Interview about Focal Bookcase, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2025
The Focal bookcase combines neoclassical symmetry with Art Deco elegance, featuring metal columns and asymmetrical chamfered shelf edges for a dynamic yet balanced look. Drawing inspiration from architectural rhythm, it merges classic refinement with modern craftsmanship. Precision-cut and hand-finished surfaces ensure a smooth texture, while hidden connection points provide structural integrity, creating the illusion of floating shelves and enhancing the design’s refined aesthetic.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsMy visit to Paris in 2023 gave me the chance to explore the subtle elegance of neoclassical buildings and the decorative richness of Art Deco interiors. What fascinated me most was how symmetry and ornamentation could feel both grand and restrained. These influences naturally found their way into the design of the Focal Bookcase. The vertical brass columns and balanced shelf arrangement reflect this harmony. Rather than directly replicating historical details, I aimed to reinterpret their essence in a clean, modern language that still carries a sense of timeless beauty.
Creating the illusion of floating shelves was both a design goal and a technical challenge. We wanted the shelves to feel weightless, yet they still had to support books and objects securely. To make that happen, we developed a hidden steel support system inside the brass columns and the shelf edges. Ensuring precision during production was key so that everything aligned perfectly without visible hardware. It took some trial and error, but in the end, we were able to achieve a balance between visual lightness and reliable structure.
The asymmetrical chamfering on the shelves adds a layer of movement to the piece. It’s subtle, but it changes the way light plays across the surface and gives the bookcase a dynamic quality from different angles. The idea came from architectural details I observed in Paris, especially how angled lines can soften rigid forms and create interesting shadows. This approach helped us give the bookcase a more sculptural feel, while still keeping it functional and elegant.
From the beginning, we knew we wanted to blend advanced technology with handcrafted details. CNC cutting gave us the precision needed for clean shelf edges and tight brass fittings, while the final assembly and finishing were done by hand to bring warmth and character. We tried to let each method do what it does best. Machines provided consistency, and the craftspeople gave the bookcase its unique feel. This balance between the two was key to achieving the refined, high-quality finish we were after.
For us, luxury isn’t just about materials. It’s also about how a piece functions in real life. With the Focal Bookcase, we wanted to create something that feels refined and special, but also truly useful. That meant paying attention to things like shelf spacing, closed storage, and material durability. At the same time, we worked hard on the proportions and detailing to make sure the design felt elevated. It’s this balance, practical and poetic, that reflects what QZENS stands for.
Choosing the right materials was an important part of creating the overall mood of the piece. We selected a rich, patinated oak veneer for its natural texture and timeless look. It feels familiar and warm, which balances nicely with the cool elegance of the satin-brass finishes. We didn’t want anything to feel too glossy or too flat. The aim was to create a quiet luxury, something that doesn’t shout for attention but rewards you the more time you spend with it.
The closed compartment at the bottom provides a strong base, both visually and functionally. It anchors the piece and offers hidden storage for things that don’t need to be on display. In contrast, the open shelves above allow for more expression such as books, objects, or personal collections. We liked this layered approach, where the bookcase works on multiple levels and adapts to different needs. It also creates a nice architectural rhythm, echoing classical building principles in a subtle way.
We arrived at these dimensions through a combination of design intent and real-world usability. We wanted the piece to feel substantial enough to hold its own in a space, without being overwhelming. The height provides plenty of vertical storage, while the width and depth are optimized for comfort and accessibility. These measurements also make it versatile for different interiors.
One interesting moment during the process was when we saw how the brass columns interacted with ambient light. In early prototypes, the reflections were more intense than expected, so we adjusted the finish and spacing to soften the effect. Another discovery came from how people interacted with the shelf heights. Many wanted to store not just books, but larger items like art books or decorative pieces. These small, real-life insights helped us refine the design into something more responsive and well-rounded.
The Focal Bookcase feels like a natural step forward in our journey at QZENS. It reflects our ongoing interest in blending classical references with modern living needs. I think pieces like this show that luxury can come from thoughtful details, material honesty, and emotional connection. I hope this design encourages others to explore the richness of architectural history and find new ways to bring it into contemporary furniture. For us, it’s about creating designs that feel rooted, yet forward-looking.
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