WOO Toys from Vrtíška Žák
Decorative toy concept embodies natural elements and draws on simplicity, thoughtfulness and whimsy
Created by Czech design and architecture outfit Vrtíška Žák, WOO toys are a boy’s dream come true. “We wanted to design something just for ourselves without any client. So we decided to design these three toys,” describes Vladimír Žák. He and his partner Roman Vrtíška have run their design and architecture studio for more than 8 years, working mainly on commercial interior projects. “This is something which we really enjoy. We returned to childhood and designed miniatures of what we like. Of course, every boy loves all the vehicles and their designs,” adds Vrtíška.
The result of their project—presented for first time at Designblok 2014 in Prague earlier this month—is a collection comprised of an airplane, a sailboat and a bulldozer. The toys, all an exercise of good form, simplify the main characteristics of the three forms. The designers teamed up with independent carpenters to manufacture their designs using solid wood, a luxurious finish and a natural curved surface veneer for all three models. The surface veneer—used for the sails, airplane wings and bulldozer belts—creates an elegant material contrast to the lacquered body of each toy.
The vehicles symbolize three natural elements of water, air and earth. The toys are conceived as decorative sculptures for older boys in the manner of Charles and Ray Eames‘ House Bird produced for Vitra rather than real play items for children.
WOO toys prices and orders are available upon request.
Images courtesy of Vrtíška Žák
