Nude Modular by Villo Hietanen
The studio explores diverse furniture configurations and compositions across different collections, investigating themes such as multifunctionality, adaptability and modular assembly.
Nude Modular creates furniture that can be reshaped, reconfigured and integrated into existing spaces. Inspired by the customisation possibilities found in product design and gaming, adaptability became a guiding principle of the studio’s approach. Using universal components that can be assembled in multiple configurations and customised with different colour finishes.
Villo Hietanen is an emerging product and furniture designer of Scandinavian heritage and a first-generation Australian. In 2022, he founded Nude Modular, a Melbourne-based studio focused on minimalist, modular furniture and the exploration of materiality and form through experimentation. In conversation with Architravels, he shares insights into his design approach and the ideas behind Nude Modular.
"In 2020 I had a dream about a piece of furniture. When I awoke, I immediately had to try and recreate the piece I saw in my dream. Ever since then I’ve been chasing that feeling of finding new ideas and bringing them into reality."
Villo describes his design process as one that begins with an initial idea, which gradually develops, evolves or becomes more refined. He may carry an idea with him for weeks, sometimes even months, before reaching a defining moment:
"Usually something clicks that really makes me want to create it. Once this happens I can’t think about anything else other than building the idea. It’s that punishing feeling of urgency. Then once I have a free moment I hyper-focus on creating it."
As the process develops, Villo sketches the design freehand to scale onto MDF, using the resulting form as a template for routing the plywood components. This hands-on approach allows him to experiment with and vary the shapes, refining them towards their final form. The process typically begins with the development of the interlocking structural elements, followed by mapping out the key connection points and determining the most efficient way to join the components. Together, these elements form the basis of each modular furniture piece.
Currently, Villo is now focusing on the broader vision for Nude Modular, centred on creating modular furniture from universal components that allow people to configure pieces according to their own needs and preferences. As he explains:
“Right now I’m working more on the bigger picture for Nude Modular. I have a clear vision for modular furniture built from universal pieces that other people can use to custom-configure their own furniture. I would love to collaborate with anyone who can help make that happen.”
Through Nude Modular, Villo Hietanen explores how modular furniture can offer greater adaptability in contemporary environments. His approach combines material experimentation, considered construction and a system of universal components that allows furniture to evolve alongside individual needs and changing spaces. Nude Modular reflects a growing interest in customisable product design, where flexibility and personal expression become integral to how furniture is conceived, made and used.
If you're interested in learning more about Nude Modular, or exploring a potential collaboration, you can visit their website to discover upcoming projects.
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PROJECT DETAILS
Name: Nude Modular
Design: Villo Hietanen
Photography: Villo Hietanen
Year: 2022
