The year ended to a perfect close when Arcas collaborated to release a gorgeous collection of Stone Furniture. The stunning assortment was crafted to form masterpieces for our spaces. Most importantly, it embodies the rich essence of design and art.
The Stone Furniture collection was created with the joint efforts of architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen. The Belgian designer is known for enticing human qualities into architecture. Clean lines, warm colors, and a focus on natural materials identify his works. From the August Hotel to the Aesop Stores and Knokke House, Vincent Van Duysen has built various spaces with his sense of minimalism. And the Stone Furniture clicked exactly with his style. Smooth yet rough, effortless yet luxurious, the collection has a lot to speak about and flaunt.
The Building Blocks of the Stone Furniture Collection
The iconic Stone Furniture collection carries an array of 18 furniture pieces. This consists of exotic chairs, stools, coffee, and dining tables, library stands, and a chaise lounge. The collection, dubbed Gravitas, is a collaboration with Arcas, a stone, wood, and tile supplier in Mexico. When the brand approached Vincent Van Duysen, he gave an instant affirmation. The designer already had experience working with the brand earlier and hence it was a perfect match.
The collection was revealed during Miami Art Week and was expressed to be “born out of the relationship between nature, space, and mankind”. To keep the natural raw beauty of materials intact, Vincent Van Duysen made a careful selection. He sourced materials in earthy hues from opulent choices like European and Mexican quarries. Whereas, artisans from Spain, Italy, and Mexico whispered of their signature craftsmanship. The sleek Porfido and Carrara marble was pulled from Italy, the sand-hued Cafecina from Spain, and the Lava Stone from Mexico. All these materials were given their purpose as per their form and carved to tap into the untouched potential of nature.
The Emotional Whirlwind of Vincent’s Design
For Vincent Van Duysen, Stone Furniture holds a distinct place in his heart. His deep admiration for traversing materials is what brought him closer to the collection. The thoughtful furniture choices blend contemporary structure with nature’s subtlety. With a sturdy body and comfortable functionality, the furniture can accentuate any space. He explains, “Often, a significant part of the emotion in my work comes from my consideration of the materials within a space. In this instance, my approach to materials was quite different – the stones selected are integral to the story I want to tell. In this collection, the stone is the protagonist.”
Vincent further describes that the rough surfaces of the Stone Furniture portray his preference for raw charm. While the smooth ones create an optical effect of light and shadow. Like the Ying and the Yang, they create a balance of textures. It’s beautiful how designers leave their mark even in works created out of collaboration. It’s like peeping into the designer’s soul through his expressive style.
For his highlight of unrefined material aesthetics, José Fernández, CEO of Arca, states that “His designs have brought out the best in our materials, creating a collection that exudes both refinement and raw beauty.”
Stone Furniture is a living ode to incredible modern design deeply rooted in nature’s essence. It’s the epitome of material exploration and makes the designer, an unforgettable muse for the world.
Also Read: Elevate Your Festive Decor With These Exquisite Choices.
