In 2001 Achille Castiglioni and his friend Gianfranco Cavaglià drew a pencil with three arches instead of a round barrel, one for each finger that holds it. Wooden prototypes were made and then shelved: no factory could produce the shape. Twenty years later a young Bologna studio, EGOUNDESIGN, solved it with 3D printing in a graphene-enriched, plant-based filament. They called it CENTO3, for the 103 years from Castiglioni’s birth to its presentation in 2021.
The Pieces
The People Behind It
EGOUNDESIGN — An independent studio and design brand in Bologna, making everything in Italy with 3D printing.
Achille Castiglioni — The Milanese master behind the Arco lamp; CENTO3 is his final project.
Good to Know
Why three lobes?
The section follows the three fingers that hold a pencil, and it stops the instruments from rolling away.
Which EGOUNDESIGN piece should I start with?
TRILObyME for a pocket kit you carry everywhere; TRITTICO for the complete set of three instruments on your desk.
How is each piece made?
By 3D printing in Italy, one at a time, which leaves a soft, lightly ribbed surface.
Who founded EGOUNDESIGN?
Tiffany Melchioni, Federico Redaelli, Edoardo Melchioni and Luca Marcadent, in Bologna in 2020.
How soon will my order ship?
In-stock items typically leave within 2–3 business days; ground shipping is free in the 48 contiguous states on orders over $100.
For the Trade
Designers, architects and commercial buyers in the LoftModern Trade Program receive trade pricing, up to 20% off retail on eligible brands, plus concierge help with stock checks and lead times.
