Founded in 2020, Rollo Studio is a design brand that stands at the edge of technology and creativity. Using advanced digital software and state-of-the-art 3D printing, the studio creates contemporary lighting products. We talk to the founder Rollo Bryant to learn more about their production process, their recent participation at Maison&Objet and future plans.
Left: the new Orbx Collection. Right: Rollo Bryant.
From London to Amsterdam
Initially, from the UK, Rollo built up his business in the Netherlands. 'After moving to the Netherlands eight years ago to study at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, the studio was established in Rotterdam,' Rollo says as he describes the studio's journey so far.
The bustling city provided a solid community and a financially viable base. However, as the company grew and became more professional, Rollo Studio made the move to Amsterdam just four months ago. This new, more spacious studio allows them to optimise production and experiment with a wider range of designs.
'We were looking for a studio for ages, but now we're really happy. I'll miss Rotterdam, but it was time for a more luxurious space to accommodate our growth,' the founder explains. 'Now we're focused now on optimising our production stream and make sure things are set up in a certain way so you can moderate between different kind of outputs that you need.'
3D sand printing
Rollo Studio's production process involves 3D sand printing, a technique initially used in the automotive industry for creating moulds. 'The sand printers are sold to foundries to make complex moulds to cast engine parts in. It's a really valuable piece of technology and they're incredibly precise. It's been a part of the automotive industry development for a long time, but is very much underutilised in a design sense,' Rollo explains.
Earlier pieces by Rollo Studio.
While the technology is incredibly precise, the sand itself is fragile when it comes out of the printer. To stabilise it, Rollo Studio works with a partner that uses resin-based binding agents to harden the material, making it strong and durable for lighting products. 'It has a huge amount of benefits and allows for intricate designs that are faster and more precise than traditional 3D printing techniques.'
Maison&Objet: a step towards commercialisation
Rollo Studio recently exhibited at Maison&Objet in Paris for the first time. Although the studio has participated in high-profile design events like the London Design Festival, Milan Design Week and other artistic exhibitions, Paris marked a shift. 'It was a bit different from what we're used to. We hadn't yet made such a functional lamp before. It was definitely a step toward commercialisation while keeping our aesthetic identity,' the founder shared.
The result? The Orbx Collection. 'We tried to do a lot and finished the pieces three days before the show, so they are brand-new.' The lamps are more functional and sophisticated pieces than they usually make. They're portable, modular lights. Dubbed the "pod" for its spacecraft-like appearance, each lamp is modular, with a magnetic attachment system that allows users to easily switch between different stands. 'Because of this, we can really work with the client to make something bespoke.'
The Orbx Collection at Maison&Objet.
Navigating markets and challenges
'Most clients we're working with are interior designers. We like this because we can create bespoke projects and see where the pieces end up.' Rollo Studio primarily serves clients in the Netherlands but has expanded its reach to international markets, including the UAE, Canada, India and Europe.
Originally from the UK, Rollo also has connections there. 'But it hasn't proven to be as good as we thought,' he says. 'This is mostly because of Brexit. The shipping is longer, but the biggest pain point is the taxes you have to pay. The Brexit import taxes are much higher than the European rates. For some this is a step too far, especially for luxury products that are already expensive.'
Looking ahead, Rollo Studio is exploring ways to localise production, particularly in Dubai. 'It's a bit ridiculous to be importing sand into Dubai,' the founder jokes. The studio is considering using local sand and partnering with foundries in the region to produce their designs. 'Producing our products locally, that would be ideal.'
More information:
Rollo Studio
+31 621485253
[email protected]
www.rollostudio.com
The Netherlands