Furniture with a story.
Furniture with a story.
We created furniture inspired by the Frey House and the spirit of modern design from its era. Each piece carries with it a story and a bit of Bariloche.
The storage units are made from cypress wood reclaimed from the house’s renovation. They incorporate details crafted from wire rods, whose texture bears the marks of time, sun, and weather. Their hand-hammered finish, typical of Patagonian constructions from the mid-20th century, reinforces the connection between material, history, and landscape.
The bookcases adopt a more contemporary style, evoking the original furniture from the 1950s and 60s that adorned the house.
These pieces create a dialogue between past and present, between the handcrafted and the modern.
In the entrance hall, you are greeted by a detail that sets the tone for the space: a display with internal lighting, constructed from a reclaimed wooden molding that had been discarded during the renovation. Antique hardware was added, lending authenticity and warmth.
The finishing touch was a backdrop made from repurposed wine corks, donated by a local restaurant and individually hand-fitted, creating a warm and organic texture where the informational posters are pinned.
“It was our way of honoring this beautiful and historic place in Bariloche,” says Manu Rapoport, industrial designer and co-founder of Designo Patagonia.
The project held special meaning for Martín, who finds inspiration in fishing, and for Manu, who grew up climbing the Frey Needles.
Both poured their love for the land, for crafts, and for the simple beauty of handmade items into this work.
This was also a very special commission, as the store belongs to the Patagonia brand, founded by Yvon Chouinard, a person we deeply admire.
An innovative entrepreneur, always true to his connection with the mountains and nature, he has built a pioneering company in sustainability and environmental commitment. Several of their policies reflect this philosophy:
They promote the repair and extended use of their clothing, challenging the logic of rapid obsolescence.
They don’t build new buildings; they restore heritage buildings.
They choose locations outside the city center, encouraging walking and reducing congestion in urban areas.
They allocate 1% of their profits to socio-environmental projects worldwide.
