Collaboration with Zai

The students of the Master of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury and Craftsmanship at the ECAL/Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne are presenting objects created in collaboration with the Zai ski factory, based in Disentis (GR). These projects were developed in a workshop with the English designer Alexander Taylor. The four projects, presented as prototypes, were developed according to a strict set of specifications drawn up by the Graubünden company. The challenge was to create highly functional objects such as snowshoes or tools while using as much as possible of the off-cuts generated by the production of zai skis. The results reflect the company's uncompromising approach, and some of them will be going into series production in the near future.

The "Core" axe consists of a handle and two interchangeable blades. The straight handle resembles a tomahawk and is made of different layers of zaiìra® and ash wood. The construction of the shaft from layers of different materials is inspired by the process of making zai skis using rough and contrasting construction materials. The shaft has been refined to be thin and light, which generates better momentum and more efficient movement when cutting a tree or log.

The "Higo" collection is influenced by the traditional Japanese "Higonokami" knives. The Higo tool has two screwdrivers that are essential for adjusting ski bindings. The Higo knife has a short, robust blade. The slim profile of these accessories gives extra security when worn close to the body when skiing.

The Essenz snowshoes are made from deep-drawn and bent aluminium sheets and are extremely light. Extensive research and numerous models were made. The "test and trial" process was decisive. We studied different design methods in order to make the metal as light and strong as possible.

ECAL, Zai — CORE AXE ECAL/Kacper Hamilton

1/4

1/3

1/2