WHAT
Cast objects from stone, marble and cement. Our pieces are crafted with the highest quality standards, they are handmade from our own casting materials in our own specialized moulds.
WHY
Casting after casting, we have developed objects that have a textural pleasure, a gentle ‘soul’ reveals to the touch and an elegant balance between the controlled and uncontrolled entertains the eye. We call ‘soul’ the energy, the temperature, the friendly texture and the object’s aura in its surroundings. Our material in feel, durability, weight and quality is closer to stone.
HOW
Our casting process requires a series of sculptural prototype models where proportions and balance are achieved. Our workshop team of sculptors and technicians are dedicated from the production of moulds to the finished detail of the end product.
CASTING
The casting technique is a 7000-year-old manufacturing process in which a liquid material is poured into a mould. Some casts because of their story about skill and procedure are collected as historical objects in a category of their own.
Casting is a meticulous craft which demands diligent recording of all stages of the process with numerical formulas in order to quantitatively predict the casting’s mechanical properties, thermal stresses and distortions. Variables such as the aggregate’s components, the weather or the water temperature are key factors in the solidification, durability, texture and aesthetic finishing. Skill and artistry are required so as to control the end result through science, experience and instinct.
There are rituals in the casting process.
The ritual of the perfect prototype.
The ritual of the making of the negative imprint.
The ritual of the alchemic making of the pouring liquid.
The ritual of the de-moulding process is where the solidified object – ‘the casting’- is ejected or broken out of the mould to come out into our world.
The casting craft is fascinating to people from various disciplines, as it is a methodical and disciplined creative process with a dose of unpredictability. Casting requires time, careful observation and waiting for the ‘butterfly’ to come out of its ‘cocoon’. The end result will reveal if it is a failure, a success or a breakthrough. The ‘de-moulding’ can be quite different depending on the type of mould used; it can be hard and quick or slow and gentle, much like the English and Greek words for casting:
In English to cast means to throw, a vigorous and quick act where the lading is where all eyes are turned to. Much like the short, abrupt and decisive sound of the word ‘cast’.
In Greek the word for casting is ‘hyteysis’, it describes and focuses on the dispersal of a liquid into a cavity. The casting is the outcome of that genesis, and genesis takes time, waiting and patience. In Greek, the casting process, ‘hyteysis’, is defined as the continuous act of creating flow. And much like the sound of the word of the origin verb ‘heo’ the act of casting is paced and has a gentle impalpable flux. Greek ancient texts mention ‘κεχυμένοι ὀφθαλμοί ’ ‘tearful eyes’ or ‘water flowing eyes’.
MOULDS
Mold-making is practising a form of art on its own. In modern Greek, the word for mould is ‘metra’ meaning the womb, the place where birth takes place, the place in which something transforms and takes its shape. In ancient Greek, the word for mould is ‘ekmageio’ meaning to capture, to illustrate. It is quite fitting to the process that Plato once resembled the human soul with a wax mould where impressions engrave it.
In ALENTES we either use rigid molds, flexible molds or a combination of both. The different type of moulds require their own making techniques and result in different textures or ‘soul’ as we like to call it in our workshop. Complicated multiple-piece moulds are sometimes required. These can be fascinating structures of resemble an exoskeleton. Single or multiple, the moulds are the object’s shells, encasing and giving form.
WHO
Design
Operating since 2017, with a team of experienced and inspired architects, artists and technicians we strive to materialize our personal values and experiences. The end result is a product of continuous material blending, research and small discoveries.
People
Vassilis Sfiris studied fine art at the Chelsea College of Arts and the Byam Shaw School of Art, and film direction at the London Film School. Christina Kappou studied architecture at Greenwich University and North London University.
Deriving from the Spanish word ‘alentar’ meaning ‘to nourish to help grow’, Alentes is an alliance of parallel disciplines with the aim to encourage, nourish and entertain ideas and artefacts that recall the feeling of a personal experience rather than paying homage to it.
With exquisite craftsmanship and personal care, we showcase handmade sculptural objects and furniture, and we are thrilled and humbled for each and everyone that is welcomed into your home.
MATERIALITY
We fabricate our pieces with a unique aggregate of stone, marble and cement. Mixed and poured by hand, the objects cure for twenty days. They are then assembled and sealed with a protective coating. High in durability, all our objects are nearly carefree. Our cement castings come in extra white, velvet grey and deep black colours unless otherwise stated. Slight variations in size and colour are due to the use of natural materials and the handmade nature of our products – each is unique.
All our furniture is treated with a specialized matte varnish which makes surfaces non-absorbant thus making them suitable for outdoor use – unless otherwise specified.
All marble components are hand-selected by the Alentes creative team and are hand-polished. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
CUSTOM / PROJECT CURATION
Our creative team is highly experienced in architecture and interior design and we work closely with our clients to meet their requirements and achieve the best results. We showcase our full range of products in our headquarters where we can demonstrate in person our design and manufacturing standards.
WHERE
Featuring a design studio and a fully equipped 600 sqm workshop supported by professional technicians, our designs are handmade in Greece by our staff and local artisans, pairing crafting artistry with innovative design and personal care.
Our products are made to last, selecting high-quality materials, thorough development and hands-on production excellence. Our research and design process is an integral part of our high-standard manufacturing operation.
PAIRING
contemporary geometries
with classical forms of traditional craftsmanship
and high-end finishing standards
CREATING
statement pieces
where aesthetics and functionality
are balanced undistracted serene ambience
INSPIRED
by graceful details of everyday life
by the gentle honesty of unadorned forms
by the peaceful and the thrilling
EXPLORING
the practical as the atmospheric
the quiet yet dramatic
the useful as a standalone art object
SAFE PAYMENT
You may pay either by credit card via BRAINTREE or via PAYPAL.
Customers outside the EU safe payments via bank transfer. Please contact us so we can provide an accurate quote with the best shipping times and VAT exemption.
EU SHIPPING
DOOR-TO-DOOR INSURED SHIPPING via FEDEX EU, 5-10 days. Order tracking is available.
WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
DOOR-TO-DOOR INSURED SHIPPING via FEDEX INTERNATIONAL, 10-15 days. Order tracking is available.
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