Made from 100% sheet aluminum, ALU13 reflects the design rules I set for myself. I challenged myself to create a design without introducing other materials, which meant that hinges, locking mechanisms and all other components had to be made entirely from sheet aluminum.

This has led to a much deeper understanding of the material – what it can and cannot do. It has been a process filled with trial and error, but I believe that this kind of experimentation is the best way to learn – at least for me.

The mechanisms in the stool are quite simple. For example, I used the natural springback of aluminum to create a locking mechanism that allows the two sides to slide together easily while preventing them from coming apart. It took a long time and many iterations to get it working, but I'm happy with the result.

One of the defining features is the hinge, which is formed from a section of the seat that curves around the side. This element has been part of the design for almost the entire life of the stool. I remember talking to Metal-Henning, the craftsman who helped realize the design. He looked at the hinge and said, “Emil, what is this? It can’t be done, how are we going to do it – it has to be bent by hand.” And he was right. To attach the top to the sides, we had to bend it by hand – a process that gives each stool a personal touch.

Designed by Emil Kruse