Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Goux Studio has introduced its first collection, a series of everyday objects that are designed around a plus-shape extrusion.
As its name suggests, the Plus Collection extrusion allows homeowners to create wall-mounted nightstands, shelves, hooks, mirrors and planters.
“The Plus pieces are not engineered to disappear into anonymous bits of hardware; they are designed to have their own presence, point of view and, hopefully, beauty,” says Goux Studio founder, Steven Gertner. “They are good active listeners for larger spaces and the meaningful things each object holds–books, art objects, keepsakes, plants, etc.”
Goux, which operates at the intersection of hardware and furniture, explains that the collection evolved from the studio’s exploration of the possibilities of using one form to build an entire world of objects. With the use of stainless steel, hardwood and marble add-ons, Goux reconfigures and transforms the same aluminum plus-shape design into a variety of storage and display pieces. “These pieces are practical, well-crafted and durable, but they are also extra-functional–beautiful, refined and warm objects worth keeping over a lifetime,” the company says.
The Plus Collection draws on modern architectural influences, especially the work of Mies van der Rohe, the company explains. The plus-shape itself is reminiscent of Mies’ cruciform columns in iconic projects like the German Pavilion and Villa Tugendhat. Gertner’s idea of using a single structural element to organize a flexible system, as both a functional and aesthetic project, is influenced by Mies’ work as well.
“I love the discipline, focus, and commitment of working intensively with the plus-shape, to see how far it can go and what it can do,” Gertner says. “I also love all the ways it can connect to itself and other pieces. For now, at least, it all feels like a healthy obsession.”
The Plus Collection is made with modular parts designed to be installed with basic tools. Goux says it works with local manufacturing partners in the New York area to ensure that every product performs well, aesthetically and functionally. Every piece begins with an aluminum core component, available with a raw tumbled finish as well as four complementary colors–bone, clay, graphite and oxblood. Add-on pieces are available in delicate striations of rift-sawn white oak, graphic patterning of grand antique marble, soft and irregular shapes of mirror-polished stainless steel.
The Plus Collection pieces start at $150 and are available for purchase at Goux Studio New York.
