MoD Must Have: Woodform Concrete an Alternative to Stone Countertops

MoD Must Haves

stylish, tactile, novel 

for concrete lovers

Can concrete look like wood?

JM Lifestyles company has pushed the limits of concrete with their versatile Woodform Concrete. Their concrete is indistinguishable from wood. This family of artisans and designers have a unique approach to design and concrete and have shown that concrete can be utilized in many applications - kitchen, bathroom, furniture, hospitality applications; indoors or outdoors; a great alternative to stone. 

Concrete is a natural material so you have to love the organic characteristics inherent of the material. It is comprised of sand, stone, cement, water and fibers. Much like stone, concrete is durable and porous and needs to be sealed. Over time, concrete can also get some hairline cracks but these are not structural failures. It can stain if not properly sealed, and chip if it is hit with something hard. All of these features are similar to stone so if you want a different look, concrete is the way to go.

I'm really loving these fire feature Woodform concrete tables. It appears as it fire is emerging from a wood tabletop but in reality it is concrete that looks like wood. Brilliant!

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: FU-TUNG CHENG | ZEPHYR VENTILATION HOODS

Do you think that a range hood could be sexy? 

ZEPHYR- LED LIGHTING

CHENG's  TRAPEZE FOR ZEPHYR

Well, if its a Zephyr hood! 

Zephyr is making sure that unique hood design is the next revolution for kitchens. Some are curved, some sleek, some geometric and some with cool LED lighting! Whatever your preference, kitchen hoods can be a real architectural statement and reflect your taste and personality.  

San Francisco Zephyr showroom

On Modenus' Blog Tour Cali, I was introduced to Zephyr Ventilation. What a gorgeous San Francisco showroom! Zephyr is committed to smart design and making sure that range hoods are no longer an after thought. Zephyr gets that today's customer is savvy and not only wants something innovative; but also wants something cool, beautiful and captures one's imagination.

San Francisco Zephyr showroom

Pairing style and functionality, Zephyr's artful hood designs are great for modern kitchens: extremely quiet, self cleaning technologies and high CFM output. Zephyr has gone as far as partnering with innovative thinkers such as Fu-Tung Cheng and Robert Brunner bringing ventilation to a whole new level. 

CHENG's OKEANITO wall ventilation hood for Zephyr 

At our exclusive dinner, the bloggers got to meet Mr. Cheng and hear him speak about his firm Cheng Design, a history of innovation.  I had the opportunity to chat with him during our amazing dinner! What an honor!

Michele Alfano (me) and Fu-Tung Cheng

Mr. Cheng is trained in fine art and an innovator in the use of concrete. A man who is inspired by beauty in everyday life. He told us that he is not a trained architect;yet he knows how to build entire homes out of concrete!  Of course years of experimentation starting out in his very own home! (image below) His new book Concrete at Home shows some of his wonderful work! 

I am so inspired by his thinking that I had to learn more about him...I am excited to share an interview with Mr. Fu-Tung Cheng!

House #6

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?

I would describe my style as modernist (Bernard) Maybeck...after the Bay Area famous, turn-of-the-19th century Beaux-Arts trained architect who in turn trained Julia Morgan of Hearst Castle fame. I love the work of Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona and aspire to put a minute portion of his detailed craftsmanship and artistry in my work.

Cheng's Home Kitchen concrete countertop

WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?

I approach architectural design somewhat like a painter approaches a blank canvas––excited at first, anticipating the infinite possibilities. Apprehensive edge of fear.  The lengthy creative process to discover, or uncover, the final design is too big for one person. So I rely on all the influences from every person engaged in the process, from client and staff architects to contractors and sub contractors. Each contributes crucial bits of information and expertise. It’s akin to movie making, where you have a writer, producer, director, editor, and of course, the all-important actors. Each adds their unique ingredient to spice the collective stone soup. My role is the shape-shifter chameleon who maintains the DNA of the vision. Sometimes I keep to the background, camouflaged. Sometimes I am front and center. 

Concrete Fountain

House #6

WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET OVER THE YEARS TO BECOME AN EXPERT AT CONCRETE?

None really. The material itself is so versatile, so essential to structures that its myriad possibilities re-sets new goals to achieve, organically, project to project. From modest countertops to whole houses of concrete, I have risen to the challenges of the big change in scale, while maintaining the same level of active play with the material.

Cheng Zephyr Range Hood

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING WHEN DESIGNING WITH THE ZEPHYR TEAM?

