Design inspired by the space: Palad Furniture honors BioRex Verkatehdas architecture

The angled lines of the REX-SLICE sofa create varying seat depths, enhancing its ergonomic versatility. Photo © Pa-La.

REX-SLICE was tailored to the space

The asymmetrical lobby of BioRex Verkatehdas inspired Palad lead designers Jaana Partanen and Heikki Lamusuo to create a new REX-SLICE sofa tailored to the space. The lobby’s corners deviate from right angles, giving the area a distinctive form and challenging traditional furniture arrangements.

“The asymmetrical shape of the lobby guided the design direction, leading to the idea of a piece of furniture whose form follows and highlights the architectural character of the space. The REX-SLICE sofa features angled lines, allowing it to integrate naturally into the asymmetrical lobby,” explain designers Jaana and Heikki.

Thanks to the angled lines, the REX-SLICE sofa has varying seat depths, making it ergonomically versatile. There is a comfortable seat for everyone, regardless of height or body proportions. The sofa’s design embodies a central Palad concept: Design for All Shapes and Sizes.

In rectangular spaces, REX-SLICE adds visual variety with its angled form. Its classic lines allow it to be placed against a wall, arranged in playful pairs, or grouped into larger seating clusters along walls or in the centre of the space. Adaptable to different environments, the REX-SLICE sofa is available with or without a backrest and in three different sizes.

REX-SLICE is available with or without a backrest in three different sizes. Photo © Pa-La.

The BOX ottoman elevates the front row

Palad furnished the front row of Hall 5 at BioRex Verkatehdas with new furniture designed specifically for the unique spatial characteristics of this theatre.

The appeal and viewing comfort of the front row were enhanced with Palad BOX ottomans, whose design was tailored to meet the hall’s specific requirements. The ottoman invites viewers to rest their feet, settle in comfortably, and fully immerse themselves in the cinematic experience.

The BOX ottoman features a minimalist cubic design that brings clarity to the space. Its clean lines allow for easy placement and combination, while the graphite-gray colour aligns with the signature palette of BioRex theatres. The dimensions of the ottoman are optimized for viewing comfort: the seat height and surface are designed so that feet rest naturally, making the ottoman an integral part of the overall cinema experience.

The BOX ottoman´s design combines practicality with spatial sensitivity. It does not compete with the architecture but complements it. Versatile in use, the ottoman can also function as a seat: placed individually, in pairs, or arranged into small seating groups, the BOX ottoman adapts seamlessly to different spaces.

The shared journey of the Palad brand and BioRex

The architecture and interiors of BioRex cinemas combine viewing comfort, visual aesthetics, and acoustics with a touch of glamour. While each theatre is a unique entity, they share a recognizable visual language developed through the collaboration of Partanen & Lamusuo and BioRex.

Palad furniture plays an important role in defining the spatial identity and customer experience of BioRex cinemas. The carefully considered design of the furniture supports BioRex’s visual world and brings cohesion and recognizability to each space. Bronze, silver, and midnight blue tones are echoed in the furniture and throughout the interior surface materials, creating a harmonious environment where aesthetics and comfort align with the BioRex brand.

Some BioRex cinemas are entirely new, while others have been revitalized through renovations that merge historical character with modern experiential design. Every BioRex theatre delivers a wow experience, realized uniquely in its own way.

Palad furniture is designed with a purpose

In the design of Palad’s furniture for public spaces, durability, closeness to nature, and timeless aesthetics are emphasized—values that support BioRex’s principles and customer experience. The aim is to create spaces where viewers can relax and enjoy the film with all their senses.

“Our design philosophy always starts from real needs: spaces, people, and intended use. We design furniture to adapt to different spaces and users, taking into account both physical proportions and the multifunctional nature of spaces,” say Palad brand lead designers Jaana Partanen and Heikki Lamusuo.

Aesthetically appealing and engaging, Palad furniture is designed to solve functional challenges within a space. Palad integrates user-centered design as a core principle: every piece of furniture supports everyday use, invites people in, and feels welcoming to everyone. Accessibility, adaptability, and longevity are key priorities in the design process.

“Empathetic design is our core idea. We want the furniture we design to leave an empathetic footprint in the world. This is reflected in ecological choices such as local production, the use of renewable materials, and ease of maintenance,” explain Palad designers Jaana and Heikki.

Social responsibility is expressed through inclusive design that does not exclude anyone. Locality is part of the Palad brand identity—the furniture is manufactured in Finland in collaboration with local producers, supporting both regional vitality and sustainable development.

The REX-SLICE sofa features angled lines that allow it to integrate seamlessly into asymmetrical spaces. In rectangular rooms, its slanted form adds visual interest and variety.