HUKKA DESIGN : WHEN SOAPSTONE REINVENTS THE ART OF THE TABLE

For forty years, Hukka Design has been revealing the full potential of soapstone, a Finnish volcanic stone with remarkable thermal properties. From tableware to wellness, the brand transforms this ancient material into objects where design, functionality and durability come together as one.

Based in the heart of North Karelia, Finland, Hukka Design works exclusively with soapstone, a 2.8-billion-year-old Finnish volcanic rock that is naturally suitable for contact with food.

Able to store both heat and cold before gradually releasing them, soapstone gives rise to objects whose thermal properties enhance everyday use. This functionality is complemented by an exceptionally soft feel and a mineral aesthetic that naturally place the brand’s creations within the great tradition of Nordic design.

Founded in 1985 and acquired in 2024 by Michel Mercier, a French entrepreneur who has lived in Finland for more than twenty-five years, the company is now celebrating its fortieth anniversary while continuing its international expansion.

WHEN MATERIAL BECOMES FUNCTION

At Hukka Design, material does more than define the appearance of an object: it also determines how it is used. Dense, non-porous and particularly stable, soapstone retains temperatures for extended periods without altering flavours. Used for centuries in Nordic countries for saunas, massage and cooking, it is now finding a new place in the home.

Every creation harnesses the natural qualities of the stone to provide a practical solution for everyday use, without relying on complex technologies.

The soapstone used by Hukka Design comes exclusively from production offcuts from a Finnish manufacturer of soapstone stoves, giving a second life to a resource that has already been extracted. The products are manufactured locally, contain no plastic, are dishwasher-safe and recyclable, and are designed to last for decades. This approach prioritises product longevity over replacement and fully embraces the principles of the circular economy.

COLLECTIONS THAT EXTEND THE DINING EXPERIENCE

The collections that Hukka Design will present at Maison&Objet demonstrate the wide variety of applications offered by soapstone.

Brought together within the “Hukka Gourmet” range, slow-cooking bowls, grilling stones, pizza stones, carafes, bottle coolers, glasses with integrated stone bases and the brand’s famous soapstone ice cubes all make use of the material’s thermal properties.

Dishes stay warm for longer, drinks remain chilled without dilution, and optimal serving conditions are maintained until the end of the meal. Already adopted by names such as Champagne Taittinger and Château Angélus, these creations appeal to both foodservice professionals and tableware enthusiasts.

Among the new products is a soapstone ramekin designed in collaboration with Finnish chef Sasu Laukkonen. Suitable for both crème brûlée and individual gratins, it ensures even heat distribution, while its lid doubles as a serving plate. An ingenious solution that simplifies plating while enhancing the tasting experience.

Hukka Design’s identity extends far beyond the culinary world. Collections dedicated to wellness, saunas and home décor continue the same dialogue between material, function and aesthetics.

Candle holders, diffusers, massage stones and sauna accessories feature shapes inspired by pebbles, waves and Nordic landscapes, with every line serving a specific purpose.

Source: Home Fashion News #62 – Sept 2026 / Translation: Leila Ahmad