Among the vibrant creative notes animating Milan Design Week 2024, the alchemical harmony of the Superfici Venice Collection by Materica resonates. An exhibition that, from April 15 to 21, 2024, will unveil the Venetian company’s first boiserie collection, weaving art, craftsmanship, and technology into a unique work of art that also includes one of our historic Venetian fabrics.
The Superfici Venice Collection by Materica
Materica, a Venetian company renowned for its luxury metallic surfaces, has entrusted Guardini Ciuffreda Studio with the creative direction for the launch of the Superfici Venice Collection.
This collection marks Materica’s design debut with its own line. An evolution of identity rooted in a deep connection with the territory, craftsmanship and a commitment to transform surfaces into emotions. A modular boiserie system, designed to dress any type of interior, is configured as a masterpiece of visual impact and sensory vibrations.
The result of the creative direction of Tiziano Guardini and Luigi Ciuffreda, the collection is enriched by the talent of internationally renowned designers, including Matteo Cibic, Serena Confalonieri, Antonio Pio Saracino, Draw Studio, STORAGEMILANO, and Guardini Ciuffreda Studio itself.
Each boiserie originates from a creative fusion of different processes and techniques. Metallization, achieved through high-speed melting and micronization of pure metals—from brass to bronze, copper to nickel-silver, aluminum to zinc—is combined with oxidation, laser etching, resin coating, and natural pigmentation. Layers of materials and multiple processes reveal unexpected aesthetic effects where metal adapts to the surfaces, yielding to their geometries.
Levantina Boiserie – Senatori Velvet in Gardenia Color
Bevilacqua’s Senatori velvet stars in the Levantine boiserie
Venice, with its lagoon and its blurred landscapes, becomes a source of inspiration for the collection. Among the many evocative proposals developed by the Materica Research Laboratory under the creative direction of Tiziano Guardini and Luigi Ciuffreda, the Levantina boiserie stands out.
In Levantina, a precious Venetian fabric from our Tessitura, Senatori velvet, is metallized and composed as a three-dimensional mosaic, creating a dynamic architectural volume within the architecture itself.
The name of the fabric derives from the custom of Venetian Senators in the 16th and 17th centuries to wear a toga whose design represents two heraldic symbols: the crown, indicating noble rank, and the rose, standing for honor and virtue. The ornamental motif of our Senators velvet has remained faithful to those togas, and is characterized by two stems bending to support a crown and then a corolla enclosing a stylized six-petaled rose.
Senatori Velvet in Gardenia Color
The most precious types of this velvet, called “soprarizzo” and “altobasso” or “pile-on-pile,” are still woven by hand on our 18th-century looms.
Making of Senatori “pile-on-pile” Velvet
These velvets have two different pile heights, obtained by using special metal rods, with different thicknesses, during processing. One creates the background of the fabric, while with the other creates the pattern. In soprarizzo velvet in particular, rods with a round cross-section create a pile with a rich curly effect, thus combining cut velvet and curly velvet. These special techniques allow the pile to reflect light in different ways, giving the velvet unique characteristics of three-dimensionality and depth.
Soprarizzo Senatori Velvet
Velvet, used for centuries in the boiseries of aristocratic palaces, is transformed in the Levantina collection, from a soft fabric to a new and different material through metallization, creating precious surfaces, lively and organic, capable of enveloping spaces and shaping ever new worlds.
These architectural works of art embody the elegance and luxury that define the Venetian spirit. Focusing on the fusion of art, craftsmanship and technology, this collection is an excellent demonstration of creativity and innovation in the world of contemporary design.
Materica and Guardini Ciuffreda Studio: demiurges and laborers, artists and alchemists
The Venetian company Materica, with forty years of experience in the world of design, architecture and luxury, specializes in luxury metal surfaces. An artistic soul and an aesthetic eye come together to create works that take shape through chemistry. It is rooted in deep ties to the land, craftsmanship and a commitment to transforming surfaces into emotions. Its commitment to excellence is reflected not only in the quality of its products, but also in its dedication to sustainability and innovation.
This mission mirrors that of Guardini Ciuffreda Studio, which focuses on innovation, environmental impact and the creation of value for society. Led by the talented designers Tiziano Guardini and Luigi Ciuffreda, the Studio brings its unique and innovative vision to the Superfici Venice Collection by Materica.
The Materica location at Milan Design Week 2024
The context in which the collections will be presented has been curated by Mosca&Partners. For the location, they chose an industrial space on the Darsena, in the heart of modern Milan. This choice is no coincidence: the space offers a unique atmosphere that perfectly matches the aesthetics and theme of the collection. The installation, entrusted to Park Associati, and Nathalie Du Pasquier’s site-specific project entitled “Corridor” create an evocative environment for the presentation of the Superfici Venice Collection. An event not to be missed!
Milan Design Week 2024
April 15 – 21
Design Variations | Viale Gorizia, 14
For press office communications and image requests, please contact:
Moosso – Strategic PR and Communication
materica@moossopr.com t. +39.02.3675.1875
Cover Photo: Levantina Boiserie in Ibisco Color Senatori Velvet