In product design, there is the added challenge of what price the target market is willing to pay for a given design. The vetting process of finding out what the market needs, who will pay for, and how it will be made at an affordable price with a profit to be made, is different than with custom design. I take in all the data and sketch with pad and pencil. We all look at sketches and make short lists. The factory gives their input. Then we go back to the drawing board. Working backwards from the price at retail is sometimes the only realistic way to design what will actually evolve to production.

House #6

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE ON HOUSE (#6)?

Working out the concrete wall "lifts" around the perimeter of the house was a first for Cheng Design. This method of "Slip" casting four foot high sections of wall enabled me to place colored 'geological' strata along the length of some of the walls. It is somewhat of a blind placement as it is difficult to see what is happening in the few inches of clear space between the re-bar, mesh and wall forms...as the concrete is being vibrated. One has to rely on instincts and experience to achieve distinctive results. House 6 could have easily felt cold and forbidding with its small portholes and concrete floors, walls, and kitchen countertops. But the eclectic textural and material array of warm Japanese plaster, wood, and paper lanterns combine with the rich imbedded tones of the shiny smooth concrete walls to assuage the seemingly hard surfaces.

House #6

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN WHILE WORKING ON HOUSE (#6)?

Not to over-reach with too much manipulation of the building finishes process and trust that the space, light, and form of the building can hold its own as the core experience. 

Concrete Geocrete Countertop

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPACTFUL SPACE YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT HAS INSPIRED YOUR WORK?

Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona, Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian houses and Taliesin West and East, Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. Temples in Kyoto. Paolo Solari's studio Cosanti in Scottsdale, AZ. Christian Science Church in Berkeley by Bernard Maybeck. Sacred Kivas of the Anazasi in Arizona. Venice, Italy.

Concrete Geocrete Countertop

WHAT IS THE BEST DESIGN ADVICE YOU FOLLOW WHEN YOU ARE UNDER THE GUN?

Meditate or take naps!

Concrete Fireplace Design

WHAT MANTRA YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING BY LATELY?

Don't Worry, Be Happy––Meher Baba. 

Concrete Fountain

Thank you Zephyr and Mr. Cheng for the wonderful interview!

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MoD Must Haves : Rustico Tile & Stone Cement Tiles

MoD Must Haves

stylish, modern, novel 

for tile lovers

My love of bold pattern has me smitten with Rustico Tile and Stone’s beautifully colored, handmade cement tiles. Awarded with the Best of Houzz 2014 award, Rustico Tile & Stone is the leader in manufacturing and distribution of authentic Saltillo tile, Mexican tiles, Talvera tiles, Terracotta floor tiles and Cantera stone architectural features for over 50 years. Now they have launched their new cement tile line with over 150 decorative tiles and 60 solid cement tiles. No matter what application, these cement tiles completely stand out on their own! Their color and pattern draw your eye in, welcome you and make a statement!  

The Cement tiles come in a variety of sizes like 2x2, 8x8, and 12x12 offering lots of design versatility. You can make square and rectangular border designs around a perimeter to frame a floor space or you can create some magnificent 16x16  patterns that go edge to edge of your room. No need for any other decoration as the tile sets the stage for any room!  Rustico also offers a variety of beautiful shapes and colors that combines design and function. There are a number to choose from like the Hexangonal, Octagonal, Colonial and San Felipe. The pool below perfectly showcases the San Felipe shape in a combination of solid cool-colored tiles. Select your color and shape. You can customize what you want!

I am also excited about Rustico's cement tile durability.  Made from Portland cement and not clay like encaustic tiles, they are strong enough to be used indoors or out. The tiles are hydraulically pressed and created with three layers that are visibly seen in the cross section of the tile. The first layer called the concrete tile face is a mixture of highly resistant Portland cement, powered white marble and natural pigments. Wear resistance, color and brightness rely's on the quality of this layer. The second layer is a mortar that reinforces the first layer and provides the ability to withstand compression loads. The final layer is a porous mixture for impact strength. Ultimately, the cement tile is easy to clean, non-flammable, and recyclable. Bonus!

For installation, high quality thin-set such as PermaFlex 500 is recommended for setting cement tiles and an application of TerraNano topcoat tile sealer upon completion to protect them from UV, water, debris, and other stains. The final step is a must to keep the original color variations intact, and maintain their colorful beauty! 

Rustico stands by great customer satisfaction and low pricing. Co-Founder Melanie Ocana of Rustico Tile & Stone adds, “Our business strategy is to offer wholesale pricing directly to consumers. By combining these wholesale prices with steeply discounted freight rates,  our goal is that the ‘delivered’ price is significantly less expensive than their local retail price.  We feel so strongly about the quality and beauty of our products. So, we offer a “Lowest Price Guarantee in the U.S.” 

