The Balthazar Awards annually crown work by designers and manufacturers during Furniture Fair Brussels. The awards are split: Best of Belgium, Best International, Best of Innovation and Love at first sight. For the first time, it also has a Best of FDI award, which highlights a young designer whose work will be on display at the Belgian Design Island in Hall 3, a first at the fair.
The independent jury consists of Meubihome journalist Veerle Windels, Lennart Van Uffelen, designer and practical teacher at LUCA school of arts, and Hans Lecompte, the driving force behind the VOMO course in Mechelen. The jury has selected the following laureates and winners for the BRUSSELS Balthazar Awards 2024.
From left to right, top to bottom: Noor, Element, Endossa, Gaudi and Glass-in-wood.
Best of Belgium
Winner: Moome with Noor
With Noor, Moome brings out a single-seater that looks attractive but also radiates discretion. The design by Studio Segers comes without bells and whistles, although the version is available in six colours. Timeless design language and comfort go hand in hand here. Did someone say sixties?
Laureates:
Passe Partout with Big Foot
Michel Denolf with Curvo
Best Innovation
Winner: Mecam with Endossa
For years, Mecam has stood for innovations that lead to ultimate seating comfort. This Endossa is no different. A modular system where each customer personally chooses which elements best make up the complete seating arrangement. Large selection of fabrics and colours. Comfort guaranteed.
Laureates
Kreamat with Diva Let
Medalounger with Triumph
Love at First Sight
winner: Toon De Somer with Gaudi
An eye-catcher of a feather, that is this Gaudi. The atmosphere is that of Mykonos or Ibiza. A piece of paradise made in Antwerp. The organic shapes are endless, the system is modular. If you want, you can turn it into a TV cabinet. The frame of the cabinet can be finished in more than 200 colours, and if you want, you can also go all out for customisation.
Laureates
Unit 14 with Bill
Lucide with Fits
Best International
Winner: Dutch Bedding Company with Element
Element is the collective name for a new collection by M-Line. The jury found the overall concept attractive, with headboard, side tables, legs and frame in numerous combinations resulting in a fresh and light design. The ultimate bed for the young generation.
Laureates
Dienne Salotti with Curvi
Himolla with Püff
Best of FDI
Winner: Glass-in-wood by Lize Faassen
Lize did her internship at a studio that makes stained-glass windows and became impressed by the métier. A craft that is unfortunately disappearing, so Lize came up with an alternative. This alumna of LUCA school of arts combined glass with wood and realised this unique cabinet. A kind of peepbox of the future, combining craftsmanship and timelessness.
Laureates
The Monta lounge chair, design by Mike Polfliet (M-nder collection)
Loops by Bent Fierens
More information:
Brussels Furniture Fair
www.meubelbeurs.be