PONTUM [FURNITURE COLLECTION]
The PONTUM collection translates the power hidden within bridges into the language of objects. The designs are inspired by the remarkable structure of the Elisabeth Bridge in Budapest. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetics of the collection reflect the bridge's architectural purity.
Bridges create connections between people. The PONTUM collection aims to create objects that not only fulfil their function, but also evoke deeper emotions, serving as a reminder of the profound power of connections. Since I was a child, I was very moved by crossing this bridge. There’s something mystical about it, when the space opens up and for a brief moment, we float between two worlds.
All the objects are inspired by different parameters and characteristics of the Elisabeth bridge, including its forms and structure. The PONTUM product range consists of tables and seating furniture, that embody the natural raw beauty of solid wood.
Design: sarakele studio / Sára Kele
Manufacturer: Nezozen
Curation: Rossana Orlandi
Support: HFDA DesignLAB incubation program
Photo: HFDA / Kata Balogh , Tamás Kovács
• • •
For dimensions and product details DOWNLOAD THE CATALOGUE of the PONTUM furniture family here.
Want to put it in your project? Get in touch. The furnitures are ready for sales.
The Elisabeth Bridge has a rich historical background. The original bridge was built at the previous turn of century at 1903, designed by Albert Czekelius, Antal Kherndl and was a decorative suspension bridge of chains, with a distance of 290 meters for the opening. For two decades it was the largest chain bridge in the world. In 1945, during the Second World War the bridge was destroyed. The currently standing slender white cable bridge was built on the very same location between 1961 and 1964, designed by Pál Sávoly. This is the only bridge in Budapest which could not be rebuilt in its original form, it was reconstructed as a suspension bridge.
The colours of the collection honour the bridge’s history. As there are two defining eras in the history of the bridge the PONTUM furniture are available in two colour variations. In the white collection, the light colour of the ash wood refers to the immaculate white colour of the modern cable bridge and its floating state above the Danube. In the black collection, we invoke Yakisugi - a special ancient Japanese burning technology, referring to the chain bridge that was blown up in the war. The final surface treatment is always done with natural oils.
The chair’s unique suspension solutions drew inspiration from the remarkable cable struc- ture of the Elisabeth Bridge. The backrest not only frames the chair, but the seat is also suspended from it, referring to the supporting structure of the bridge’s pillars.
The geometric shape of the table and the spe- cial leg structure derive from the shape of the bridge and its clean and simple design. The unique wood-bent arc makes the entire structure distinctive and also very stable. The tabletop is crafted from hand-picked solid wood for the most natural and harmonious patterns.
The shape of the side table and the stool evokes the image of the bridge’s piers. The taut rope system of the stool's seating ensures a highly comfortable sitting experience, drawing visual inspiration from the cables of the bridge.
In the middle of the bench runs the trail of the Budapest section of the Danube River. The bench consists of two pieces that can be arranged in different ways, resulting in either a more organic or a structured look. The division refers to Pest and Buda on either side of the Elisabeth Bridge.
