Cover Story Stelton New from Stelton is the Brus wall-mounted carbonator. Its designer Søren Refsgaard, a life-long advocate of the Danish design tradition, shares the inspirations behind the product, and how it taps into the well-being trend for better hydration
Sparkling design Søren, the Brus wall-mounted carbonator is your latest design for Stelton. Tell us about its functionality. The Brus carbonator is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It allows you to create sparkling water and soda at home using reusable bottles. You can easily adjust the carbonation level by turning the carbonation knob. The wall-mounted version saves counter space, and it is sleek, and the
cylindrical form makes it practical to use. Fasten the bottle on to the machine, carbonate by using the knob, and to release the bottle from the machine, simply unscrew it. It’s not just functional, it is beautiful. What inspired the aesthetics of the design? Growing up with Danish design, I developed a love for clean lines and functionalism. My goal was to create a product that is simple
The Brus carbonator is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing
Meet the designer...
Søren Refsgaard graduated from Design Seminariet in Højer, Denmark in 2003, establishing his own design studio in Copenhagen later that year. Refsgaard primarily focuses his work upon lighting, furniture and accessories for the home. He is deeply influenced by the simplicity and functionality from the Skandinavian design tradition, an inheritance always clearly shown in his work. 14 KITCHENWARE INTERNATIONAL
in both function and design. I aimed to remove all unnecessary elements without losing its character or soul. The shape of the carbonator is inspired by Stelton’s classic design, which is evident in its appearance. I strive to make my designs subtle companions in everyday life. Brus is the latest in a string of designs from you for Stelton. Why choose a water carbonator for your most recent design? So actually Stelton approached me and asked if I could design a soda maker. I embraced the design challenge, and it became clear to me that that people everywhere are increasingly seeking products that foster a healthier lifestyle and encourage more mindful consumption. Being able to make your own sparkling water and soda at home using reusable bottles is not only practical but also better for the environment. How does the product tap into the lifestyle trend for better hydration? There is a growing awareness about the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
I aimed to create something easy and appealing for making your own sparkling water or soda, and hopefully inviting enough to encourage frequent use. How would you define your overall design philosophy? For me, there is a fine line between simplicity and banality. That balance is what I explore with every product I create. How much can I strip away without the design losing its character or soul? Having grown up with the Danish design tradition of clean lines and functionalism, I inherently create products that are simple in both function and design. However, I constantly seek new perspectives and approaches to enhance my work. Which Stelton product not designed by yourself do you admire, and why? I do admire Stelton’s classic Cylinda Line designed by Arne Jacobsen. It is an icon of Danish design with its clean lines and practical features. The balance between form and function that it represents is something I have aspired to achieve in my own work.