HPL, Interpreted by Six Design Duos

While searching for a material with a distinctive metallic finish, one particular image caught my eye. Looking closer at the reference details, I noticed a familiar keyword—HPL. As a go-to surface material for furniture, HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) comes in a wide range of finishes, from solid colors to metal, wood, stone, and fabric textures. In the photo, the vibrant patterns and framed colors were all created using HPL, perfectly capturing both the glossy sheen of real metal and unique patterns rarely seen in traditional metallic surfaces. This exhibition was all about showcasing the versatility of HPL!

Fenix’s ‘Design Duo Double Feature’

In 2024, during Milan Design Week, Fenix—a leading HPL brand—collaborated with curator Federica Sala to present a captivating exhibition. The showcase featured six design duos from the fields of architecture and interior design, each interpreting the theme of duality through HPL furniture pieces. These six pieces explored the material’s surface design, functionality, and hidden potential. The exhibition also highlighted not only Fenix’s HPL but also laminates from its parent company, Arpa, as well as Formica and Homapal. A beautifully curated display of six unique works that made the exhibition a must-see.

Virtual Tour @Fenix Scenario

The same exhibition was later presented in a completely different setting. The second photo captures the display at Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design, where the collection was exhibited under the theme An Italian Affair. This time, the furniture pieces were placed inside the Italian Ambassador’s residence, a historic and ornately decorated building. The contrast between the venue’s classic decor and the contemporary HPL furniture created an elegant harmony—every scene felt like a work of art. Be sure to check out more photos from here.

Six Design Duos, Six Unique HPL Creations

1. Ambo, CARA \ DAVIDE A Modular Chair Adorned with Wavy HPL

2. 1-2 Many, Studio Mist-O A Grid Bench Made from HPL Tiles

3. Duo, Zanellato/Bortotto A Balance Chair for Two

4. Theia, DWA Design Studio A Copper-Finished Floor Lamp

5. Match, Martinelli Venezia A Round Ping-Pong Table or Dining Table?

6. Inbetween, Næssi Studio Marble-Inspired Metal HPL

1. Ambo, CARA \ DAVIDE

A charming furniture piece that combines two chairs into one! They can be used separately or joined together seamlessly. The perfectly fitted structure—from the backrest to the legs—is both clever and refreshing. Featuring a soft wave-patterned HPL in rose and terracotta hues, the subtle texture gives it an elegant touch.

• Arpa Rosa Shade, Fenix Giallo Evora

• Arpa TUET Galea Rosa, Galea Giallo

2. 1-2 Many, Studio Mist-O

A modular bench with a repetitive square grid pattern. Thin 6mm HPL sheets were cut into small tiles and arranged in a uniform layout, with metal joints adding a striking contrast. The bench comes in three different color and volume variations, emphasizing the depth and richness of Fenix’s signature color

*Fenix BLOOM: A sustainable innovation that reduces the use of phenol resin in HPL production by 50%, replacing it with lignin derived from wood byproducts.

• Fenix BLOOM Giallo Evora, Azzurro Naxos, Verde Kitami

3. Duo, Zanellato/Bortotto

A two-person rocking chair designed for perfect equilibrium—only when both users sit together does it stay balanced. Inspired by the dynamics of relationships, the piece reflects the duo’s creative bond. The softly curved HPL body is wrapped around rope wires, while the base incorporates a wood-grain HPL finish for visual balance.

• Fenix BLOOM Blu Shaba

• Formica Dark Sky Birchply

4. Theia, DWA Design Studio 

A tall, column-like shelving unit that doubles as a floor lamp. Inside the U-shaped recessed section, copper metal HPL reflects a warm, gentle glow. The combination of the subtly radiant copper finish and the exposed corrugated core creates a striking contrast, adding to the material’s dynamic appeal.

• Fenix BLOOM Viola Orissa

• Homapal Plex Copper

5. Match, Martinelli Venezia

A playful reinterpretation of a classic round table as a ping-pong surface. Instead of a traditional net, the designers created a curved divider in the center using flexible HPL—an ingenious touch! The dual-tone color scheme enhances the table’s lively aesthetic. Even the matching ping-pong paddles, crafted in the same colorway, add a charming detail.

• Fenix BLOOM Bianco Malé, Rosso Namib

6. Inbetween, Næssi Studio

A multifunctional piece featuring two distinct surfaces. One side, covered in a bold marble-patterned HPL, serves as a display with hooks and a mirror, while the other functions as a shelving unit. The minimal frame structure allows the striking surface design to take center stage. Among the six pieces, this one showcases the most daring use of HPL pattern.

• Fenix BLOOM Rosso Askja

• Homapal Copper Stratos Diagonal

*Homapal: A German HPL brand specializing in metal laminates. By incorporating real rolled metal foil, Homapal offers a range of designs from pure metal surfaces to uniquely textured metal looks.

Explore HPL Samples from the Exhibition

• A complete collection of HPL brands See all HPL samples in one place!

• Special metallic HPL finishes Discover hammered metal HPL textures

• Explore Fenix’s signature colors Super matte HPL finishes

• Looking beyond Fenix, Arpa, Formica, and Homapal? and more about domestic HPL brands? with Conc