MANY THANKS to Rustico Tile & Stone!

You can connect with Rustico Tile & Stone on their

WEBSITE and FACEBOOK

Image credits: With thanks to Michelle Symmons

This is a "sponsored post." I only recommend products I believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are mine.This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

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James De Wulf, Modern Handmade Eco-Friendly Furniture

Meet James De Wulf, a guru in concrete who pushes the envelope with custom concrete design and fabrication. He discovered the vast potential of concrete and now merges cutting edge technology with clean modern lines and forms. His handiwork is pure craft and functional art....

 JAMES DE WULF - ICFF 2013

I was excited to meet James De Wulf, a charasmatic guy in a stylin' pink suit at the International Contemporary Furniture fair (ICFF) 2013. He showcased a broad range of whimsical products from sleek and modern pool and ping pong tables to outdoor furniture pieces. Designers were having a grand ole' time at the ping pong table during the show. 

Here it is in someone's home:  

I asked him how he got his concrete so ultra-thin and extremely strong which is an innovation in itself.  He freely described to me to that he experiments with polymers rather than aggregate materials. Uh huh...oh, so that's how he does it... The profile is so thin yet you can literally stand on this table and not break it!

The elegant and streamlined pool table can be used as a dining room table too. Ultra- mod, Love it! 

The Concrete Ping Pong Table can withstand any climate and is built to last. Built with a steel frame, so will need a couple of strong guys to put together!

I'm obsessed with the color of this concrete table design....it simulates blackened steel.

See the VINE from the ICFF show:

De Wulf's Soft block furniture is absolutely FAB.  He captures the same minimal profile of his concrete chairs and shifts its characteristics into his Softblock collection of modular sofas, chairs and ottomans. The forms are lightweight and covered in popping colors and patterns in collaboration with designer Goga Bouquet, president of Jiti bedding, an online modern textile company. 

Softblock collection - comes in an array of patterns and colors

I had a lovely chat with Goga Bouquet too in her booth diagonal from James. (see in pic above) Really comfy sofas, I didn't want to get up.  The new striking pink and blue cover line had a nice feel and they are all removable, interchangeable and machine washable. Great for outdoors as it is UV resistant and quick drying. 

See the VINE from the ICFF show:

You can connect with James De Wulf on his WEBSITE, FACEBOOK and TWITTER, You can connect with Goga Bouquet on her WEBSITE.

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OGASSIAN CONCRETE

LA Designer Daniel Ogassian designs the most wonderful concrete tiles stemming from pure geometry. To Daniel,"the DNA is where he finds the life, the activity , the movement."

BLINGCRETE: REFLECTIVE CONCRETE

(source)

Reflective Concrete + Light = Blingcrete! 



Logically when you think of concrete you think of heavy forms used for construction purposes. A new product called BlingCrete, produced by Hering Bau International uses retroflection, which means rays of light bounces back to its source. Its concrete surface feels light and becomes enlivened!

Layla Grayce Express your Style challenge - Concrete diggs

Layla Grayce, a stylish haven of items for the home is hosting a series of Olioboard contests, sponsored by Jonathan Adler.” I am participating in their Living room challenge called “Express Your Style,” and I would really appreciate your VOTES! The Top 25 get to be judged by Jonathan Adler and I would love to be one of the 25. Below is my board.

Exciting News is in! Jonathan Adler chose my Layla Grayce/Olioboard Living room contest design as FIRST place! Yahoo!! Click: article

In my image I used a concrete wall from the exterior of a building in the West Village I came across. It became the backdrop for the design. The architect works at his drafting table admiring his creation. 

It made me think that the use of concrete has become very popular in interior design especially for that industrial, urban look and feel. Concrete is an extremely versatile material and can be used in many unexpected and unusual ways......

Foscarini's new concrete suspension light takes its cue from the plumb or plummet weight to ensure the exactness of a line. This light beautifully counteracts concrete's weighty properties: 

 Doreen Westphal defies gravity with her lacy concrete curtains:

Industrial designer Florian Schmid creates amazing concrete furniture called Stitching concrete that are edged with elegant stitches:

Norwegian photographer Tom Haga developed a concrete Wallpaper collection derived by photographing raw and refined concrete and cinder blocks:

The intricate movement in Daniel Ogassian’s concrete decorative tile designs defies the heavy perception of concrete:

Designer Sergey Makhno creates concrete block planters called the Invariants. Each block has different shaped voids that cradle three liter glass jars as a vase.