Material Explorations

Designer Simon Legald explored new frontiers in terms of materials in one of his newest designs for Normann Copenhagen. A composition of wood fibers and plastic turned out to be just the right quality of material for the new sturdy Chip wall hooks.

Chip is made from a mix of plastic and granulated wood; an unconventional choice of material, which creates an interesting balance between the synthetic and the natural. The plastic and wood composite is often used in flooring for terrace decks and valued for its long-lastingness and durability.


Inspired by the unusual material, designer Simon Legald set out to translate the good qualities of the material into a new context.

“I had for a long time wanted to do something with this composite material. It has a very long lifetime, and can withstand tough weather and wear, so I thought it could be interesting to put it into a new context,” designer Simon Legald explains about his new design for Normann Copenhagen.


Chip hooks in small, medium and large size. 


NEW MATERIAL CONTEXTS


“I like looking into materials from different industries. Taking something from one context and putting it into another, can create something very interesting and allows you to see it with new eyes,” the designer tells us. 


After spotting the material in extruded floors, it was the way the material is manufactured that caught Simon’s attention. “If you take a look at these outdoor floors in this composite material, you will see they have concave lines, to make sure that if they get wet you have a better grip,” Simon Legald explains. 


This idea is also passed on to the design of the Chip hooks: “The lines that are raised above the rest of the surface provide a better grip when hanging clothes in light or smooth materials,” he says, explaining how Chip is the perfect hook for silk nightgowns and thin scarfs that always seem to slip off hooks.




An attractive combination of natural tones and industrial imagery characterizes the new Chip hook family that is designed with a conscious attention to details. The scattered wood fibers give the hook its natural expression, while the shape creates an interesting contrast, reminiscent of industrial products like a cog or a wheel. 


Hang the rounded hooks on the wall in one straight line experimenting with its different sizes and subdued colors, or go all in and create a pattern across the wall!


Chip hooks in subdued, earthy tones. 

Chip comes in three sizes in matt black, warm grey and nature, and will be available in stores and online this Fall. While waiting for this novelty, you can explore all our hook designs below.