Cosentino introduces the Capsule Collection, the first Dekton furniture line of its kind
Architectural surfaces leader, Cosentino unveils its much-awaited Capsule Collection of furniture and home accessories created in collaboration with celebrated designers Nada Debs, Mustafa Khamash, Fadi Sarieddine, Aljoud Lootah and the duo Dana Al Matrook, and Newsha Dastaviz from The Line Concept.
Unified under the theme “Breaking Boundaries”, the Cosentino Capsule Collection is an ode to Dekton Slim, the 4mm ultracompact material format born out of Cosentino’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and pushing the boundaries of surface design. Using Dekton Slim both as a functional and decorative feature, the collaborators have pushed the boundaries of the material to its full potential to create 5 individual works of art in their signature design styles.
The eclectic collection comprises of a rocking chair, a console, a coffee table, a range of low side tables and a series of vases, created within a period of 4-months by the renowned collaborators.
Miriam Llano, marketing manager – Cosentino Middle East said: “We are pleased to unveil the first ever Dekton Slim Capsule Collection worldwide. This project, which we kickstarted in March 2021, is a true labour of love. The unique creations, proudly Made in the UAE, is an ode to the spirit of collaboration, sustainability and breaking boundaries in every sense – material, design, process and production.”
Dubai-based interior fit-out contractor Cherwell played an integral role as the Production Partner on this project. Talking about how their production design team surmounted challenges, CEO Tom Brooks said: “4mm material obviously has its advantages but it needs be to handled differently. Using our advanced 3D software and a 5-axis waterjet we were able to tackle some of the more intricate elements of the designers’ work, in some instances working with very small and complex shapes cut multi-directionally. This was the designers pushing us to the limit! But that we were able to create these challenging bespoke designs is a testament to the material. It has given us the confidence that there is nothing we cannot achieve through collective effort.”
CARAPACE CONSOLE by Nada Debs for Cosentino
In line with the Nada Debs philosophy of creating unexpected material combinations, this console creates a synergy of opposing elements through a playful geometric composition of both natural and industrial elements that fit seamlessly together through the craft of marquetry using the house’s signature Carapace pattern.
ROCCO by Mustafa Khamash for Cosentino
Was the first chair a stone? Rocco, designed by Mustafa Khamash, looks to the origin of commodities, the starting point being that if a stone was the first object from nature claimed to be a seating device, then it is likely that it also marked the beginnings of furniture making, design, craftsmanship, chairs, thrones, hammocks and other objects. This act of appropriating our natural elements and redefining their use towards providing for our needs sowed the seeds of our never-ending cultural development.
Drawing references from known rocking chairs in the design world, Rocco is a playful creation executed in the raw quality of Dekton Slim, without any unnecessary additions, finishes or embellishments. It represents Khamash’s view on how we treat materials either for dressing ourselves, dressing our domestic context and the aesthetic quest for the abstraction of art.
TALYD by Aljoud Lootah for Cosentino
Drawing inspiration from large traditional metal pots used for cooking over open fires, Talyd is a collection of vases that pay homage to the UAE’s rich culinary culture and the everyday tools and objects intertwined with the livelihood of the Emiratis from an era gone by.
Meaning legacy in Arabic, Talyd is a modern interpretation of historical findings. While the shapes and proportions of the vases are influenced by the original artefacts, they are repurposed as functional objects of curiosity using a minimalist design approach.
PAPER COFFEE TABLE by Fadi Sarieddine for Cosentino
Paper Coffee Table is a creation that celebrates the thinness of Dekton Slim.
With its fine 4mm edge exposed, the material appears to hover as a table top, an engineering feat achieved through a system of bulky solid walnut legs held in place with gunmetal tension rods. The slimness of the slab is further visually enhanced by the deliberate bulkiness of the legs. Paper Coffee Table derives its elegance from this contrast as well as the geometry generated from the structural factors of tension and compression. The striking material combinations also play a crucial role in complementing the table’s morphology.
