An update is available

It began when during their studies at Weimar’s Bauhaus University, Philipp Schöpfer and Daniel Klapsing kept knocking their shins on an Eiermann table base. The absence of pain doesn’t seem like a very high standard for a table. It was this realization that led to the Easy Table: A model with legs that, thanks to a slight outward angle, offers more legroom. The table is as light, practical and simple to produce as its role model and a real alternative to the design classic.

All of MY KILOS’ furniture and accessories are made in Europe: most in Germany, and from naturally aging materials such as untreated wood, raw copper and stone. They speak a very clear and clean visual language and work just as good in private apartments as in offices. Their focus is on functionality and sustainability. Yet, steel–a material frequently included in their designs–isn’t known as the most economic or ecofriendly of materials. “A misconception,” says Philipp Schöpfer. “99 percent of steel gets recycled.”

The design approach of the label that emerged from the “My Bauhaus is better than yours” collective can best be summed up as “redesign”. In other, more modern words: An update is available. A lot of designs are based on specific models: Jean Prouvé’s EM Table from 1950 inspired the Busy Table, Jasper Morisson’s Ply Chair MY KILOS’ Chair #3. “We keep what we like about a design,” says Daniel Klapsing about this effectively conservative approach, “and update the rest.” Respect for the elders? Absolutely. But far from paralyzing awe.

The most remarkable MY KILOS product isn’t based on a design classic. With its unique selling point, Hang Jack draws its inspiration from an industry standard, re-contextualizing and giving new meaning to the multi-outlet power strip. Hang Jack practically turns a so far unquestioned practice on its head: the hiding of cables of lamps, computers or chargers, which in times of co-working spaces, open offices and fluid working conditions seems increasingly impractical.

“And still, cables appear as something embarrassing, that unfortunately is necessary,” says Klapsing. Hang Jack downright exhibits them. Hung over desks, kitchen units or dinner tables, it can accommodate up to 14 devices. MY KILOS’ accessories can turn it into a light source or it could be equipped with LAN- and USB modules. An update–without tangled wires, without complicated and expensive cable laying, and with more flexibility for everyone. Hang Jack might just become a design classic itself.