Stukk
A modular laptop stand born from “ergonomic emergency”
Stukk is a new computer stand that finds innovation in simplicity. Entirely conceived and produced in Italy, the design is modular, versatile and made of expanded PVC. The choice of the material makes Stukk resistant to chemicals and corrosives, extremely lightweight and nearly waterproof—but most of all, it’s remarkably convenient. We had the chance to use a prototype for the last three months and it has become an instant favorite: you can mount and unmount it in seconds, it can fit any bag or backpack and it’s a quick conversation-starter in cafes and at the office.
We met co-founder and CEO Enrico Aprico and designer Francesco Bordin at Stukk Design for an interview.
How was the idea of Stukk born?
Bordin: Stukk was born three years ago because of an ergonomic emergency. The first MacBook Pro 17″ line overheated like an old plane’s engine and it needed to burn off. Moreover, as I was suffering from continuous backaches, I needed to align the monitor to my eye level—otherwise, I would soon have turned into a sideshow freak.
After looking at many laptop stands available online—hideous and colossal burdens at highway robbery prices—I reached the conclusion that it was necessary to design something lightweight, simple and, above all, portable and handy in any situation. So I began to think through this idea, and while looking at an old Poliplat panel, I grabbed a ruler and cutter and started working my own “Pinocchio.”
The idea, in order to become something marketable, needed a man with a vision. Fate introduced me to Enrico Aprico, who immediately saw Stukk’s potential and did his best to spread the word, and it’s thanks to him that Stukk came out of my garage and made its way here.
How did you get such strength with such reduced weight?
Bordin: The requirement was to design something resistant but portable at the same time (having a portable computer stand that is not portable wouldn’t make sense). Since the market’s offerings were lacking, after the first attempt using Poliplat, I turned to the material that’s the genesis for any prototype: white expanded PVC (aka Forex or Vekaplan). This material, aside from being extremely resistant, lightweight and flexible, can also be colored. Anyone with felt-tip pens or acrylic colors can easily customize it and make it unique. Moreover, the material is versatile enough that you can industrially print on it and turn it into the perfect company gift.
This seems to be a very versatile concept. Have you already thought about giving Stukk some siblings?
Apico: Stukk is not only the name of the laptop stand, but the name of the isostatic interlocking assembly system. Let me explain—the name Stukk comes from the English word “stuck,” and the concept behind the product, or rather, the products, is that they must be composed by few simple pieces and lock together to create a wide range of objects. They could be used in furniture, bridges—who knows?
What kind of future do you imagine for Stukk?
Apico: Well, imagining is a stimulating yet free occupation, so we can indulge in it. Over the short term, we are planning to launch Stukk Design, which would aim to gather designers from all over the world. To do so we are relying on Shicon, which will allow us to get in touch with a wide community of designers. We’ll involve these designers in the creation of ideas focused on the concept of the groove. That should make our project almost endless, since ideas pop up anytime and all over the world.
When will Stukk be available for purchase?
Apico: Manufacturing has already been started and it’s now possible to preorder it on Stukk.it. During Christmas holidays, Stukk will also be available in Apple Stores, in major Apple retailers and in Mondadori stores in Italy.
