The story of the Koi Lamp dates back to an early LZF Lamps design breakthrough when designer Luis Eslava created the Armadillo lamp using overlapping sheets of wood veneer. This very potent idea soon found its way into other products subsequently created by LZF, including their impressive ‘Koi Fabric’ comprised of large backlit sheets of overlapping veneer tiles that give off golden hues and create interesting degrees of transparency. From there, it was only a matter of time before the idea of a carp-shaped lamp was born through a collaboration with creative studio Inocuo The Sign, who created a short 3D film starring a mysterious wooden carp swimming in dark waters and feeding on light, presented during Euroluce in 2011.

In 2014, the LZF team felt it was about time to realise the Koi Lamp, based on the character design by Inocuo The Sign. However, in realising it, a practical problem arose, namely the need for a structure strong enough to hold the many pieces of veneer whilst conveying a sense of lightness and flow. LZF therefore turned to Manolo Martin, a traditional wood craftsman, who used the aforementioned ‘vareta’ technique to create the Koi Lamp’s skeleton and all the intricate details seen on its face and fins. Inside, the lamp contains a system of LED lamps to achieve its perfectly balanced illumination effect, as well as two Bluetooth systems that help adjust the lamp’s intensity remotely.

A much-anticipated work of lighting design as well as a great example of how creativity and vision can become a reality through collaboration and intelligent use of traditional techniques, the Koi Lamp is sure to be one of the highlights of this year’s Euroluce fair!