Tenda by Benjamin Hubert

British industrial designer Benjamin Hubert has taken inspiration from the kite-making, underwear and tent-making industries for his new range of lights, called Tenda.

Fibreglass rods – similar to those found in kites – are used to create the lights’ structure, covered with stretchy mesh fabric used in underwear garments. This assembly technique is more commonly employed in tent-making – explaining the name Tenda, Italian for tent. Inside the structure, layers of sportswear lycra diffuse the light to create a soft glow.

In a move away from his normal manufacturing process, Hubert has chosen to produce and sell the lights under his own brand rather than working with a manufacturer. “I think the royalty model is dead,” says Hubert. He has previously worked with manufacturers such as Italian furniture producer Casamania and Dutch company De Vorm.

The lights were launched at Designjunction as part of London Design Festival, which ran from September 14-23 2012. Look out for full Stylus coverage, coming soon.  

Benjamin Hubert