As well as being a writer and author I also have a major passion for industrial design. In fact, I am presently in the process of creating several bespoke timepieces with my Watchmaker friend Ben Birkett. Two of the watch cases are constructed from concrete and were made by English based craftsman George Slaughter. Originally I commissioned George to create some concrete buttons for my leather jacket brand ‘Morley Rose’. Based on positive results I wanted to explore how this amazing material would work in a horological context. Certainly, achieving the precise texture wasn’t easy but after 12-months of trial an error we got the correct balance. Effectively my objective was to create the same aesthetic used in contemporary modern residential architecture.
Over the last few years, exposed concrete homes have become more and more popular. Concrete has been around for eons but is normally associated with commercial construction like bridges, road and warehouses. However, contemporary architects/designers have seen its potential for the residential sector. A great example is Redux House, which was completed in 2013 by Studio MK27. This home truly epitomises everything I love about modernistic architecture.
Redux House is located in the countryside of São Paulo, Itatiba, within an exclusive gated community called Quinta da Baroneza. The project was managed by principal architect Marcio Kogan and an extensive supporting team (Beatriz Meyer, Carlos Costa, Laura Guedes, Mariana Ruzante, Mariana Simas, Oswaldo Pessano, Suzana Glogowski, Henrique Bustamante). What makes the home so special is the simple geometry and limited palette of materials. Effectively the home is fabricated from exposed concrete, glass and timber.
Redux house is constructed from one giant concrete floor slab, four modular boxes and a ceiling slab. Even though the residence occupies, one level it has an abundance of space. Internally the property comprises four bedrooms, sauna, kitchen, living area, laundry area, bathrooms and maid’s rooms. Outside there are extensive decked areas, finely manicured gardens and a generously proportioned pool.
