Experimenting with geometry, colour, patterns and versatility of use, form the inspiration behind the new Puzzle and Mistral tile collections designed for Mutina by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby.

Both collections have been designed to be used indoors and outdoors and allow the user to create their own unique space with the adaptable nature of the geometric design, patterns and colours.

Puzzle

In creating Puzzle Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby made a series of physical models to research compositions and develop the exact layout of potential patterns on the tiles. Combining this with plain, solid coloured tiles varies the scale of the contrast and creates moments of calm within the composition that has been created.

There are eight chromatic families in the collection made up of neutral colours and warmer and brighter shades. Each of these families includes a composition of six graphic patterns in three colours, a set of two symmetrical patterns in two colours called Edge, and three solid-colour variations.

"The Puzzle collection is a game with infinite outcomes," said Edward Barber.

"The simple geometric shapes become softer and more fluid as the puzzle grows, allowing patterns to ebb and flow. Objects emerge like maps, islands or clouds, with endless possible permutations, meaning that whenever Puzzle is used it will always be unique."

Mistral

Mistral plays with geometry, light and shade. The three dimensional tile can be used to build louvred walls or sunscreens that have a sculptural quality. With a single tile multiple configurations are possible. Using Mutina’s extrusion technology Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have made their own ceramic louvre.

Mistral is a geometric wall component. When used vertically and horizontally, Mistral allows views to be created and controlled. The form permits many combinations of use – it can create a screen, open to light and air or a closed partition that has a sculptural dimension.

“The Mistral tile started from a simple detail taken from Italian ancient barns and farm buildings," said Jay Osgerby.

"Often seen in the countryside are terracotta tiles placed on their ends as a way of providing natural ventilation. They are positioned to create a flow of air in and out of the building, responding to wind direction of the area. We noticed how they also become a type of louvre; screening and revealing views and creating light and shade in ancient solid stone walls. This observation lead us to create Mistral.”