... Thomas Wenzel. The head designer at KPM Berlin loves sustainable solutions. No frills, functional and simply beautiful. An article from WEISS Magazine No. 5.

Everyone is the architect of their own destiny - and Thomas Wenzel is the architect of his own home. Much of his home was designed and constructed by himself: "I always try to implement something in the best possible way according to my ideas." He likes to give beautiful materials that are too good to throw away a new lease of life. His kitchen cupboard, for example, used to serve as a laboratory cupboard at KPM Berlin, painted completely black at the time. Newly refurbished, the antique piece now houses Wenzel's collection of various KPM pieces. "I'm a big fan of laboratory porcelain. Both the technical aspect and the clear, minimalist form have always fascinated me."

KPM Berlin produced these practical porcelain vessels until 1993. Wenzel began collecting the pieces early on, rummaging them up everywhere, including at flea markets. Turning them into something with added value occupied the 57-year-old for a long time. The result is his LAB collection.

The laid table: Good design has the task of making everyday use of it easier and, in the best case, enriching our everyday lives.

The objects impress with their timeless design and exceptional feel. This is because the porcelain glaze is omitted from the lower half of the outside of the vessel, creating a harmonious interplay of textures of smooth glaze and matt biscuit porcelain . It is also combined with other materials such as wood, steel and glass. However, it was not only the mix of materials that was new, but also the young target group. "Away from the laid table and into the application", that was the aim. Because: "The kitchen has become a central place. As a result, we have designed porcelain items that the manufactory did not previously have in its portfolio, such as salt and pepper mills or mortars."

What's more, the trend today is towards variety and favorite pieces are combined with each other at the table. The Wenzels are no exception: "I use plates from the URANIA collection. They are beautifully neutral and provide a good surface. The delicate and light design from URBINO also looks good on the table, especially for tea and coffee." However, Wenzel's favorite remains a piece from his newly designed line: "I love the tall LAB mug 2H. I wouldn't want to drink out of any other." The cup can be used for water as well as long drinks or cocktails. And it's no longer like the old days, when people only served desserts in dessert bowls. "In the family, we basically eat everything from the smaller LAB serving bowls: salad, casserole, spaghetti Bolognese. Only a steak still goes on the plate," says Wenzel.

Wherever you look, you will discover KPM pieces - artfully displayed: for example, historical KPM laboratory bowls on a turntable. Dog Kuba also seems to like it.

Text: Marlene Irausek

Pictures: Franz Grünewald