This classic bench could be Caldera XL's granddad. The "Krobo" bench was designed by Torbjørn Afdal (1917-1999) during the 1960s and produced by Mellemstrands Trevareindustri. It was an instant success in Norway, perhaps because its ultra-minimal aesthetic rendered it uniquely flexible — this was the bench that could be anything you wanted it to be. Notice the edges that rise slightly upwards and serve as rails to guide the matching tray.
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Afdal was one of the leading designers at Norwegian design studio Bruksbo Tegnekontorer, more commonly known as Bruksbo Drawing Office. He became better known globally when his furniture was bought by U.S. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and by the Japanese Emperor. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We're finding a lot of inspiration in Krobo while we work out the details for Caldera XL. See our stories for a sneak peek of a cardboard prototype.