Softness in Solid Form: How Studio TOOJ’s DUK Collection Transforms Wood and Mycelium into Draped Illusions
What if wood could look like cloth? That’s the intriguing question explored by design duo Ashley and Johan Wilén-Jong in their latest sculptural collection: DUK, by Studio TOOJ. Based in Stockholm, the studio blends surrealist inspiration with sustainable innovation, reimagining furniture design in bold, unexpected ways.
Taking its name from the Swedish word duk (meaning “tablecloth”), the DUK series features furniture that visually resembles flowing fabric, yet is meticulously crafted from solid wood and bio-engineered materials. This dynamic illusion bridges the gap between fluidity and structure, art and utility.
A Vision Rooted in Surrealism
The DUK collection is born from a surrealist lens—blurring the lines between what’s solid and what appears soft. Inspired by the dreamlike work of Salvador Dalí, Ashley Wilén-Jong channeled her fascination with illusion and abstraction into a furniture line that makes viewers do a double take.
From floating side tables to sculptural pedestals, every piece in the collection mimics the folds and drapes of a tablecloth caught mid-motion. The magic lies not only in the carved wooden base but in the surface texture, which resembles fabric but is made from a futuristic biomaterial.
Reishi™: Mushroom-Based Innovation
A key feature of the DUK collection is its use of Reishi™, a sustainable, leather-like biomaterial cultivated from mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms. This new material offers the softness and flexibility of textiles while maintaining durability and structure.
Unlike traditional leather or synthetic materials, Reishi™ is grown in a controlled environment, allowing its texture, thickness, and strength to be tailored to each piece. Studio TOOJ uses it not just as a surface layer, but as a tactile element that enhances the illusion of draped fabric over sculpted wood.
Sculpting the Unexpected
What sets DUK apart is its ability to challenge our sensory expectations. The tables and pedestals may appear delicate and fabric-like, but they are rigid, weight-bearing forms. This contrast creates a visual tension that invites interaction and exploration.
Each element—from the curves of the wood to the soft matte finish of the biomaterial—is designed to evoke curiosity. These pieces don’t simply furnish a space; they transform it. They blur the lines between furniture and fine art, between natural and fabricated, between perception and reality.
A Statement in Sustainable Design
Beyond its aesthetic brilliance, the DUK collection marks a forward leap in sustainable furniture design. By adopting biomaterials like Reishi™, Studio TOOJ is pushing the industry toward a future where luxury and sustainability coexist. The studio proves that high-concept design can still be rooted in eco-conscious principles.
This collection isn’t just about how furniture looks—it’s about how materials are sourced, how they perform, and how they shape the future of design thinking.
Conclusion
Studio TOOJ’s DUK collection is a poetic fusion of illusion, craftsmanship, and environmental innovation. By using carved wood and mushroom-based biomaterials to replicate the softness of draped cloth, the designers have created more than just furniture—they’ve sparked a new conversation around texture, form, and sustainability.
The DUK series is more than a product line. It’s a sculptural narrative that transforms the way we view solid materials. A whisper of softness in a structured world.
FAQs
Q: What materials are used in the DUK collection?
A: The DUK collection uses carved wood combined with Reishi™, a sustainable biomaterial made from mycelium that mimics the texture of soft leather or fabric.
Q: What inspired the visual style of the DUK series?
A: The collection draws inspiration from surrealist art, particularly the works of Salvador Dalí, aiming to create the illusion of fluid fabric in solid forms.
Q: Is the DUK collection environmentally friendly?
A: Yes, it features Reishi™, a biodegradable and sustainable material developed using fungal mycelium, offering an eco-conscious alternative to traditional finishes.
Q: Are the pieces in the DUK series functional furniture or sculptural art?
A: They are fully functional pieces of furniture, designed with both practicality and artistic expression in mind.
Q: Can the Reishi™ surface be customized?
A: Yes, the material can be tailored in thickness, texture, and color to match specific design needs, allowing for versatile applications in future furniture concepts.
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