Maxalto was founded in 1975 to accompany the development and expansion of B&B Italia.
From the outset, the new brand defined its own identity, characterized by the specialized production of high-quality furniture. The etymology of Maxalto, derived from the Venetian “massa alto”, clearly indicates its goal of excellence.
Afra and Tobia Scarpa are the leading exponents of this trend, creating a series of furniture pieces in which wood is the predominant material. Production is based on rare and ancient techniques, typical of cabinetmaking and lutherie. From a formal point of view, the research is oriented towards the past. It rediscovers classical forms to reconnect with an aesthetic rich in values, but endangered in today’s race towards modernity at all costs.
The Artona (1995), New Armony (1999), Damasco (1989) and Domino (1991) collections form the basis of a first significant core of furnishing proposals.
Wood is the material of choice. At the Misinto factory, the combination of sophisticated craftsmanship and the most advanced industrial techniques guarantees consistently high-quality production. In addition to wood, usually walnut or rosewood, there are precious burr walnut veneers and special finishes such as polyester lacquers inspired by ancient Chinese works, transparent high-gloss varnishes, and materials such as hide and leather with saddle stitching.
In 1993 Antonio Citterio began his collaboration with Maxalto with the Modus series. He interpreted the spirit of this collaboration with the Apta (1996), Simplice (2000) and AC (2002) collections, and more recently with the Febo seats and Pathos tables (2008), which complete the Apta and Simplice collections.
His creations are inspired by the beginning of the 20th century, and then find privileged references in the typologies and language of French design between the wars.
A sense of proportion, the tactile value of wood and the quality of detail are the recurring features of his many projects. In this way, he develops a large number of pieces for living and sleeping areas, coordinated with each other to offer articulated responses to different furnishing requirements.
Maxalto’s original aim of seeking the highest quality in the meeting point between sophisticated craftsmanship and advanced technology has found new expressions over time.
Shapes and signs have become more rigorous, volumes have achieved greater linearity, while a new range of wood species, from oak to wenge, in numerous finishes, right through to heat-treated ash, have effectively interpreted contemporary aesthetic trends. Avant-garde techniques also contribute to this creative continuity, such as Antonio Citterio’s latest Febo product range.
Agathos
Febo
Maxalto Store Paris
43, rue du Bac – 75007 Paris
T. 01 53 63 25 10
www.bebitalia.com
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