In his latest collection for Cult’s all-Australian nau catalogue, Adam Goodrum has created a truly versatile sofa system that offers infinite typologies with one singular design language.
During the Dutch Golden Age between 1634 and 1637, contract prices for some bulbs of the recently introduced and fashionable tulip reached extraordinarily high levels.
The tulip was different from other flowers known to Europe at that time, because of its intense saturated petal colour. As a result, tulips rapidly became a coveted item – a status symbol – with some bulbs fetching hundreds of guilders.
Fast forward almost 400 years and tulip mania may no longer be sweeping the globe, but our fascination with these strikingly shaped florae has hardly waned. Case in point, Adam Goodrum’s Mega Tulip.
Launched at Denfair in Melbourne in February, the Mega Tulip is designed for the workplace of tomorrow with the same organic curves and perfect proportions as its predecessor, the Fat Tulip. It’s an evocative name for what is essentially a modern take on the traditional club chair, but it perfectly encapsulates both the piece’s sumptuous comfortability and Goodrum’s own iconic style.
A firm believer that every environment is defined by the objects within it, the Sydney designer designs with the philosophy that an object must therefore justify its existence – through its story and detailing. For this reason, his designs celebrate process and craftsmanship, and accentuate components and joinery to create functional pieces with spirit and personality.
As with the flower for which it is named, the new Mega Tulip features sinuous curves and elegant lines. But while the Fat Tulip was only available as stand-alone pieces, the Mega Tulip features a flexible modular system with a diverse landscape of elements. There are 24 modules in the collection, to be precise.
Play with straight and curved segments to create an arrangement tailormade for your workplace, lobby or public space. Throw in a selection of two- or three-seater sofas and single armchairs from the same collection for relaxation and conversation, maybe even a high-backed booth or two for focus work, and you have a seamlessly designed space that is flexible and fluid enough to conquer 2022 and beyond.
It’s also Australian made, like all the pieces in its umbrella nau collection. Goodrum’s presence in the nau catalogue is extensive. The contemporary Australian design brand grew around him, with its roots in a commission from Cult for a capsule collection in 2014. The Fat Tulip seating series in all its plump volumes was the second in a catalogue that now spans seating, tables, lighting, bedding and accessories and features designers from all over Down Under.
And, like the Fat Tulip, the Mega Tulip is more than just a pretty face. A showstopper from every angle, the collection is dominated by strong intersecting curves that create immediate graphic interest underpinned by a no-fuss design that needs no embellishment. The seat volumes are made with engineered foam for stability and comfort and sit firmly and perfectly proportioned on low-profile timber legs.
As for what sits above the surface, that’s really up to you. The Mega Tulip is available in a wide selection of upholstery options. From earth-toned fabrics to beautifully natural 100 percent semi-aniline leathers and irresistible pops of colour, linen, wool and textured patterns, the Mega Tulip is a truly versatile sofa system that offers infinite typologies with one singular design language.
Discover the Mega Tulip collection in a Cult Showroom or at cultdesign.com.au.
Images courtesy of Cult.