DOL is a minimalist furniture series by the Berlin-based design studio, Ae Office. Consisting of furniture pieces made of expanded cork, the pieces within the DOL series are a result of Ae Office’s founders, Hee Choi and Myungnyun Kim’s immersion and exploration into the environments of South Korea and Germany. 

The duo, who spent two years on the volcanic island of Jeju in South Korea and moved to Berlin, Germany thereafter, were inspired by the unique contexts and materials of these two locales. In Jeju, it was the raw, black volcanic stone used in the built environment that captured Choi and Kim’s interest, while in Europe, the availability of cork prompted the two designers to explore new possibilities for the material. The result is the basalt-like cork stone used in the designs of the DOL Low Table and Chair —  both an ode to the volcanic rocks found on Jeju Island and a new expression of a familiar material.

Each of the two pieces in the DOL series are carved by hand and structured with wooden profiles clad with cork panels. They are then finished with layers of wood oil and wax, which gives the Low Table and Chair its distinct, foam-like texture and offers an added layer of tactility. The use of cork was also chosen for its sustainable qualities, as the material is completely recyclable and biodegradable, making the DOL series a refined and sustainable addition to any home. 

DOL as a body of work reflects Ae Office’s exploration of context and native materials while also elegantly merging minimalist design, natural inspiration, and sustainable innovation.