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.
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.
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.
interlacing techniques assemble discrete elements into cohesive forms
multiple crafts converge through a shared construction logic
wood, metal, and textile elements are connected through braided systems
objects are constructed through sequences of interwoven components
braiding generates volume from linear elements
each piece reflects a balance between rigidity and flexibility
surface and structure are resolved through the same technique
glass, ceramic, and fiber respond to applied tension
diverse materials are unified through a consistent assembly logic
hand fabrication guides material behavior and expression
traditional techniques are adapted to multi-material compositions
interwoven systems define both detail and overall form
project info:
name: TRENZAR
designer: Laura García – Marlot Baus | @marlotbaus, Natalia Ortega – Worn Studio | @worn_studio_
event: Milan Design Week 2026
location: Baggio Military Hospital, Casa delle Suore C4, Via Giovanni Labus 10, Alcova, Milan
dates: April 20th – April 26th, 2026
campaign:
creative & art direction: Claudia Longarte | @claudialongarte
photographer: Cèlia Andrés | @celiandres_
videographer: Sara Guerrero | @sara___guerrero
production assistant: Olivia Hausmann | @oliviahausmann_
lights: Joan Vitores | @vito.bcn
lights assist: Guillem Take | @guillemag.07
color: Mario Lorente | @mariohace.elcolor
sound design: Caramba Studios | @carambastudios
talent: Angels | @angelsjdb
styling: Ana Floubet | @anafloubet
styling assist: Ana Rodrigo | @___arodrigo
hair direction and design: Sonam Solanki | @sonamsolanski
hair execution team: Johny Dean | @johnydean.hmua, Mechi Velasques | @mechivelasquesmakeup
hair assistant: Alicia O | @ali.mkp
make up: Ana Cano | @anacanomakeup
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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