julien carretero: stencil - aluminium furniture cast in fabric

julien carretero: stencil – aluminium furniture cast in fabric

julien carretero explores the complex technique of casting metal in his furniture series ‘stencil’ for victor hunt gallery. through experimental research, he has arrived at a flexible system of production which reduces the complexity and cost of infrastructures typical with this manufacturing method.  the french-born belgium-based designer uses a high-temperature resistant fabric which he clamps to a steel stencil within a wooden framework for support. once in place, molten aluminium is poured into the soft mould, and because of its set-up – unlike typical metal casting processes – once the part is cooled and released, another can be poured immediately. the resulting leg and structural components display the texture of the re-usable textile forms, offering a soft, but industrial appearance.

each of the aluminum parts are cast in soft mould

bench seating

detail of a leg support which features the texture of the mould in which it is cast

stools and tables use different leg support structures

carretero’s low-cost manufacturing method utilizes a high temperature resistant fabric to form the parts

leg detail

lamp support whose cold metal form appears soft because of how it has been made

‘stencil’ collection

the mould is clipped to a steel stencil and wooden framework for support

pouring the liquid metal into the mould

mould system

the aluminium cooling

view of the soft mould which can be reused

leg parts released from the mould

mould for the bench

— INTERIEUR 2012 biennale in the city, city in the biennale 20 – 28 october kortrijk, belgium

the biennale INTERIEUR is now in its 23rd edition and is internationally recognized as an not-to-be-missed overview of trends, tastes and cultural movements. INTERIEUR 2012 will be bigger and better than ever with an extensive programme and an exciting mix of culture and commerce. it will bring a curated selection of 300 international design brands to 90.000 expected visitors over a period of nine days, additional exhibitions are scheduled to be shown in the city-centre, and pop-up bars plus a restaurant will be installed beyond the halls of the fairgrounds.