Kai Linke studied product design at Offenbach University of Art and Design and established his own design studio in Frankfurt in 2009. Working across multiple disciplines, he specializes in product and exhibition design, art direction, innovation consulting, and architectural partnerships. His work emerges from rigorous research, blending time-honored craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. What drives Linke is an unwavering commitment to experimentation and an enthusiasm for exploring diverse materials and technologies.

His portfolio includes ceramic storage containers for Rehau designed for bread and vegetables. The unglazed, textured interior surfaces absorb up to ten percent of moisture and gradually release it back—creating the ideal microclimate for storage. Combined with minimal air exchange, this approach naturally regulates humidity levels for optimal preservation. The vegetable boxes feature ventilation holes that enhance air circulation, keeping produce fresher longer. They're equally effective for storing potatoes, holding approximately 2 kg per container. The Fold wall tile design draws inspiration from folded paper, with its clean, contemporary aesthetic reinforced by edges that taper toward the center. This handcrafted product family encompasses tiles for corner transitions and edge details, with unlimited size and color options. The tiles feature prominently in the Fold system stove—a sculptural piece anchored by four robust cast iron legs and complemented by a bench in brushed and oiled oak.

www.kailinke.com

Photography Credits:

Manufactum
Ingmar Kurth
Ingmar Kurth/Kaufmann Ceramics

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 02|21)