Be-twin. Relationship between two modules
From the beginning I would like to say that Be-twin is a series urban furniture collection. A collection designed and produced head-to-tail in Moldova. There are many other series objects produced in Moldova, but their story will be written by others. For us, this collection is an important and valuable experience that initially meant a stack of sketches and searches, then a 3D model thought through to the marrow of the bones, then another stack of sheets with specifications and technical drawings, to finally result in a workshop with molds, samples of concrete, wood and metal. Now, Be-twin means several identical benches, pots and bins produced every day by a team called DecorStone.
We met with the DecorStone team last summer to set up a collaboration. One from which a worthy product will emerge, a fresh vision for urban furniture on our market and not only. A collection made in series from durable materials, the most important of which is concrete (DS specialty). I thought that if it is still a series collection, it should be made up of relatively easily replicable details, adaptable to various configurations, be of modular pieces and crafted as technologically as possible. Not to mention the aesthetics, ergonomics and quality of the materials...
I drew. Far from the city, detached and without much reference to the urban context, but only taking into account comfort and the relationship of subtle, subtly interconnected forms. The collection came out of two modules. Two pieces that, if they don't relate to others of their kind, say almost nothing. Moreover, it creates confusion and it is difficult to make any association of the shape of these modules with anything familiar to our minds. But once interconnected, they form a complete product: bench, basket, pots. Complex job...
To put it very briefly: Be-twin is a collection of urban furniture based on the idea of modularity, interconnected twin details that form an integrated product. The bench is the central element of the collection and is composed of two identical pieces cast from concrete. They are joined by screwing, forming the base on which the wooden and metal details are fixed. The concept of duality also refers to the configuration of the pot and the trash can - pieces based on an identical module reconfigured and adapted to the function by adding a few metal elements.
Color versions may vary. There are two basic shades: gray-white concrete and anthracite. Depending on this pigmentation of the concrete, the wood varies, always keeping the tonal contrast, but in all cases it is the one that gives the warmth of this furniture. A warmth of oak finely worked on the edges and which fits perfectly into its place between the concrete modules.
The phase of experimenting with the molds is long behind, and they have already calmed down and respect the geometry, and from now on the concrete respects the molds. Oak is well dried and saturated with oil, and metal is metal. Loud. An established industrial process, which arranged well with technological optimizations, did not in any way change the visible part of the product, but made the way to the final object easier. Now everyone knows their business and as long as spring has not yet arrived outside, the Decor Stone team produces a collection that they are proud of and of course we are proud of.
It's a revelation to go to the factory and analyze the first series, try them on and "bible" the details in search of improvements, leave marker marks on the finished details for revision in the next phases, simplify, optimize and minimize assembly operations. In series production, design is continuous, even after you try on a copy that is just about to leave for its destination. This attitude in design makes objects become better and more adapted to real life.
The furniture came out as we wanted. Good to sit on, good to see and good to the touch (excuse our modesty)... And if you find and tick all the criteria listed above, it would be a confirmation and at the same time an appreciation that we dedicate primarily to those who and - have assumed the role of serial producer of the Be-twin collection. It's a not-so-simple undertaking that will bear fruit. Surely. DecorStone has already released the first copies of this collection to the world, and we will continue to contribute to make it better and more honorable.