Ladder is a minimalist design created by Sweden-based designer Charlie Styrbjörn Nilsson. Exploiting the traditional technique of bending solid wood, this ladder has a very strong and sturdy composition. The repetitive bends create an intriguing graphic and sculptural expression. The way that the steps bend to align with the side of the ladder form a very strong compound and simultaneously create a ledge for the next step above. The material used for this project is is ash wood.

The way that the steps bend to align with the side of the ladder form a very strong compound and simultaneously create a ledge for the next step above. The mirrored steps not only give the expression of an upward endeavour but also give directions of which foot to put on which step in the venture and the rounded top of each step makes them climbable from which ever side you climb.

Working under Charlie Styrbjörn Design, the designer steam-bent sections of solid wood to maintain the direction of the grain along the shaped sections. “I wanted to create a unique ladder for interior use with a high decorative value but still functioning as a good ladder should,” said Styrbjörn. Treads are flat at the centre, but curve up on alternate sides as they rise to create a continuous line between the two long poles either side.

designer: charlie styrbjorn
period: 2013