Wood: Another Look
W-Eye Frames
If you think you've seen it all when it comes to wood, take another look. These applications showcase wood at its most versatile, varied and vibrant, and in its various moods and modes. These projects show that wood can be virtually all things to all people: a sculptural medium, a structural element, a design component, an architectural firmament.
Some of these concepts were inspired by wood, some by nature; others use wood in intriguing, imaginative and innovative ways. The applications highlight the visual, sensory, tactile and inspirational power as well as the immense, amazing range of wood.
PROJECT: W-Eye Frames
WOOD: Wenge (Millettia laurentii), Macassar Ebony (Diospyros spp.), Sapele (Entandrophragma spp.), Khaya/African Mahogany (Khaya spp.), Zebrawood (Microberlinia brazzavillensis)
CREATORS: Doriano Mattellone, Matteo Ragni
Inspired by wood or inspired by fashion? Both, according to master carpenter Doriano Mattellone, who has been bending, twisting and studying wood for more than thirty years. Continually challenging himself to do more with wood, a chance encounter with Milan-based designer Matteo Ragni led to the collaboration and creation of the W-Eye frame.
The W-Eye frame balances nature, utility and fashion. The frames are crafted in a variety of styles and wood species including ebony, zebrawood, mahogany, sapele, cherry, ash and walnut. The frames are made from seven layers of wood of 0.5mm thickness, which are grouped together according to their aesthetic and mechanical properties, and two sheets of aluminium for flexibility and resistance.
"Exotic wood varieties of W-Eye frames are popular among those who wish to display their style and a love of nature and natural things," says Mattellone. "The decors and shades are inspired by the natural world, like the warm orange and red shades mixed with the brown of the raw material; or the yellow tones, the main feature of summer matched with more autumnal interpretations of tones based around moss green."
Mattellone uses offcuts of wood from the furniture industry for these pieces of art. Initial sanding, bonding and fine sanding operations are carried out strictly by hand. The absence of hardware makes these lightweight wood frames even more comfortable to the wearer while not interrupting the flow of the wood grains.
Created from an idea, Mattellone didn't just design wood eyeglass frames; he found an innovative use for wood and turned it into a truly nature-inspired fashion statement.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species are used to make W-Eye frames?+
W-Eye frames are crafted in a variety of wood species including Wenge, Macassar Ebony, Sapele, Khaya/African Mahogany, Zebrawood, cherry, ash and walnut.
How are W-Eye wood eyeglass frames constructed?+
The frames are made from seven layers of wood each 0.5mm thick, grouped according to their aesthetic and mechanical properties, along with two sheets of aluminium for flexibility and resistance.
Who created the W-Eye wood eyeglass frames?+
The W-Eye frames were created through a collaboration between master carpenter Doriano Mattellone, who has worked with wood for more than thirty years, and Milan-based designer Matteo Ragni.
Where does the wood used in W-Eye frames come from?+
Mattellone uses offcuts of wood sourced from the furniture industry to craft the W-Eye frames.
Why are W-Eye wood frames considered lightweight and comfortable?+
The frames have no hardware, which makes them lightweight and more comfortable for the wearer while also allowing the natural flow of the wood grain to remain uninterrupted.
How are W-Eye frames finished during production?+
Initial sanding, bonding and fine sanding operations are carried out strictly by hand to produce each frame.