Inspired by the abundance of unusual stone and mineral deposits found in his hometown of Salento, Italian designer Cosma Frascina’s “Calcarenite” Series is an entirely new take on minimal design. Named for a family of sediments typically found in the region, “Calcarenite” demonstrates an in-depth exploration of material and form in each piece. Frascina built up his latest line of furniture beginning with raw stones, basic tools, and “lots of patience,” resulting in a raw aesthetic that reflects his primitive approach. While each piece is entirely unique in pattern, texture, and form, the collection remains united by the philosophy that motivated its creation: “Calcarenite Series, with its strong physical and intrinsic fragility, express man’s need for a more meaningful and deep relationship with the Earth and the elements, establishing a tactile bridge toward the past.” The organic quality of the roughly-hewn forms is intended as a reminder of nature’s intrinsic beauty. Frascina’s incorporation of oxidized metal, aged to match the effects of time on stone, provides a refreshing geometric contrast that makes the collection feel at home in the world of contemporary design. A set of three “shelters,” a bench, a floor lamp, three vases, and six interlocking hexagonal bowls make for a fascinating series so beautiful and well-considered that their functionality is just the icing on the cake.
