Unique Factory and bespoke interior solutions

Berlin has been attracting creative minds like a magnet for decades, and it is not without reason that renowned designers such as Hella Jongerius and Konstantin Grcic moved their studios to the river Spree. Numerous large architectural firms also have bases in the German capital, appreciating the direct lines to local producers and partners.

Potsdamer Strasse is unquestionably one of the most famous addresses in the city, and it is precisely here in Schöneberg, at number 199, that the Unique Factory manufactory and showroom is located in the rooms of a former butcher's shop.

The name says it all, because its concept is indeed 'unique'. It's neither about mass-produced goods nor mass production. Rather, the two heads of Unique Factory, the managing directors – Mensud Bjelosevic and Mirza Music-Zander – face the challenge of finding very individual furnishing solutions for their customers. Or to give old furniture classics a new lease of life by refurbishing them. Think green!

Architects and interior designers also appreciate the carefully curated programme in the Unique Factory showroom, where personal consultations can help them find exactly the right pieces for a particular purpose, a particular room, a particular style. I asked Bjelosevic what criteria he uses to select furniture.

His answer expresses an attitude that is palpable in the rooms of the Unique Factory. ‘We are always looking for creators and special manufacturers who fit us and who approach their collections the same way we do. Of course, we pay close attention to workmanship, finishes and details – and carefully select those who manage their materials and resources sustainably and with care.’

And he is also concerned with the makers behind the designs: ‘It is important for us to be able to show the craftsmanship and the people behind it, for example, how the Bosnian family business "Zanat" show their uniqueness. With our special selection of furniture and home accessories, we stand out from our competitors.’

But unusual vintage furniture also plays a central role at Unique Factory, preserving original pieces and refurbishing them with great care: ‘Here, we not only attach importance to offering "design celebrities", but also try to give not-so-famous pieces of furniture a new shine.’ This principle – particularly in relation to protecting the environment – has become increasingly fashionable. And not only in design, but also in architecture.

French architect duo, Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal, Pritzker Prize recipients in 2021, follow a similar principle, applied to buildings: preserve, refurbish and carefully rethink instead of demolishing creating great costs and environmental pollution with new builds – a message that has already been received by many design clients and developers.

At Unique Factory, this philosophy is lived out. An emphasis on the idea of manufacture and finding tailor-made, crafted solutions for historical furniture, so that it can be used again and aesthetically enhance living and business spaces as unique, newly interpreted pieces. This very individual approach is one that is also much appreciated by numerous renowned designers.

For example, Dutch designer Hella Jongerius mentioned above. The contact came about through the manufacturer Kvadrat, which Unique Factory carries in its range. Jongerius has been working for the Danish textile company for a long time. Her first run of 'UN Lounge Chairs', which are now produced by Vitra in large series, was simple and uncomplicated.

‘We were asked if we could imagine supporting them in producing a very special, small series of these chairs in collaboration with their lab. We were immediately enthusiastic, accepted and the work began. First, we made the initial prototype, then the second. And subsequently, a small special series for various galleries and museums worldwide,’ says Bjelosevic.

Among the designs that fit perfectly into Unique Factory's programme are lamps from the 'Schwung' series. Designed and produced by the Belgian Dominique Sente and the Dutchman Rudi Nijssen, this series creates special features on walls and ceilings that set strong accents and correspond particularly well with a historical ambience

Bjelosevic and Music-Zander also support architects and interior designers in the realisation of designs for entire rooms. I asked them what their most exciting collaborations have been so far. The answer: ‘The Danish restaurant Lyst in Vejle and the Fjordenhus, which we were able to realise in collaboration with Olafur Eliasson. But also private projects like the "Historische Villa" in Potsdam or the "Buck and Breck" bar in Berlin.’

In short, if you are an architect or interior designer on the hunt for something special, you won't regret a visit to 199 Potsdamer Strasse.

© Architonic