Drawing on the qualities of New Zealand wool, Lof unites material innovation with design integrity to create pieces that cast a gentle light, soften the tactile experience, and quieten the acoustic landscape.
Led by textile designer Sophie Poelman and product designer Alain Brideson, Lof is grounded in a commitment to sustainability and context. Their practice centres on regenerative New Zealand wool — farm-sourced, single origin — with each piece assembled by hand in their Waiheke studio. The result is work attuned to the rhythms of coastal and alpine environments.
“Lof approaches lighting as an integral part of atmosphere — shaping not only how a space appears but how it feels to inhabit,” says Sophie.
“Wool, a quietly intelligent material, diffuses light and absorbs sound, its fibres gently reducing reverberation. When knit into lighting, it serves a dual purpose: casting a soft, ambient glow while softening the acoustic landscape. Through both material and construction, it softens the room — visually and acoustically.”
The effect is at once subtle and profound. As with all considered design, it may not announce itself, but is felt in the quietness, the calm, and the sense of soul that emerges as a space is lived in.
“This is not a singular solution, but an integrated approach to acoustic and visual comfort — the quiet decisions that shape how spaces are experienced”, Sophie adds. Here, light, sound, and liveability are considered from the outset, offering a thoughtful response to the perennial challenge of creating spaces that are warm, sustainable, and attuned to their setting.
Working solely with wool, Lof’s practice exists between textile and product design, just beyond the boundaries of traditional lighting. Each piece has a striking sculptural presence, but its true purpose lies in the way it quiets a space.
