was the inspiration for this design by designers Tomoko Azumi & Barbara Etter. It combines Japanese formal awareness with the tradition of the writing desk. The result is a timeless piece of furniture that offers space for laptops as well as fountain pens and paper. We don’t know whether you will win an intergalactic war with your At-At. But you are guaranteed to emerge victorious in the battle for a tidy and stylish workplace.
Mirrör mirror from RÖTHLISBERGER
Peter Röthlisberger
Keys, wallet … and one last look in the mirror. We celebrate this ritual every day before we leave the house. With our Mirrör mirror, this is done in a dignified setting. Mirrör’s slightly conical frame gives the mirror its elegant touch. It widens organically at the bottom to form a shelf, providing the perfect place for valuable accessories. With Mirrör, looking in the mirror is transformed from a casual habit into a moment of daily pleasure.
Max bed from RÖTHLISBERGER
Stefan Zwicky
Max is a solid wood bed with a practical plug-in system for assembly, visually impressively simple, yet extremely complex and sophisticated in its construction. A headboard is available as an option, as is the bedside table with integrated drawer, which can be hung effortlessly in the frame and positioned as required. As an alternative to the widely used box-spring beds, Max is a classic and everlastingly modern.
Perfo bed from RÖTHLISBERGER
Hans Eichenberger
Sleeping should be simple. Refreshing, effortless and timeless. The legendary Swiss designer Hans Eichenberger has packed all these qualities into our Perfo bed. The lying surface is perforated and covered with needle felt, which ensures good ventilation of the mattress. The bed is available with wooden legs or chrome steel runners and the headboard is adjustable. Dating from 1958, Perfo is the oldest design in the Röthlisberger collection and is therefore truly timeless.
Block 2 lighting collection from RÖTHLISBERGER
Henry Pilcher
There are two sides to every story. Or more, depending on how many sides you illuminate it from. Our Block 2 luminaire can be positioned in twenty different ways thanks to its delicate solid wood construction made of smoked oak. The lampshade is based on the old lamps from the legendary Australian railroad workshops „Midland Railway Workshops“ and is reinterpreted in Block 2. Whether as an atmospheric floor lamp, a pendant lamp or several blocks stacked to form a sculpture, our lamp illuminates things from every perspective.
On request, the blocks can now be easily connected: whether as a line or S-shape horizontally or vertically, in flower or grape form. There are no limits to your imagination: With our practical hanging set, you can create your own hanging sculptures that are flexible and can be individually extended at any time. With additional hooks, the block sculptures can also be used as wall lamps. Thanks to the geometry of the filigree frame, the light cone can be positioned as required. Block 2 offers endless possibilities, completely tailored to the room.
Economy combined with ecological responsibility
Our most important raw material – wood – only grows in an intact environment. This insight has made sustainability and the careful use of resources a priority for us since the beginning of our company history
A matter of course.
No wood chip falls in vain during processing: we sustainably heat 9800 square meters of production and office space on our premises exclusively with our own wood waste. This saves us 150,000 liters of heating oil every year. Modern electrostatic precipitators in the energy center ensure clean exhaust air.
We only use certified wood from sustainable cultivation. We have been working with the same local suppliers for many years. This guarantees our customers top quality and avoids long transportation routes.
Highest quality is our standard. We only produce high-quality designer furniture that often accompanies our customers for decades and is often passed on to the next generation. This is sustainability at its best.
Our own photovoltaic system produces over 330,000 kilowatt hours of environmentally friendly solar power, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of around 150 single-family homes. As a result, we cover 100 percent of our electricity consumption over the year and save 128 tons of CO2 emissions annually – which corresponds to almost 500,000 kilometers driven by car.
RÖ: Our company
We are a family business from Switzerland. What began as a simple joinery in 1928 is now a full-service provider in interior design with an in-house engineering department. The traditional workbench has given way to ultra-modern machinery that can be adapted to any conceivable project. In addition to processing wood, we plan and construct with metal, glass, stone and many other materials. We have been producing our own collection of high-quality designer furniture in collaboration with leading designers since 1977.
The tasks have become more varied and so has the company.
But many things have remained the same. For example, the Swiss quality that characterizes every product from our manufactory. Our inventive curiosity to always look for even better implementation solutions. The close collaboration with architects and designers, from which many valuable friendships have grown. And the aspiration to implement every furniture design in the best possible way. So that it can become a design classic. Despite all the progress, it is these things that define the company. That is why Röthlisberger still stands for what we create here every day: lasting values.
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