Design Work
Zeitz Object
Architecture translated into a dual-purpose sculptural vessel. Form, function, and artistic intent unified.
Overview
Two Forms, One Object
The Zeitz Object is a study in duality. Inspired by the iconic circular voids of the Zeitz MOCA building in Cape Town, this moulded cement vessel exists as both a functional fruit bowl and an artistic floral arrangement display. Flip it, and the object transforms, revealing new proportions, new depths, new possibilities.
This is design that challenges the user to reconsider their relationship with everyday objects. It's not just a bowl. It's a conversation between architecture, craft, and domestic life.
Materials
- Moulded cement
- Hand-finished surface
- Natural aggregate texture
Production
- Custom mould creation
- Hand-finished details
- Limited production run
Inspiration
Zeitz MOCA
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art in Cape Town is a masterpiece of adaptive architecture. Thomas Heatherwick's design transforms a 57-meter-tall grain silo into a cultural landmark, carving out a dramatic central void, a sculptural absence that defines the entire structure.
This project asked: what if we extracted that void, that negative space, and made it tangible? What if we created an object that captures the essence of that architectural gesture, but at a human scale, for the home?
The result is an object that is simultaneously sculptural and functional. It sits on your table as art, yet invites you to use it, to interact with it, to flip it and discover new perspectives.
Design Concept
The Duality Principle
Most objects have a single purpose, a single orientation. The Zeitz Object rejects this convention. By designing a form that is equally compelling in two orientations, we created an object that encourages exploration and reinterpretation.
As a fruit bowl: The object cradles fresh produce with organic, undulating walls. The form invites you to fill it, to display it, to make it part of your daily ritual.
As a floral vessel: Flip it, and the negative space becomes positive. The circular voids—inspired by Zeitz MOCA's architectural language—become perfect receptacles for stems, branches, and botanical arrangements. It becomes a sculptural display piece, a gallery for nature.
"The most sophisticated design is often the simplest—an object that reveals new meaning with each interaction, that grows more interesting the longer you live with it."
Production Process
Craft Meets Precision
Mould Design & Creation
We designed a custom two-part mould that captures the organic curves and precise voids inspired by Zeitz MOCA. The mould is engineered to allow for the dual-orientation functionality while maintaining structural integrity.
Cement Casting
High-quality cement is carefully poured into the mould, with natural aggregates creating subtle texture and visual depth. The casting process is precise—timing, temperature, and humidity all affect the final result.
Hand Finishing
Each piece is hand-finished to reveal the natural beauty of the cement. Edges are refined, surfaces are carefully treated, and any imperfections are celebrated as part of the craft process.
Quality Control & Curing
The object undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic consistency. It's then allowed to cure fully, developing the strength and patina that characterize the final piece.
Product Views
Dual Perspectives
Top view revealing the sculptural void pattern inspired by Zeitz MOCA
Bottom view showing the inverted form and structural design
As a fruit bowl—cradling fresh produce with organic grace
As a floral vessel—transformed into a sculptural display for botanical arrangements
Design Philosophy
Principles of Transformation
Architecture at Human Scale
By translating the architectural language of Zeitz MOCA into a domestic object, we democratize the experience of great design. You don't need to travel to Cape Town to engage with this architectural gesture—it lives on your table.
Duality as Design Strategy
Objects that serve multiple purposes are more valuable, more interesting, and more sustainable. The Zeitz Object challenges the notion of single-use design, encouraging users to think creatively about how they interact with their environment.
Material Authenticity
Cement is honest. It ages, it develops patina, it tells the story of time. Rather than hiding this material's nature, we celebrate it—creating an object that becomes more beautiful as it lives in your home.
Art Meets Function
The best design doesn't distinguish between art and utility. The Zeitz Object is equally at home in a gallery and on your dining table. It's a conversation starter, a functional sculpture, a daily reminder that beauty and purpose are not mutually exclusive.
Explore Transformative Design
Whether you're seeking to translate architectural inspiration into functional art or explore the possibilities of dual-purpose design, we're here to collaborate and bring your vision to life.