From Material Research to Timeless Design: The Story and Philosophy of Henge
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
For this edition, we introduce you to Henge, an Italian luxury design brand founded in 2011 by Paolo Tormena and architect Isabella Genovese. Conceived as a creative laboratory rather than a conventional furniture company, Henge has built its identity on material research, craftsmanship, and a radical approach to form. And you can now experience Henge firsthand in the Miami Design District, where the brand continues to engage with the global design community.
At the heart of Henge is Paolo Tormena’s vision. Born in Valdobbiadene and shaped by years within the Made in Italy furniture industry, Tormena refined his sensibility through close collaboration with designers, architects, and master craftsmen. For him, material research is not a stage of design but its origin. Constant travel to places of inspiration around the world allows him to study raw materials in their native contexts, leading to the rediscovery and revitalization of local workshops and artisanal ateliers. These practices preserve rare skills while translating them into a contemporary design language.
Creative Collaborations
Alongside Paolo Tormena, Isabella Genovese plays a defining role in shaping Henge’s identity. A graduate of IUAV University of Venice with experience in hospitality, retail, and exhibition design, she brings together creativity, functionality, and a timeless sensibility, contributing to product development while directing institutional spaces and international presentations with rigorous attention to detail. Henge’s evolution has also been shaped by long-standing collaborations with internationally renowned creatives, most notably architect Massimo Castagna, whose work has defined the brand’s architectural clarity and sculptural strength. Partnerships with studios such as Yabu Pushelberg and designers like Ugo Cacciatori have further strengthened Henge’s global creative network, while the 2025 Collection introduced new perspectives through collaborations with Turkish designer Tanju Özelgin and American designer Johanna Grawunder, exploring minimalism, light, color, and spatial emotion.
Material Philosophy
Henge’s design language is defined by bold, linear gestures and a strong sculptural presence, with each piece conceived as a statement within its environment that balances refinement and strength while resisting the ephemerality of fashion. Furniture is approached not as an object, but as a presence that enters daily life, evolves through use, and acquires a unique patina shaped by time and experience. Material research remains central to this philosophy:
Henge selects exceptional materials from across the world for their expressive power, natural qualities, and intrinsic histories. Woods, stones, metals, glass, leathers, and textiles from diverse landscapes and cultures are brought together through artisanal processes rooted in the finest Italian traditions. At the core of this Made in Italy ethos are small ateliers where knowledge is passed down through generations and elevated through collaboration with designers, engineers, and material researchers who challenge tradition while respecting its origins.
Global Presence
Today, Henge operates in over 70 countries and continues to strengthen its global presence. Key milestones include its flagship on Via della Spiga in Milan, a 600-square-metre flagship in Chelsea, London, opened during the London Design Festival, and its U.S. showroom in the Miami Design District. In 2025, the brand opened a flagship in Dubai on Jumeira Street overlooking the Burj Al Arab, conceived as an immersive, monobrand living experience. Looking ahead, a new showroom will open in Venice by autumn 2026, housed within a historic palazzo.
HENGE Miami
Miami Design District 4141 NE 2nd Ave #99 Miami, FL 33137, USA Phone: +1 305-546-0646
Connect with HENGE
Instagram: @henge__official
Facebook: @henge07