Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
Instead of using plastic and traditional foam for the upholstery, Kee used natural rubber and coconut fibres
Like many other furniture brands in recent years, Hem regularly invites international designers to collaborate and create unique pieces that speak to its customers. This is the first time, however, that the Stockholm-based company has called on Kwangho Lee, who currently lives and works in Seoul.
“Kwangho is constantly at work and relevant, fully relying on his instincts and curiosity,” says Hem founder and CEO Petrus Palmér. “For us, any new design that gets brought to the world needs to have a unique voice and story, and to resonate deeply with the audience.”
It is no coincidence that the South Korean designer appeared to be the perfect match for the brand. “Kwangho stands out as a highly original designer and artist, someone who is motivated by creativity and craft, who draws – in a seemingly frictionless way – from ancient craft references to pop art. He applies his craft and creativity to fashion, sculpture, interior design and now industrial design.”
Having always loved hand-making things, Lee – who studied metal art and design – has his very own way of looking at everyday objects, which helps him develop new functions and meaning through his work. In 2009, at only 28 years old, Lee introduced his Obsession series that revealed how rope – through knotting techniques – could be used to shape furniture. These fascinating pieces were the starting point of the designer’s new creative adventure with Hem, which has resulted in the recently launched bold Hunk chair.
“Working with Hem for the mass market was like any other commission at the outset, but the fact that it targeted a [larger] variety of users and collectors was pretty exciting,” confesses Lee. “[This collaboration] required a slightly different way of using my time. It was a great experience because I could learn a new side of manufacturing… Shape, material, colour – all of these basic but essential elements were discussed together.”
Ideal either for a home environment or hospitality and office spaces, the Hunk chair – available in Swan, Chocolate and Icicle colours, as well as with or without oversized armrests – was almost entirely influenced by natural materials. Instead of using plastic and traditional furniture foam for the upholstery, natural rubber and coconut fibres were employed.
In addition to this piece, Lee and Hem also worked on the collection of Glyph tables, which, depending on how they are positioned – upright or on their side – can have multiple functions, including that of a side table, nightstand or hall console. Inspired by hieroglyphics, this series is an ode to Lee’s work, with metal crafting applied to sturdy sheet steel covered in a powder-coat finish of green, yellow, chocolate brown and grey-white.
While Lee’s work is part of the collections of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, these new pieces with Hem give us an opportunity to get closer to his creative world.
Five prominent designers have been selected to judge this year's milestone 11th annual identity Design Awards
In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the visionary Emirati women in the industry that are pushing boundaries
Casa Cazaux designed by Jordana Maisie Design Studio was inspired by Slim Aarons photography of post WWII Italian high society and Mediterranean-inspired coastal architecture
A Collection Where Flow Meets Form
Here's a breakdown of the 21 categories we have for this year's identity Design Awards.
How Vedra, a Boutique Project Development Consultancy is Redefining Development in the UAE
Here's how you can become a landlord and live in your property at the same time.
Lulie Fisher Design Studio Completes a Penthouse in the Intercontinental Dubai Marina
Designed by acclaimed studio Verhaal, KIRA is inspired by the Lunaria plant.
OBMI and Katara Hospitality breathe new life into a 1920s royal residence, balancing heritage and modern luxury on the eucalyptus-clad slopes of Tangiers, Morocco.
Japanese craft meets contemporary design at Kiyoshi designed by Mahsa Gholizadeh
The Design Residency programme 2025 also coincides with the Year of Handicrafts as designated by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture.