Founded in 1981, micasa has built its reputation on accessible, high-quality design and has grown into Switzerland’s leading furniture brand. Committed to democratic design that integrates seamlessly into everyday life, the company partnered with ECAL to develop HOMEWORKS, a limited-edition collection that invites a new generation to reconsider how living spaces are shaped and how design can become an active, meaningful presence in daily routines.
Studio project, Collaboration (2025) with David Glättli
Under the guidance of Swiss designer David Glättli, students from the Bachelor in Industrial Design at ECAL were invited by micasa to critically reassess the domestic environment and question how everyday objects shape the way we live together.
Rather than simply designing new furniture, the brief challenged students to rethink the meaning and presence of objects in the home: how they function, how they communicate character, and how they can introduce lightness, surprise, and emotional value into daily routines. The objective was not “more products,” but more thoughtful ones — pieces that combine clarity of use with charisma and a touch of humor.
The resulting collection, HOMEWORKS, brings together 38 objects that reinterpret familiar typologies and domestic rituals. Mirrors double as clocks, planters and wastebaskets adopt unexpected silhouettes, and modular rugs redefine spatial organization. Some proposals subtly reference Swiss cultural codes; others merge functions or question established conventions to create new, intuitive behaviors.
More than simple furniture and accessories, these pieces are conceived as everyday companions — expressive presences that animate shared spaces. Functional yet distinctive, they aim to surprise, engage, and inject optimism into the home.
The project reflects ECAL’s pedagogical approach: connecting experimentation with real-world constraints, and encouraging students to develop original, market-ready proposals that balance innovation, practicality, and aesthetic rigor.
1/16
Inspired by the iconic Swiss table litter bin, this family of colourful bins refreshes an old classic with its flip-top lid. Available in two practical sizes to accommodate everywhere needed.
By Eva Reymond
With endless stacking possibilities, this modular candleholder suits every occasion, from the simplest table to a spectacular feast, to light up any setting.
Colourful and dynamic, this series of tufted wool rugs with a continuous line pattern can be used individually or repeated to form a seamless strip to fit hallways and large rooms.
Drawing its inspiration from Swiss vernacular furniture, this wooden chair revisits the traditional chalet chair found throughout Switzerland. Sold flat-packed and easy to assemble with a twist of the screwdriver.
By Noah Stanley
This collection of two-tone ceramic pots and planters makes overflowing almost impossible. The generous rounded edge hides their junction seamlessly. Available in three convenient dimensions that fits most common plant sizes.
By Maëlle Roten
As simple as can be, this minimalist hanger gets the job done, without fuss, with a twist to show off your favorite outfit. An instant classic.
With a simple motion, this magazine rack lets you display your favourite reading in two unique and practical ways: compact, it protects its contents and is easy to carry thanks to its handles; unfold it for a better view of its contents and its iconic W-shaped silhouette.
Combining two useful objects for when you leave the house in a hurry, this wall-mounted mirror clock makes sure you're neat, tidy and on time. The round red seconds hand is reminiscent of the legendary SBB station clock, a symbol of punctuality.
Practical, playful and colourful all at once, this set of stackable ceramic containers helps tidy-up and organise small items around the house: care products in the bathroom; jewels and accessories in your bedroom; toppings, snacks or spices in the kitchen; or sort your office supplies.
At once a stepladder, a stool and a side table, this piece of wooden furniture is essential in every household. Its slightly rough surface provides added safety should you need to climb on it.
From bedroom to kitchen, this range of robust rounded square tables includes: a compact side table; a sturdy coffee table; and a practical kitchen, dining or office table. Its iconic construction of large steel tubes contrasted with a slim wooden top will add character to your interior.
Sturdy and versatile, this metal toolbox lives on your desk, on your kitchen counter, around your plants to organise your small everyday items beautifully.
By Mael Sandoz
Mobile and versatile, this steel trolley can be moved around the house to serve your needs. The two shelves are removable and can therefore be used independently of the structure as trays. The structure is fitted with wheels, but can also be used without them should you prefer to keep it stationary.
By Jeremy Loup
Built with a rod at the front for hanging towels, hangers and more, this wall-mounted shelf is perfect anywhere in the home: from the entrance to the bathroom, in the kitchen or in your bedroom. Made from sturdy bent steel tubes and oak wood, it is as classic as it is contemporary.
By Alexandre Li
Inspired by the template structures of Swiss construction sites, this steel coat rack offers a unique, sleek silhouette to hold your clothes.
Made up of paper shades set on steel wire structure, this family of lamps comes in three models: a small, practical table lamp to place beside your bed or on a shelf; a generous floor lamp to light up living room or bedroom; and a pendant lamp for the dining table or to brighten up your living room.
1/3
Born of an exploration of different artistic mediums such as collage, silkscreen and pad printing, this collection of free-form graphic motifs can be found all over your home, on decorative pillowcases, finely woven kitchen towels, paper napkins and a shower curtain.
1/7
BA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Tomas Kral
For this project the students were asked to create and design an object by two materials of their choice. Analysing, questioning, observing, testing, and assembling materials. The resulted objects from this project are products where the function of the product was mainly guided by the two chosen characteristic materials.
BA GRAPHIC DESIGN
by Candice Aepli
Brindille et Azilise invite you to imagine children's space differently, by offering a lively, playful universe in their bedrooms. Here, the story is not read between the pages, but lies on the floor and climbs up the windows. It slips under an arm. It tucks in dreams. It's a whole world at children's level, where ecosystems come to life through furniture, transforming everyday life into a playground for exploration. Le jardin, collection no. 1 The gardener has slipped seeds into the soil, the bright sun warms the petals, the mouse nibbles on the sly, and in this corner full of life, everyone is busy and smiling.
BA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard
For this project, the students had to design a seat, or rather requalify and rehabilitate a chair or armchair using existing models such as the monobloc, aluminium bistro chair, or deck chair, as the base structure. Employing Kvadrat upholstery textiles, the designs had to be reversible, meaning it should not alter the existing structure. While the original function of the chair could be maintained or altered, the proposals aimed to improved the comfort and aesthetic character of the seats.
BA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Chris Kabel, Elric Petit, Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard
Bachelor Industrial Design diploma's projects, 2019
BA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Christophe Guberan
Second-year industrial design students collaborated with Zurich-based brand FREITAG Lab, leveraging their expertise in environmental awareness, material upcycling, and the circular economy. Using the FREITAG manifesto as a foundation, they developed new shared products centered on the principle of "access over ownership."