Artek: from Helsinki to Antwerp

From Helsinki to Antwerp: we’re proud to announce espoo. as a premium Artek partner!

To prepare for this collaboration with Artek, we dove into the city where the brand originates: Helsinki. Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto helped shape the culture of Finland when he co-founded Artek in 1935 — and our team member Toon was lucky enough to explore the world of Artek and with that, the world of Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino.

Alvar Aalto Architect Studio in Tiilimäki neighbourhood of Munkkiniemi, Helsinki

Together with other retailers from Belgium, Netherlands and France, we visited Alvar Aalto’s house and studio, the Artek Flagship Store, the Artek 2nd Cycle Store, the Artek factory in Turku, and the masterpiece that is Paimio Sanatorium. This trip left us feeling immensely inspired to introduce this timeless brand to many homes and spaces.

Alvar and Aino Aalto's house in Tiilimäki neighbourhood of Munkkiniemi, Helsinki

Paimio Sanatorium in Paimio, a former tuberculosis hospital designed by Alvar Aalto

No sooner said than done, we have created a versatile and diverse setting in our showroom with the core Artek DNA in mind, carefully curated to fit the espoo. look and feel — call it the perfect blend between Scandinavian living and eccentric Kloosterstraat vibes.

Our showroom in Kloosterstraat, Antwerp

Our concept is built around three prominent visuals. Firstly, the dark yellow colour of the Kori Light. Next, the iconic zebra pattern, introduced into the Artek collection in 1935 after Aina Aalto discovered the pattern on her European travels, and created by Bauhaus weaver and designer Otti Berger. Exotic and striking! And lastly, the material Artek is known for: birch, straight out of the Finnish woods.

We’re ready for a bright future ahead with Artek!

→ Shop Artek here