N90N: Candy

N90N, a three-piece collection of surrealist furniture, was introduced to the public at Tuleste Factory during NYCxDesign 2023 as part of the Harmonious Proportions show. The limited edition series was created by Ezra Ardolino, founder and designer of digital fabrication studio Timbur, that produces large, custom commissions for artists and brands. N90N is inspired by Ardolino's overall fascination with geometric shapes and his interest in the limits of sculptural wood formations. Living somewhere between the digital and physical worlds, the series plays with the concept of infinitely-sided polygons through the use of laminated plywood.

"There is a dialogue that unfolds when working in a material practice. The material – in this case plywood – communicates its unique textural qualities, and as a designer, I work to immerse myself in this conversation by pushing the dimensional envelope while operating in the digital space," remarks Ezra Ardolino, designer and founder of Timbur.

The three sculptural furniture pieces – 5P1R4L ("SPIRAL"), D0U8L3 ("DOUBLE"), and 7R1PL3 ("TRIPLE") – use Timbur's signature process of stacking lamination as a medium. When the designs are viewed virtually, the polygons are clearly visible, but as pieces are hand-sanded and smoothed the count expands, eventually approaching infinity, or "N."

5P1R4L

The 5P1R4L bench explores the shape of a spiral with subtle, ergonomic divots for sitting. Featuring continuous, smooth organic shapes, the D0U8L3 side table and 7R1PL3 coffee table are formed by the connection of two and three plywood spheres, respectively. Each draws inspiration from the concept of a metaball, a 3D geometric object defined by the merging of two or more individual spheres. N90N's three pieces are colorized using custom transparent automotive "kandy" urethane, highlighting the surface definition and creating a futuristic depiction of wood texture.

5P1R4L

5P1R4L

5P1R4L

7R1PL3

7R1PL3

7R1PL3

7R1PL3

D0U8L3

D0U8L3

D0U8L3

D0U8L3

Ezra Ardolino \\\ Photo: Matthew Gordon

To learn more about N90N, visit timburllc.com.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

You can follow Kelly Beall on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Read all of Kelly Beall's posts.

Gustave Carlson Design respectfully renovated a prized Eichler house in Palo Alto that honored the history while adapting it for modern times.

Whether you're ready to dip a toe or jump into the abyss, here are 10 modern black kitchens that might just tempt you to the dark side!

Japanese technology brand BALMUDA dedicated 6 years of design and development to get drip coffee preparation dialed in.

A multifunctional apartment in Rio de Janeiro designed for a client to live, work, and host friends within a compact space.