ADVERTORIAL 031


This image Kobi by KONK is the perfect balance of form and function


Right The blond tones of WISA’s signature Birch Ply


Bottom right The smoky shades of Black American Walnut


Kobi & Teal unveils Kobi by KONK, a plywood masterpiece with James Latham and UPM WISA


FURTHER INFO


Kobi is available from Kobi & Teal (kobiandteal.co.uk) or can be purchased directly from KONK. Find out more here: konkfurniture.com/ storage-bookcases- media/kobi-cabinet


For more information on UPM WISA Birch Ply and James Latham visit: lathamtimber.co.uk/ products/panels/ plywood/ birch-plywood/ wisa-birch-premium


KOBI BY KONK is a new piece of plywood-based furniture that showcases the very best in contemporary British design. Commissioned by luxury interior retailer Kobi & Teal, based in Somerset, this sideboard is the result of a collaboration between high-end furniture-maker KONK, leading UK timber and decors distributor James Latham and pioneering Finnish plywood brand UPM WISA. Achieving the perfect balance of form and function, Kobi contrasts the attractive, blond tones of WISA’s signature Birch Ply with the sultry, smoky shades of Black American Walnut. It’s a celebration of how solid and engineered timber seamlessly complement each other. Taking a closer look, KONK has brought out the best in these materials, demonstrating how solid and engineered timber complement each other by working in harmony. Te first thing that strikes the viewer is the furniture’s chic birch ply frame, before the eye is caught by its twin doors in Black American Walnut, scalloped to offer a textured finish and irresistibly tactile quality. As KONK’s founder, Alex Ratcliffe, says, “Te client was open to ideas, but was keen to contrast engineered and solid timber. Tey wanted to create a sideboard that celebrated the materials used, with some features interchangeable and


others permanent, yet maintaining strength, style and consistency throughout the piece.”


While he knew Black American Walnut would play a part in the project, the structural material hung in the balance, leading KONK to approach long-time distribution partner James Latham for advice. Having already supplied the former, it recommended WISA Birch Ply as the perfect accompanying product, not only to meet the requirements of the brief but to surpass them too.


He continues, “I was impressed by WISA Birch Ply from the get-go; its quality far surpasses its attractive price point, and there are few alternatives that can match it on the market. For me, the long grain surface was a massive selling point and, as you can see on the Kobi sideboard, the consistency of the finish is nothing short of impressive.” He concludes, “None of this could have happened without James Latham. We’ve been customers for years and it’s fantastic they’ve collaborated with us on this. It’s a massive shot in the arm for the UK furniture sector that they’re willing to support projects like this. Kobi truly embodies their commitment, and ongoing service to the furniture-making profession. We look forward to continuing our work with them, and WISA, in 2024 and beyond.


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