gt2P develops 'remolten' stool series from chilean volcanic lava

design miami/ 2016: chilean design and architecture studio gt2P (great things to people) has realized the ‘remolten’ series for friedman benda gallery. generated from a black porous, lightweight rock called ‘basaltic andesite’ found on active volcanic slopes across chile, the collection investigates the stone’s material properties, grounding it to a granulated state, re-melting and casting it into usable objects. ‘remolten’ forms part of gt2P’s ongoing research in the development of physical parametric methodologies for the production of design pieces in lava.

all images by aryeh kornfeld

chile is home is 2,000 volcanoes, the second largest and most active chain in the world. gt2P’s methodology utilizes two different techniques, first the process of ‘remolten’ volcanic lava casting. ‘lava is ground to a granulated state and then pre-cast, when cold, to subsequently re-melt it in high-temperature kilns,’ explain the designers. ‘stamped molds made of non-meltable powder (alumina powder, graphite, fire clay) at 1300°C are used. these are then placed in uncovered boxes made of stoneware or refractory plaster. the structural resistance of the re-molten lava is controlled by temperature curves in the furnace. this means that there is a temporal relationship between how the lava is melted down and how it is cooled.’

the second method is ‘remolten’ volcanic lava coating. ‘lava is also ground to obtain specific grain sizes, but what is different from the previous method is that the objects are coated in volcanic lava,’ continues gt2P. ‘the internal structure of these objects are made of materials with great resistance to high temperatures such as stoneware, porcelain, and refractory concrete. in this case, we can make smooth, dripped pieces as well as completely rough pieces. this procedure allows us to make lighter and larger pieces, with greater structural resistance, such as stools, benches, tables, shelves, architectural building components, and murals, among others.’

premiering with friedman benda at the salon: art + design in new york and design miami/ 2016, ‘remolten’ explores the potential of volcanic lava, bridging the academic, artistic, industrial and artisanal sectors.

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