braiding structures material and form in TRENZAR at Alcova 2026

 

TRENZAR is a collection presented by Barcelona-based furniture studio Marlot Baus at Alcova during Milan Design Week 2026, exhibited at the Baggio Military Hospital, Casa delle Suore C4. Developed by Laura García, founder of Marlot Baus, in collaboration with designer Natalia Ortega of Worn Studio, the project brings together contributions from nine Spanish artisans working across wood, iron, ceramic, silver, embroidery, blown glass, and wicker.

 

The collection examines braiding as both a construction method and an organizing principle. Through interlacing techniques, individual elements are assembled into structural compositions, where material continuity and connection define the form. This approach positions braiding as a means of generating volume and spatial coherence from discrete components.

interlaced wood, metal, and fiber explore braiding as construction method in trenzar series - 1
all images by Cèlia Andrés

 

 

interlacing techniques connect wood, metal, glass, and textile

 

Each piece reflects a process rooted in manual fabrication, where repetition, tension, and alignment shape the final object. The emphasis on handwork highlights the role of gesture and sequence in the making process, with materials responding directly to the applied techniques. Across the collection, different crafts are brought into dialogue through a shared focus on interwoven structures.

 

Developed by Laura García, founder of Marlot Baus, in collaboration with designer Natalia Ortega of Worn Studio, TRENZAR project extends beyond a single material language, incorporating a range of mediums while maintaining consistency through technique. Wood, metal, glass, and textile elements are treated through processes that prioritize surface, tactility, and structural interdependence. This results in objects where material expression is closely tied to method of assembly.

interlaced wood, metal, and fiber explore braiding as construction method in trenzar series - 2
braiding operates as both structure and surface across the collection

 

 

reinterpreting craftsmanship through contemporary design

 

TRENZAR continues Marlot Baus’ ongoing exploration of the relationship between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship. The studio focuses on producing furniture and objects that integrate established techniques with current design approaches, maintaining an emphasis on material research and fabrication processes.

 

Natalia Ortega’s contribution reflects her broader practice at Worn Studio, which centers on the reinterpretation of craft through industrial design methodologies. Her work spans furniture, objects, and tableware, often combining materials such as clay, wood, stone, leather, and glass to explore their structural and cultural properties.

 

Presented within the context of Alcova, the collection situates craft-based production within a contemporary exhibition framework, emphasizing process, collaboration, and material articulation across disciplines.

interlaced wood, metal, and fiber explore braiding as construction method in trenzar series - 3
interlacing techniques assemble discrete elements into cohesive forms

interlaced wood, metal, and fiber explore braiding as construction method in trenzar series - 4
multiple crafts converge through a shared construction logic