Concrete is a natural product that has been used in Roman architecture since ancient times and was valued for its durability. Today, the mixture of cement, water and aggregate is also increasingly being used in product design: For example, in the production of aesthetic luminaires such as those designed by architect Stefan Gant.
Concrete is actually an architectural material and is often associated with massive constructions. However, the material can also be used for precise detail work. This is precisely what fascinates the trained architect Stefan Gant. Even during his training, he often made models out of concrete. The subject of lamps became his focus when he was looking for lighting for his kitchen. He quickly realizes that making a concrete lamp is not as trivial as it might seem at first glance.
From tinkering project to award-winning design label
He worked night shifts in the cellar for around a year until the lamp met his expectations. After investing so much work in the prototype for his kitchen, he came up with the idea of selling the model in small series via an online platform. The success was so immense that he finally founded the Gantlights label in 2012. The aesthetic pendant lights from Gantlights quickly attracted a great deal of attention, followed by numerous nominations and awards such as the German Design Award Special and the European Product Design Award.
Gantlights luminaires are as diverse as the lighting situations that need to be solved in interior design.
Each design follows an architectural approach
Stefan Gant approaches his designs with an understanding of architectural concepts: in architecture, there is always a problem that needs to be solved. Lighting design is no different. Ultimately, light serves architecture. “Take, for example, a long, dark hallway with a suspended ceiling where I need light. This means that a suitable light fixture should be long, narrow, and flat. I then develop the right light fixture for this situation,” explains the product designer.
He draws the first sketch by hand, then creates a 3D design on the computer, and finally transfers it to a two-dimensional engineering drawing. Prototypes are then made from wood, cardboard, or using a 3D printer to get a feel for the lamp’s dimensions and make any necessary adjustments. Only when everything is just right does the model go into production.
Gantlights is networked with various local manufacturers.
Gantlights are handcrafted in workshops in Berlin and Brandenburg
Gantlights’ lamps are manufactured exclusively in Germany. To achieve this, Stefan Gant relies on a close-knit network of manufacturers and workshops: a woodworking shop in Schönow near Zehlendorf, a steel fabricator in Siemensstadt, a ceramics workshop in Wedding, and the concrete workshop in Zehdenick, Brandenburg.
“It’s important to me that we produce regionally and don’t have to travel long distances to the workshops,” says Stefan Gant. “I like the fact that I can simply drive there and get feedback on whether an idea is feasible based on the products. I wouldn’t have this direct and quick exchange elsewhere. We also want to strengthen the regional economy.”
Stefan Gant has a professional affinity for concrete and linear structures.
Concrete luminaires want to be experienced haptically
Handmade design objects made of pure concrete are always very individual. As it hardens, coarse pores, air pockets and so-called bleeding often develop, giving each luminaire its very own character. “You can work incredibly finely with concrete and create fascinating structures on the surface,” explains Stefan Gant. “However, the quality of concrete is difficult to depict in pictures; you simply have to experience the material haptically to appreciate its high value.”
Gantlights’ lamps can be viewed in person at various design shops and home furnishings stores throughout Germany and internationally. Of course, anyone interested is always welcome to visit the Gantlights studio in beautiful Zehdenick, Brandenburg.
As striking design objects, Gantlights luminaires set decorative accents in interiors.
Light serves architecture: Stefan Gant designs luminaires for minimalists
Concrete is a natural product that has been used in Roman architecture since ancient times and was valued for its durability. Today, the mixture of cement, water and aggregate is also increasingly being used in product design: For example, in the production of aesthetic luminaires such as those designed by architect Stefan Gant.
Concrete is actually an architectural material and is often associated with massive constructions. However, the material can also be used for precise detail work. This is precisely what fascinates the trained architect Stefan Gant. Even during his training, he often made models out of concrete. The subject of lamps became his focus when he was looking for lighting for his kitchen. He quickly realizes that making a concrete lamp is not as trivial as it might seem at first glance.
From tinkering project to award-winning design label
He worked night shifts in the cellar for around a year until the lamp met his expectations. After investing so much work in the prototype for his kitchen, he came up with the idea of selling the model in small series via an online platform. The success was so immense that he finally founded the Gantlights label in 2012. The aesthetic pendant lights from Gantlights quickly attracted a great deal of attention, followed by numerous nominations and awards such as the German Design Award Special and the European Product Design Award.
Gantlights luminaires are as diverse as the lighting situations that need to be solved in interior design.
Each design follows an architectural approach
Stefan Gant approaches his designs with an understanding of architectural concepts: in architecture, there is always a problem that needs to be solved. Lighting design is no different. Ultimately, light serves architecture. “Take, for example, a long, dark hallway with a suspended ceiling where I need light. This means that a suitable light fixture should be long, narrow, and flat. I then develop the right light fixture for this situation,” explains the product designer.
He draws the first sketch by hand, then creates a 3D design on the computer, and finally transfers it to a two-dimensional engineering drawing. Prototypes are then made from wood, cardboard, or using a 3D printer to get a feel for the lamp’s dimensions and make any necessary adjustments. Only when everything is just right does the model go into production.
Gantlights is networked with various local manufacturers.
Gantlights are handcrafted in workshops in Berlin and Brandenburg
Gantlights’ lamps are manufactured exclusively in Germany. To achieve this, Stefan Gant relies on a close-knit network of manufacturers and workshops: a woodworking shop in Schönow near Zehlendorf, a steel fabricator in Siemensstadt, a ceramics workshop in Wedding, and the concrete workshop in Zehdenick, Brandenburg.
“It’s important to me that we produce regionally and don’t have to travel long distances to the workshops,” says Stefan Gant. “I like the fact that I can simply drive there and get feedback on whether an idea is feasible based on the products. I wouldn’t have this direct and quick exchange elsewhere. We also want to strengthen the regional economy.”
Stefan Gant has a professional affinity for concrete and linear structures.
Concrete luminaires want to be experienced haptically
Handmade design objects made of pure concrete are always very individual. As it hardens, coarse pores, air pockets and so-called bleeding often develop, giving each luminaire its very own character. “You can work incredibly finely with concrete and create fascinating structures on the surface,” explains Stefan Gant. “However, the quality of concrete is difficult to depict in pictures; you simply have to experience the material haptically to appreciate its high value.”
Gantlights’ lamps can be viewed in person at various design shops and home furnishings stores throughout Germany and internationally. Of course, anyone interested is always welcome to visit the Gantlights studio in beautiful Zehdenick, Brandenburg.
As striking design objects, Gantlights luminaires set decorative accents in interiors.