Matterlight Table Lamp in Brass & Ash by Boris Dennler

Swiss designer Boris Dennler was born in Lausanne in 1976. From 1999-2002, he independently studied decorating in Vevey, Switzerland, with a focus on shop fitting, though he never practiced professionally. Instead, the self-taught craftsman and product designer launched his own studio, Borislab, in Fribourg, Switzerland in 2004. He continues to work there today, focusing primarily on experimental, frequently playful furniture and lighting projects, often incorporating recycled materials or the concept of re-use. 

To date, standout projects include Nom de Bleu! Desk (2015), an angular, metal and wood desk inspired by the graphic style of Navajo motifs; as well as the Radiator Chair (2006), a series of unique, hand-bent and welded chairs made of upcycled, found radiators. Additionally, Dennler’s Woodenheap (2011) design is included in the permanent collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The surprising pieces in this series appear, at first glance, to be just as their name suggests—piles of wood. Upon further inspection, however, each is revealed as a functioning furniture object.

Dennler’s work has been exhibited abroad, notably at Ventura Lambrate in Milan (2015), Toolsgalerie in Paris (2012), and MAPP in Brussels (2012). Private and prestigious collectors such as Uli Sigg in Lucerne and the Fondation Pierre Bergé - Yves Saint Laurent, have also acquired his designs.  Dennler works for both private and public clients.