Ulap design, an Italian company engaged in the slow design sector since 2017, has recently launched its new collection of Unahi lamps. Proud of the acclaim received in the lighting sector in previous years, the company has decided to focus on the development of suspensions and appliques to recreate the play of light found while walking in the woods inside indoor spaces. Thus, the Unahi collection was born, offering much more than simple lamps.
All the products in the Unahi by Ulap design collection are created through a process that emphasizes craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. Crafted from birch plywood, each lamp is meticulously finished and assembled by hand, then treated with a special wax-vegetable oil. In the ebony and bicolor versions, the lamps are hand-ebonized with a special ebony-colored mordant. The production process of the Unahi lamps adheres to the principles of slow design, providing ample room for manual craftsmanship.
The Unahi lamp collection by Ulap design includes nine unique objects:
• Unahi 1.0 (available in three versions: natural, ebony, and bicolor) – a suspension lamp born from a playful moment, composed of 74 pieces of wood, all meticulously crafted, finished, and assembled by hand. The three Unahi 1.0 lamps evoke the shape of a pine cone and the mesmerizing play of light observed in its scales.
• Unahi 2.0 (available in two versions: natural and ebony) – a suspension lamp born from a storm, consisting of 92 pieces of wood, all expertly worked, finished, and assembled by hand. The two Unahi 2.0 lamps are inspired by the shape of a dewdrop hanging from a spider’s web thread and the kaleidoscopic play of light it offers.
• Unahi 2.1 (available in two versions: natural and ebony) – a wall and/or ceiling lamp (applique) born from an embrace, crafted from 92 pieces of wood, all skillfully worked, finished, and assembled by hand. The two Unahi 2.1 lamps draw inspiration from the shape of a raindrop hanging from a blade of grass after a stormy night.
• Unahi 3.0 (available in two versions: natural and ebony) – a suspension lamp born from a crackle, constructed from 303 pieces of wood, all artfully worked, finished, and assembled by hand. The two Unahi 3.0 lamps are inspired by the shape of a corolla and the gentle way sunlight rests upon it.
“Time, care, and craftsmanship converge to make these design objects truly one-of-a-kind high-quality pieces,” declares Cris Tumedei, CEO of Ulap, who further states, “The collection’s motto is ‘as nature illuminates.’ This phrase encapsulates the profound essence of this extensive project. Like every Ulap design endeavor, the nine Unahi lamps have followed a complex design process, resulting in products that celebrate the union of Slow Design and Made in Italy.“
From its inception, the Trentino company has been dedicated to promoting the slow philosophy through its products, aiming to inspire a shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
The inspiration gradually emerged during our walks in the forests of our region: the Valle di Ledro. We often found ourselves captivated by the interplay of light and wished to capture it on camera. This sparked the idea of designing a series of lamps that could recreate the same mesmerizing display of light that we are fortunate to witness every day. Imagine bringing the woodland’s light into a New York loft or a Parisian apartment. That’s how the design process began.
Andrea Pregl, co-founder and designer of Ulap design
The result is a collection of diverse yet distinctly characterized lamps with a minimal and contemporary style. This blend has allowed the Unahi by Ulap design lamps to stand out for their urban appeal, making them perfect for those seeking impactful, natural, and unconventional design.