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Hwam
The designers Henrik Sørig and Tobias Jacobsen

Design built on clear communication

Design is key for HWAM. That's why we place high demands on the level of creativity and technical understanding in the people we choose to work with. Tobias Jacobsen and Henrik Sørig Thomsen are two experienced industrial designers who, with several HWAM wood burning stove series behind them, have already proven they know how to give a product both a beautiful exterior and a well-thought-out interior.

 

Henrik Sørig Thomsen Designstudio is located in charming premises in Aarhus. On product design, Henrik works with Tobias Jacobsen Design, who is based in Copenhagen. Together they formed the company Sørig & Jacobsen I/S.

 

The design duo has had a major influence on HWAM's product range for the past 2 decades.

Design

Innovation

"Even though we are very different as people, when it comes to design, we agree on most things," says Henrik.

 

Together, the pair have developed a very personal design philosophy. In their constant effort to improve the user’s experience of form and function, they have taken inspiration from the likes of B&O, IKEA and great Danish designers such as Arne Jacobsen. The wood burning stoves that the pair have developed for HWAM reflect their passion for innovation.

And innovation was very much in evidence when the designers and HWAM introduced the Figaro, Carmen and Othello models in the early 00s:

 

"The most eye-catching feature of the wood burning stoves is probably the striking front with a 5-degree curve", says Tobias
"And the idea for it came about when we started looking at how we could make the flames more visible.”

 

These thoughts led to the first stove designs having a slightly "protruding" combustion chamber with a large curved glass door.

 

"By giving the wood burning stove's "body" an inward curve, we tried to "reach out" to users and invite them to sit around the fire - just like you would around an old-fashioned camp fire," Henrik adds.

 

The overall impression of the wood burning stoves that have passed through the designers’ hands is one of simplicity, harmony and clean lines. The long vertical stainless steel handle, the hidden ash pan and the convection holes in both the top and bottom are recognisable features, and all of which help make the wood burning stoves efficient and give them a distinctive and modern design.

Design

Good design...

Good design is always the result of clear communication and an exciting creative process. For the two designers, this means that there must be room to both think about the customer's needs and immerse themselves in technical details.

 

"Whatever you design should be based on the consumers' daily lives, realities and desires... While this may sound basic, it’s far from obvious to achieve." Tobias Jacobsen

After the first design projects with HWAM in the 00s, the designers had the following to say:

"Vision and attitude;

When we work, we follow the guiding principle that form should express function. The product’s purpose should be clear, as should the story you want to tell. By giving the wood burning stoves both a beautiful and expressive exterior, you can give the surrounding architecture a great counterpoint. The wood burning stoves can either accentuate or contrast the architecture of the house, but most importantly, the design is clearly considered and the stove is a beautiful and personal choice."

 

"What we are passionate about;

When we work on a design, we are passionate about giving the product a sculptural look and feel that is durable from all angles and breaks away from the usual icons. But it's also important that the process is based on an attitude to what the wood burning stove represents. After all, a wood burning stove is much more than a lifestyle product, and we study buildings, sculptures and natural forms with equal interest while thinking about how to save energy. One of the ways to do this is by designing products with a long lifespan, through thoughtful and sustainable design."

 

"The collaboration with HWAM;

When we meet with HWAM to adapt the model and design to the technology, it is done with a respect and attention that goes both ways, precisely because it is in everyone's interest that form and function come together as one. Together with HWAM's top engineers, we search for the best and most attractive solution. It's incredibly exciting and almost feels like you’re detectives looking for answers to the countless questions. We feel a freedom and an interest in design and we complement each other really well. There's a lot of openness and creativity from HWAM. Many ideas arise collaboratively."

 

"Thoughts on a HWAM product:

With Figaro, we wanted to create a sculptural shape that reflected the power of fire and invited the viewer in. With the 5-degree curve, we have provided a better view of the flames and framed the fire. The effect is that of a curved easel, allowing you to view the fire from the optimum angle. To soften the shape, we have rounded all the edges, something you see on good joinery furniture. We worked with HWAM's engineers to widen the combustion chamber, making room for some proper firewood and the chance to make a real fire. The heat utilisation is top-notch and we believe Figaro will provide a lovely place to gather around, a place where you can come up with your own stories, or a free space to lose yourself after a busy day."

 

"The future of wood burning stoves;

Wood burning stoves have a tendency to become retro and nostalgic. We want to go against this trend. We think it's important that we stand by the times we live in and believe we can create wellbeing and beauty in the present without having to rely on nostalgia to provide a cosy atmosphere. Of course, the wood burning stove should be chosen according to the architecture and setting in which it will be placed. We’d like to note here that older architecture doesn't necessarily require a retro-looking wood burning stove. A more exciting look often comes in the mix between old and new....”