Adam and Monika Štok share a passion for high-quality design and have been behind their sustainable label “two hundred tons” since 2020. With their UNROLL collection, the two revolutionize conventional furniture design and create larger, stable shapes by “unrolling” steel tubes – without wasting material. UNROLL combines industrial elegance with thoughtful design and shows how metal in its purest form can be surprisingly flexible.
Adam and Monika, your company Two Hundred Tons is impressive! What fascinated you so much about metal forming that you turned it into a successful business?
Our path to pressing began quite by chance – with an aluminum tube in a vice. The resulting shape was fascinating, but initially remained in the drawer. It wasn’t until 2018, when we were working on our first collection, that we realized the potential of this shape. After some experimentation, we created our marshmallow ping pong table – a real eye-catcher!
Then we discovered steel. Its malleability really enchanted us. Sure, there are pitfalls such as cracking or warping when welding. But hey, for us, steel is now like play dough. You can see this in the cool details of our products – from the curved backrest to the elegant table bracing. Who would have thought that so much would come out of a chance experiment?
The name “Two Hundred Tons” is unique. Can you tell us more about how the hydraulic pressing process and the 200 tons of pressure became a central part of the brand identity?
The name “Two Hundred Tons” refers directly to the power behind our work. In 2018, we began experimenting with metal profiles on a hydraulic press that generated 200 tons of pressure – roughly equivalent to the weight of 133 passenger cars. All of our prototypes were created on this press. When we were looking for a name for our label, we wanted it to reflect the experiment, the material, the function and our determination. In the end, we found inspiration in the majestic power of the machine, which was the key to our process.
Your “Unroll” collection holds a few surprises. What gave you the idea of cutting open steel pipes and unrolling them?
The idea for the “Unroll” collection came from the question of what could be made from a single metal profile. We love challenges, so we started another experiment, this time with laser cutting. In this collection, the experiment with shaping plays an even bigger role – we start with a steel tube, which we first cut and then unroll manually. In this way, we create a stable, flat panel from a single tube, which serves as a structural element in our shelving system. It’s fascinating to watch the material transform and change shape during production. We always say that technology is our third designer, guiding us along the way.
Did it work right away?
There are always many obstacles when prototyping, but with the “Unroll” collection we were surprised at how quickly everything fell into place. The process of unrolling the tube completely captivated us – when a single, cut profile is transformed into a wide panel by manual unfolding, it’s visually and technically impressive.
How does your design process work when you work together as a couple? Do you approach problem solving and creativity differently or do you have a similar vision?
That’s a funny question – we never really thought about it! But maybe that’s why we have a perfect symbiosis and collaboration. Every product we send to the prototype or production phase is thought through down to the smallest detail, including every screw. We share ideas and always find a solution together. The basis for this is dialog and a bit of breaking down stereotypes. We can say that no product in our portfolio is just the result of one person’s decision – it’s always a joint agreement. We make sure that nothing leaves our studio until we are both 200% satisfied with it.
The “Unroll” collection is both visually soft and industrial. How do you balance these contrasting elements in your designs?
The concept of “industrial” goes hand in hand with the material we use. We don’t try to hide the metal or turn it into something else. Instead of working against the material, we work with it. We always try to emphasize its properties and show what you can create from it by taking the possibilities to a higher level.
You emphasize sustainability in your work. How does the “unroll” technique fit in with your environmental values, especially in terms of waste prevention?
A single steel tube becomes an all-rounder! With our new cutting technique, we conjure up an entire furniture ensemble from six meters of steel – shelves, wardrobes, table legs. And the best thing? Almost no waste! It’s like a puzzle: one tube becomes a shelf, two tables and three coat racks.
How do you ensure the longevity of your pieces and what steps do you take to increase their durability?
As all our products are based on metal fabrication, it is crucial for us to protect them against corrosion. We achieve this through thorough cleaning and powder coating, which is baked at 200 °C. This process protects the metal and ensures its long life.
What do you want customers to feel when they interact with your furniture? Do you want to evoke a certain emotional response through your designs?
We always say that metal is like hard modeling material, and we strive for our products to convey a sense of lightness and elegance that enhances both the product itself and the material from which it is made. We want our products to have a consistent visual language and aesthetic.
What’s next for Two Hundred Tons? Are there any exciting projects or new collections you’re working on that you can share with us?
Lately we’ve noticed that it’s quite difficult to find really simple products, which architects and interior designers often solve with custom-made furniture. These products are not visually dominant and are designed in a very straightforward and minimalist way. They are things that don’t necessarily draw attention to themselves. In the near future, we would like to focus on these types of products and integrate them into our portfolio. We see a challenge in creating aesthetically pure basic products while incorporating our characteristic shaping technique. Designing a visually simple product that captivates with its details, which can only be discovered by taking a closer look – that is often the biggest challenge.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to about your participation in BLICKFANG?
First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to exhibit at BLICKFANG in Hamburg. We are really looking forward to meeting the visitors and seeing their reactions to our furniture. Every feedback is extremely important and inspiring for us and gives new energy to both our brand and our creative work.
Discover two hundred tons and the Unroll collection from May 16-18 at BLICKFANG Hamburg. Get your ticket here!
If you want to know more about Adam, Monika and two hundred tons, click here!