Nocs Design’s Monolith line of wireless speakers “transcends typical consumer electronics,” explains studio founder and designer Daniele Alm to Domus. “They’re more akin to sculptures or furniture – built to endure, be admired, not discarded. The throwaway culture is a significant issue for this industry. And that’s why our speakers are assembled with screws instead of glue, making them repairable. I believe in a few well-crafted objects where the design itself is the signature or the statement, something that holds more meaning than a logo.”
The Monolith x Aluminum, measuring 348 x 230 x 57 mm and weighing 4 kg, is crafted through CNC machining from a single block of aluminum, then sandblasted and anodized in either bright or black. It’s “specially designed to withstand being transported and moved around, to last, and to be versatile,” Alm shares. Though reminiscent of stage monitors, its design is refined and minimal. “For me, minimalism is about allowing the design to speak for itself,” he emphasizes.
Alm recently collaborated with Julius Juul, creative director of Danish streetwear label Heliot Emil, continually catching the eye of the most open-minded haute couture. The result is Heliot Emil x Monolith, a limited-edition speaker made entirely from 3 mm thick steel – a process that takes four weeks. “Julius has an impeccable eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to perfection – honestly, he elevates it to an entirely new level; I really appreciate the synergy of ideas and perspectives coming from different fields,” admits Alm.
The hardware design of steel model, slightly different from the aluminum version, weighs in at 28 kg and measures 550 x 380 x 180 mm, yet they belong to the same universe according to Norc Design founder. “The material should never impact the musical experience. When tuning the speakers, our goal is minimal coloration to stay true to our defining sound, no matter the materials.”
They’re more akin to sculptures or furniture – built to endure, be admired, not discarded.
Daniele Alm
There’s also a visual dimension, in which material and design merge to either draw attention or seamlessly blend into the environment through light, to bear the marks of time or withstand them. “It’s this balance between presence and subtlety that inspires me to create these pieces. Ultimately, the freedom to design in this way is what makes all those hours of work (and commitment) truly worthwhile,” Alm concludes.