Limited editions from an experimental design.

MANUFACTURE XXI is a recent arrival in the world of furniture and objects. Founded in 2020, the young brand complements its know-how with the industrial production tools of the COGITECH company in an approach that is collaborative, virtuous and exploratory in terms of materials.

Defending a new form
of craftsmanship

Working with the resources and digital tools available to a market player doesn’t mean that we are consigning the age-old craft skills and traditions which inspire us to oblivion.

At MANUFACTURE XXI, people play a central role in the production process, they are in fact the protagonists. From the very first sketches during the design phase right up to production, hands perform each gesture with care and confidence, breathing life into our creations.

This is not to say that machines are scorned. Indeed, digital tools are precious allies.

The possibilities and avenues of research are endless with this production process…

This is why Manufacture XXI defends the notion of an approach that does not reject either industry or craftsmanship, but instead positions itself at the crossover between these two worlds. By drawing on both production methods we are able to highlight the modernity of craftsmanship and to claim our rightful place in 21st century manufacturing.

We make it possible to broaden the field of possibilities. Unite, rather than oppose, to progress. And offer a modern vision of craftsmanship that promotes the decorative arts.

An ode to materials

In the same vein as the “Form follows function” approach applied by architect Louis Sullivan, MANUFACTURE XXI asserts that “Form follows raw material”. We put materials at the heart of our considerations and our creations.

They are an inspiration, the main element and entry point from which the idea, form and purpose flow.

Just like a fine woodworker who is guided by the veins and knots in the piece of wood they are handling, we let the raw materials “speak” to us. They motivate and stimulate us, suggesting how they should be used.

MANUFACTURE XXI creations are a demonstration of materials, including new materials, showcasing what we can already achieve and what we can aspire to achieve.

We believe in interpreting the material without ever betraying it.

By taking advantage of the two modes of production, we highlight the modernity of the craft, and claim our place as a handmade of the 21st century. We allow to extend the field of possibilities. Unify to progress, rather than oppose. And to propose a modern vision of the craft, in the service of the decorative art.

Collective strength

MANUFACTURE XXI is a group of creatives, of doers, of people with varied skills, mixed influences and many talents. In this diverse and fertile breeding ground our creations come to life.

We believe in building bridges between disciplines, in blending know-ledge and understanding, in combining forces and skills.

Nobody in our team is less important or has fewer ideas than any other person, and we take on board everyone’s ideas and suggestions. Whilst MANUFACTURE XXI’s creations have to date have been produced by our team, the brand is completely open to external collaborations and to new project proposals. We are greedy to meet new people and experience new things.

They help enrich our discussions, support our vision and further our exploratory work.

Respect for the
environment - always

We are beyond questions about the environment. Now it’s time for action.

At MANUFACTURE XXI we come up with products that strive to respect both the planet and people.

To achieve this, we have deliberately chosen to implement production methods that consume as little energy as possible. This means cold manufacture systems, which are slow and low energy. We fully assume our choice not to resort to time-saving processes that are harmful to the environment, and instead promote processes that are neutral for the planet: casting and moulding, coating by hand, air drying.

We experiment, using simple, low-tech processes. We make our products from the natural, recycled and recyclable composite materials that result from our experimentation, implemented processes that ensure that our production waste is as limited as possible.

We love to reconnect with the materials and know-how of times gone by, some of which are teetering on the edge of oblivion. But we also believe in exploring new avenues in terms of innovative materials, such as geopolymers, which make it possible to save precious and rare natural resources, as well as energy in the production of these new materials.

We defend a future craftsmanship based on natural resources.

Benefiting everyone…

Moving away from standardization and reaping the benefits of an offer that is not imposed by a catalogue should not be a privilege enjoyed by the lucky few.

At MANUFACTURE XXI, this need is heard, understood and offered to everyone. Indeed, we believe that bespoke production is a solution that reflects the search for personalisation. We have chosen to make our collections available in a range of dimensions, colours and finishes so that the product meets the need, and not the other way round.

Everybody, be they a private individual, an architect or a designer, is also free to ask us about a particular request. We make our agility available to everyone, to find and provide the most suitable solutions.

The freedom to explore

For MANUFACTURE XXI, the journey is just as important as the destination. This explains why we allow ourselves the freedom to explore, to change track so that we are able to set off again in a better, sometimes unexpected direction.

Designing, making and selling our own creation gives us the luxury of choice and options. The option to consider all possible form and material options, without fear or preconception, the option to experiment with manufacturing processes, drawing on what we already know or coming up with new processes.

The freedom of MANUFACTURE XXI is also about assuming a certain radicality in our expressive approach. It means moving from one style to another, from a brutal expression of a notion to a more organic style. It means not constructing barriers to navigating freely and fluidly…

Existing outside the box

Since its creation, MANUFACTURE XXI’s vocation has never aspired to being a furniture and object manufacturer. Whilst we embrace the demands and requirements of the materials and techniques we use, we reject the idea of restricting ourselves to a particular field. At MANUFACTURE XXI, creation is a free-spirited thing. Free to move from furniture to sculpture to light fitting without distinction… Free not to choose between the designer’s approach and that of the artist. Free to vary and blend worlds, influences and styles. Creation without constraint, guided by the material, is the only limitation that we allow and assume. Thinking outside the box, whilst upholding our values is our motto.

MANUFACTURE XXI presents collections issued from a work of experimentation on eco-responsible materials that are sources of inspiration. Each piece is manufactured in small series by hand in France.

The MANUFACTURE XXI collections each, in their own way, give shape to experimentations. They are the synthesis of research into materials and production processes. Modular, sustainable, untreated and sculptural, as a small series or a unique piece, they provide a play on shapes and an exploration of materials, in their diversity, texture, use…

Opening hours

Monday to Friday : 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday : closed

(+33) 03 45 58 01 46