Cast of Iron
Klass Kuiken is one of those designers whose source of creativity is his fascination with production processes. For the EPS collection of stoves and clocks his starting point was the lost foam casting technique, more commonly used for making engine parts.
To make his unique products Klass first makes a mould from polystyrene foam which is then placed into a container filled with sand. Molten cast iron is then poured into the container and melts the polystyrene foam completely, thereby filling the exact shape of the mould. The result is a solid cast iron object with a curious pock-marked surface which recalls the texture of sculpted polystyrene foam.
Klass showcased this unconventional technique at the Salone Satellite in Milan with a series of stoves and clocks. We particularly like the former, not just because they look amusingly animalistic but also because they manage to look lightweight and feel heavy at the same time. Here's to more experimentation!
Links
http://klaaskuiken.nl/eps-collection-stoves
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Product Inspiration
Materials and textures are good sources of inspiration. The distinctive lava clay finish of this Clay table from Desalto, for example, enhances its sculptural presence significantly. Mixing different materials, such as wood, leather and fabric in the case of the beautiful Mathilda chair from Moroso, adds an extra layer of interest.
We love the use of wood veneer in lighting (such as the Domo light from LZF), the way the light filters through the delicate wood grains and patterns. The cast iron texture of the Mr Ed table light from Functionals gives it a pleasingly substantial feel.
The Fish Design rings and bowls from Corsi may look like glass or ceramic but are actually made from flexible resin with an unexpectedly tactile feel. The sturdy looking containers from Finell are made from silicone - practical with a nice touch!