“This accurate and innovative process gives us the possibility to create small series of production. Moreover, we can keep the freedom of changing and adapting our models from time to time. It is a constant search for the most precise and beautiful shapes, which is exactly what SHEYN is about.” Sheyn Studio
Since the founding of Sheyn by Nicolas Gold and Markus Schaffer in 2016 in Vienna, the beloved brand has expanded its original focus (on architecture) to include everything from the tools and architectural thinking, in order to create fully digital designs for the nape of your neck, that place on your desk, your little finger and everywhere else in your life that could be a bit more Sheyn. The word Sheyn, itself, means beautiful in Yiddish. It was created through cultural exchange and a longing for beauty – like all of our products.
Nicolas studied architecture at the University of Applied Arts Vienna (Zaha Hadid/Kazuyo Seijma Studios). After finishing his studies he found himself designing small-scale objects instead of buildings. That was the first sign for him to start thinking about a different industry in his professional career. "I would consider myself more a designer than an architect. I have a strong passion for aesthetics and objects, but architecture is a very complex scale to deal with. There are just too many factors to take into consideration and that makes it hard to fully focus on the design itself."
Markus finished his master studies in Information Systems at the University of Economics and Business. At Sheyn, he can live his passion for the connection between IT and business by exploring new ways of creating and marketing design pieces in a digital way.
What inspired Nicolas Gold to start Sheyn?“I come from an architectural background. However I did not end up working in architecture - the scale was too big and the speed too slow. I like change and versatility - which in architecture is very hard to find. While I was finishing my Master‘s Degree in Architecture at the Studio of Zaha Hadid here in Vienna, I started to design 3D printed jewellery pieces - just for fun. I fell in love with the precision, speed and possibilities of 3D printing technologies to design and produce this tiny scale. I always wanted to be independent and have my own studio. Then I asked Markus if he would love to start Sheyn together - and since then we are developing this beautiful project together.”
Sheyn Studio believes that the future of architecture can fit in the smallest room of your apartment. For decades, avant-garde architects have fussed over the tiniest details of furniture and fixtures. But this obsession with designing for the smallest spaces has now collided with the democratization of modern technologies like open source 3D modeling and printing, producing a new kind of architecture that can fit in the palm of your hand, or the corner of your coffee table. The pillars that they aim to represent and support throughout their artistic work are based on the smallness, goodness, consciousness and colorfulness of things! They obsess over finding beauty in small places – always getting the details right. By pushing the limits of technology they strive for the highest levels of quality. When we asked Nicolas what minimalism means for him he inspired us with his answer: “The ability to say the most, but with the minimum amount of words. Minimalism means for me clean, clear, smart and elegant. Minimalism is beautiful, and beautiful is Sheyn.”
The creations of Sheyn design studio are characterized by architectural pillars that change their width as they adapt along the organic shapes of the objects. This creates a sturdy product with a dynamic texture that appears to be in constant movement. These high-end design vases are created by an additive manufacturing method where layers of materials are fused together in a pattern to create an object. A combination of modern design and unique combination of colors will add character to your interior.
In an era where new brands are blooming daily Sheyn is making the difference by providing an ethical choice to high-end design lovers. Sheyn Homeware is designed and 3D printed in their studio in Vienna. Every piece is individually made. That means there’s no waste and their customers have the choice of colors to match any interior. Each surprisingly light and sturdy shape is constructed from thousands of tiny patterns that provide structural integrity and touchable texture. With 100% PLA, material made from corn, every piece is sustainable, renewable and recyclable.
Is it difficult to work with 3D modeling tools? What are the challenges for you?We work with software that is not really developed for product design. It comes from the world of animation and character design. Since these tools are made to stay virtual and not in the material world, the biggest challenge is to be precise enough to be able to create on the tiniest scale. But like everything in design, it is a scale that you get more comfortable with over time and the screen starts being like a piece of paper, where you can slowly understand the scale of every virtual detail and how it will be in real life.
What are the main ingredients that you use?“Our Sheyn Homeware collection, which we offer at the Abnormal Concept store, is designed and 3D printed in our studio in Vienna. Every piece is individually made. That means there’s no waste and the customer has the choice of colors to match any interior. Each surprisingly light and sturdy shape is constructed from thousands of tiny patterns that provide structural integrity and touchable texture. The designs are made from 100% PLA, material made from corn. That makes every piece sustainable, renewable and recyclable.”
The studio utilizes the tools and thinking of architecture to create fully digital designs for you. SHEYN’s unique selling point is the virtual design of their products. Every piece is firstly modeled in 3D, then sent virtually to production. By using the 3D printing technology, each product is firstly made of wax, which is afterwards covered with other materials. These vases have textured appearances that are combined with unique colors and materials.
Everything Nicolas and Markus touch turns to cool. A classic vase becomes an art piece, jewelry becomes a statement and furniture with eye-catching pleats. Their focus is on shapes and materials that would become part of your personality.
