Alfredo Häberli: Poetry and Precision
Few designers combine imagination and technical discipline as naturally as Alfredo Häberli.
Born in Argentina and based in Zurich, Häberli has built an international reputation through designs that feel both intelligent and human. His work is often described as poetic, yet behind every seemingly effortless gesture lies a remarkable level of precision.
This combination of poetry and precision has shaped some of the most characteristic pieces in the Quodes collection.
Our collaboration started in the early years of Quodes and resulted in a family of designs that, although very different in appearance, share the same underlying values: functionality, personality, craftsmanship and longevity.
Designing beyond function
For Häberli, furniture is never merely functional.
Pattern began with a fascination for books. Instead of designing another conventional bookcase, he searched for a geometric figure that could generate a repeating structure. The result was an irregular pentagon that evolved into a striking pattern, creating a bookcase somewhere between storage and sculpture.
The design was selected by Wallpaper* as Best Shelving System and later exhibited at the Museum für Gestaltung in Zurich. Yet Pattern remains remarkably practical: books, objects and personal collections all become part of the composition. Even the rear side reveals the same pattern, allowing it to function as a room divider as well as a bookcase.
The same sculptural approach can be found in Empire. A vertical object with a surprisingly small footprint, designed to occupy forgotten corners while simultaneously acting as a furniture sculpture.
Details that reveal themselves slowly
Many Alfredo Häberli designs reveal their quality gradually.
At first glance, Stammtisch appears to be a simple table. Looking closer, subtle details emerge. The edge of the tabletop changes continuously: moving slightly inward along the sides and outward at the ends. The transition is so natural that many people only notice it after living with the table for some time.
The construction of the base follows the same philosophy. Inspired by contemporary woodworking and engineering details, the connection between wood and steel recalls the relationship between the handle and blade of a Swiss knife. Technical precision becomes visual character.
The result is a table that feels warm and familiar, yet highly distinctive.
Furniture designed around people
Human behaviour often serves as the starting point for Häberli's work.
The Stammtisch table was inspired by the traditional table reserved for regular guests in cafés. It was conceived as a social table: a place to eat, work, meet, discuss and spend time together.
Years later, Stammplatz was designed to accompany it. Inspired by traditional handmade chairs from the Swiss Alps, the chair appears simple but contains carefully considered details. The changing profile of the seat creates a seamless transition towards the backrest, resulting in exceptional comfort while maintaining a light visual expression.
Together they form a family designed around conversation and gathering.
Continuous refinement
A design does not stop evolving once the first prototype has been made.
One aspect of the collaboration with Alfredo Häberli has always been the ongoing dialogue after the initial design phase. Colours, proportions, details and technical solutions were often further refined together.
Throughout these developments, Quodes worked closely with Alfredo Häberli and our product development partners to preserve the original idea while continuously improving quality, production methods and functionality.
This shared commitment to refinement is visible throughout the collection.
Lasting relevance
Today, Pattern, Empire, Teca, Stammtisch and Stammplatz continue to demonstrate what makes Alfredo Häberli's work so distinctive.
They are objects with a clear idea behind them. Designs that do not depend on trends or visual effects, but on thoughtful concepts, careful detailing and human experience.
Poetry and precision.
Two words that capture Alfredo Häberli's work, and perhaps also the essence of our collaboration.