TEKTONIA TABLES by The Line Concept for Cosentino
Soft and organic lines challenge the perception of stone as a hard, cold and sharp material in Tektonia Tables, created by The Line Concept as a tribute to the true origins of the earth. The design integrates organic flowing shapes, symbolising nature and Earth’s patterns. Parts of the tables are sliced off to expose layers that resemble earth’s strata and movement of the tectonic plates, while the discreet exposed stone edges in profile highlight the particular thinness of Dekton Slim.
The Cosentino Capsule Collection will be officially launched at a public event in September 2021, at Cosentino City Dubai, d3, following which it will be showcased at the Expo 2020 Spanish Pavilion and Downtown Design 2021.
Photography Credit: Natelee Cocks
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This is first-of-its kind 3D concrete printed arched bridge
Striatus is a project by the Block Research Group (BRG) at ETH Zurich and Zaha Hadid Architects Computation, and Design Group (ZHACODE), in collaboration with incremental3D, made possible by Holcim.
Establishing a new language for concrete, Striatus is circular by design, combining traditional masonry with advanced technologies.
Strength through geometry
Achieving strength through geometry, the Striatus bridge stands solely through compression without reinforcement. Using advanced technologies, from computational design and engineering to robotic manufacturing, Striatus revives traditional master builders’ techniques.
Circular by design
Striatus was designed to place material only where needed, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. With no reinforcement and using dry assembly without binders, it can be repurposed repeatedly.
A new language for concrete
Striatus opens up a world of possibilities with concrete in a design that is structurally informed, fabrication-aware and ecologically responsible. Material is precisely placed to build more with less.
Being built for the “Time Space Existence” exhibition, hosted by the European Cultural Centre (ECC) during the Venice Architecture Biennale 2021.
Opening soon at the Giardini della Marinaressa, Venice, Italy.
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A different kind of landscape design by MYTO d.e.v.
MYTO design d’espaces vivants (MYTO d.e.v.) is proud to announce a new landscape design, which won an award at the Grands Prix du Design 2020 in the Residential Patio and Landscaping category. Designer Martine Brisson and landscape architect Roxanne Miller worked for more than a year to create a green rooftop with custom planters atop a home in Westmount. The sprawling 1965 square foot space is dedicated to relaxation. It boasts a spectacular view and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.
After renovating the house in 2016, the owner of the luxury property wanted to make the most of the flat roof by turning it into a deck. He engaged MYTO design d’espaces vivants, whose specialties include green rooftops. The mandate was to create a space focused on wellness. It was to be suitable for entertaining and would showcase a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding areas.
True to their brand, the two women decided to create a contemporary, visually striking, and streamlined outdoor space bordered with colorful, somewhat unruly vegetation. The decking is made of ipe wood, a species known for its toughness, high density, and beautiful color. To ensure safe enjoyment of the view and vegetation, a transparent glass parapet encloses the entire perimeter.
One of the project’s challenges was to create elegant furnishings that would conceal ventilation equipment on the roof. Brisson and Miller designed a set of wood-clad planters to conceal the equipment. “We designed these planters from the ground up to meet this project’s requirements. The wooden elements are removed in winter to prevent swelling,” the designer notes. Once the design was complete, Atelier Papineau took charge of building the planters.
In the planters and on the green terrace, Miller opted for perennials and indigenous species, to minimize maintenance and replanting. The planters are insulated for overwintering. The horticulturist also took care to work with a harmonious color palette (pink, blue, violet) and chose plants with different flowering times (brief and long) so that there would be elegant flowers throughout the warm season.
Brisson and Miller also wanted subtle lighting for the plants, choosing minimalist fixtures from Jardin d’ombre et lumière. In the evening, the space has a warm, intimate, and thoroughly relaxing ambiance.
After more than a year of work, the result is a rooftop terrace that blends with the surrounding canopy. Shaded by large trees at almost every time of day, the space is surrounded by colorful wildflowers that frame a gorgeous view of downtown Montreal.
Photo credit: Pierre Béland
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