Does the world need another chair?
If that chair is made by Alki the answer is, most definitely, yes.

Nestled in Larresoro, Northern Pays Basque, Alki’s new destination dedicated to furniture crafting has just opened its doors to the world. Through a rainy Basque morning the building emerges like a ‘techno-fish’ from outer space, its scaled aluminium facade a stark contrast with the kitsch Labordian style so familiar with the local architecture. The Basque furniture manufacturer’s new space welcomes you with an ‘Egun on, Hello, Bonjour’ into a world of high design.

Conceived by architects Leibar & Seigneurin, the workshop called ‘Lantokia’ meaning ‘the place where we work’ in Basque, combines elegant offices, with boutique, cafe, showroom and manufacturing facility placing Basque design firmly on the map and elevating it to an international level. It's a cultural breath of fresh air making the visit-curate-shop-eat experience worth the mission. At a 12million € investment the workshop is the most ambitious project Alki has undertaken to date. Founded in 1981, by Peio Uhalde, with an activist vision to create a resilient opportunity “to live and work in the Basque Country”, especially for younger generations who had no alternative but to head to the city lights. Double the size of their previous workshop, this net zero building is a transformation for the company.

You should have seen Alki’s space before…it was like a cave” 

Vigilant and passionate, their creative director Jean-Louis Iratzoki whose attention to detail knows no bounds, guided me through the space. His enthusiasm for creativity is infectious. With stunning views over the valley we explore the showroom. Minimal lines and beautiful products are encircled by metres of translucent fabric walls, giving a sense of the ephemera. Furniture collections for the home, hospitality or hunkering down to work are exhibited alongside an insight into their design partnerships: the  Form Us With Love ATAL chair bringing a Scandi touch; the Bibolina Collection with Julie Richoz standout, amongst others.

Textile samples alongside wood stain options allows both the professional and private client to create their own Alki experience. Embedded in artisanal heritage, an exhibition homage to Nestor Basterretxea includes his 1961 ‘UHIN’ stool - contemporary replicas of which are readily available in the boutique. The shopping experience includes second hand Alki furniture alongside beautiful product collaborations with local artisans; a recent basque linen collab with Maison Jean Vier the latest in Alki’s lifestyle product range - there’s something for everyone.

What’s that?” I ask, pointing to an intriguing stone object. Iratzoki laughs. “It’s a waste stone from the local quarry, beautiful isn’t it - it looks like a sculpture - We should sell them…” No opportunity is missed to elevate the everyday.

Sustainability is at the core of this new construction. Engineered to take full advantage of the sun path, the workshop optimises natural light through large glazed openings with angled shutters. High-performance insulation means temperature and air quality are controlled, eliminating the need for a cooling or heating system. With this efficiency embedded and 100% renewable energy supplied by Enargia, Lantokia is light on its operational footprint. Solar panels will soon cover all the workshop’s energy needs.

Alki’s products are recognised by France’s Living Heritage label for their exceptional artisanal and industrial know-how; and the company has gained the Ecovadis Gold certification based on their sustainability management, positioning them in the top 5%. Materials and craftsmanship are sourced as locally as possible: woven chestnut wood from the Urola valley around Azpeitia, timber from the Loire Valley - some ordered two years in advance to enable the plywood process to dry and hold. All furniture is made to order meaning minimal stock.

Saving the best until last, we walk the workshop floor, full with the latest CNC, sanding, upholstering and painting machines manned by focused and friendly workers. Assembled furniture is stained to the desired colour via an aerial conveyor belt system, chairs and tables moving through space with ballet-esque finesse. This is industrial beauty in motion when the cogs are turning. Honestly, I’ve never seen a workshop like it.

The ambition and dedication to design detail, mirroring the likes of Jasper Morrison and Thomas Heatherwick is unrivalled in the Pays Basque. Alki’s CEO, Eñaut Jolimon de Haraneder compounds this with his vision to “foster job creation and place a strong emphasis on the impact of our actions, our cooperative ALKI is deeply rooted in the Basque Country, guided by ambitious environmental and societal commitments.

Over the past 10 years living in the Northern Pays Basque, I’ve been immersing myself in the region’s design-driven creativity and rich artisanal heritage - and there’s a lot to offer.

At URGE we’re gauging interest for an immersive long weekend of design in the Pays Basque this Spring. Expect opportunities to stay, walk, talk, workshop, visit studios- with Alki as one of the key destinations. If you’re interested in joining us, get in touch with Alexie or Ella

All images © Alki

Alexie Sommer is a communication designer and sustainability strategist focusing on environmental impact in design and culture. She is a co-founder and partner at URGE Collective and co-instigator of Design Declares. More at alexiesommer.com

The link has been copied!