The original Backenzahn designed in 1996 by e15 founder and architect Philipp Mainzer is a modern design classic as well as an identifiable icon for the brand.
Informed by architecture, craftsmanship, and an open dialogue across cultures and disciplines, e15 has made furniture that matters beyond trends, with a focus on sustainability, material honesty and integrity of construction.
Founded by architect Philipp Mainzer in 1995 and led together with designer and art director Farah Ebrahimi, the brand was named after the London postal code of its first workshop in the city's east end.
“It was always about a mission to create useful, quality products. For us, sustainability was part of our DNA — and still is today.”
– Philipp Mainzer
Celebrating 30 years, the Backenzahn was conceived in 1996 by Philipp Mainzer as a stool. Four angled wooden blocks form a tapering seat with a subtle cross-shaped seam, its signature form and detail quickly led to it being used informally as a side table.
Created from remnants of the Bigfoot Table, the stool is crafted from the solid heartwood of a single tree trunk, reflecting the brand’s early commitment to material efficiency and sustainability. Each piece reveals the natural character of the timber through expressive grain, knots and cracks, highlighting the material’s authenticity.
“More than any other product, it offers a significant presence of nature. It has a strong and original character, but also combines well with other pieces.”
– Philipp Mainzer
Crafted in Germany, the Backenzahn is offered in oiled European oak or walnut. Precisely cut and carefully finished, its material expression is grounded in honest craftsmanship, where industrial precision meets the individuality of nature.
In 2021, e15 introduced a matte-black oak finish to mark 25 years of the Backenzahn, showcasing an alchemic process in which the oak’s natural tannic acid reacts with a special blend of natural ingredients to create its distinctive colour.
Since its debut, the iconic stool has inspired countless copies and cheap imitations. In 2016, the brand presented a playful installation at imm cologne, highlighting issues around intellectual property and design copying. A companion book, Copy, right? explored the many imitations of the design to reflect on originality, design culture and copyright. The project underscores how this simple but powerful design has become a classic worth defending.
The Backenzahn has become one of e15’s signature pieces, expressing the brand’s core values through its balance of craftsmanship, contemporary form and a considered, respectful approach to material.