Limited-edition design objects
We give aviation materials a new lease of life with our Upcycling Collections from Lufthansa, Austrian and SWISS! In collaboration with the airlines and various European producers, we have been creating limited-edition accessories and items of furniture from aircraft skin, headrest covers and uniforms since 2019. Discover all our product highlights now.
An interview with Product Developer Melanie Striewski
What was the biggest challenge you faced when transforming the Lockheed Super Star components into new products?
The biggest challenge was combining technical components with our aesthetic standards. Every aircraft element carries its own history – we wanted to carry this over to a new design in a visible and meaningful way. The balancing act between respecting history and bringing about a modern transformation made the process exciting and complex.
How do you integrate the Lockheed Super Star’s legacy into your product designs?
We take a deliberately restrained approach to borrowing its characteristic lines, materials and details. Many aircraft elements came to us in an unpainted, raw form – we made a conscious decision not to refine them in order to do justice to their origins. As a result, the collection was created in the original green colour and with the authentic character of the Super Star.
How important was your collaboration with the engineers?
It’s thanks to the team who restored the Lockheed Super Star that the collection was possible at all. Their knowledge of the history and functions of the components gave us access to historical materials and profound technical insights. Working in close collaboration with them gave our products noticeably greater depth and authenticity.
Is there a component that particularly inspired you – and how did it become a creative highlight?
The part that I found most fascinating was the hydraulic level sensor. A float was used to indicate the fuel level mechanically: when the oil level decreased, the float moved up. You can still hear the soft tapping sound made by the freely suspended float – an indication of its stability despite any vibrations. This component shows how valuable it is to leave products with their original functionality intact as far as possible, something that is a key inspiration for this collection.
Is there a component that particularly inspired you – and how did it become a creative highlight?
The part that I found most fascinating was the hydraulic level sensor. A float was used to indicate the fuel level mechanically: when the oil level decreased, the float moved up. You can still hear the soft tapping sound made by the freely suspended float – an indication of its stability despite any vibrations. This component shows how valuable it is to leave products with their original functionality intact as far as possible, something that is a key inspiration for this collection.
SWISS Recraft Collection
The history of the iconic Airbus A321
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Discover the first unique pieces made from the iconic SWISS Airbus A321 with the registration HB-IOC. “IOC” stands for International Olympic Committee, as the plane was emblazoned with the Olympic rings for a year. After 27 years of service, the HB-IOC landed for the last time in Zürich in 2022. The uniqueness of this handmade collection is down to its minimalist design and the functionality of the accessories, which can still be recognised as former aircraft parts, bringing the spirit of aviation into your home.
Faithful everyday companions from Austrian
