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Nihao Concrete

Cement’s different expressions

水泥作為一種常見建材,其外表粗礪無光、質地堅硬木納,說來好像與生活工藝、器物的調性不怎麼和諧。不過,自從認識台灣的「泥好製所」,看過他們質樸優雅的盆器作品後,發現了水泥儘管五官不算迷人,表情卻可以千變萬化,不失為公寓裡營造氣氛的良物。

在「泥好製所」眼裡,水泥是一種可塑性高的材質,而且水泥器物上獨一無二的氣孔,更是彰顯出手工感的材質特性。另外配合到上色工序,水泥甚至可以表達到四時變化、風景轉換,像他們家柱型盆器的命名方法也總是與景色有關——「遙霧綠」、「藏褐紅」、「靜謐白」和「雅靛藍」;憑簡單的塑型,把注意力留在平穩的色調上,漾出了溫暖愜意的生活感。

而在設計商品之外,「泥好製所」不吝與顧客交流,經常在專頁上分享栽植的心得。此中,泥好製所特別偏心於多肉植物,其原生於乾旱地區,特性是不用經常澆水、容易打理,應該是最宜於城市人栽種的植物。

Cement is a kind of construction material which has a lackluster and crude appearance, and a dull and hard texture. Based on this description, it would seem cement is not quite compatible with craft or ware for the living space. However, after getting to know Nihao Concrete from Taiwan, and having seen their simple but elegant plant pot creations, I have come to realize that despite its modest appearance, cement is capable of displaying a range of expressions, and thus is more than good for enhancing the atmosphere of apartments.

In the eyes of Nihao Concrete, cement is a highly flexible material. In addition, the unique air bubbles on the surface of cement ware are a distinct feature which can highlight its handcraft quality. When it comes to coloring, cement is even able to capture changing seasons and landscapes. The way they name their tube-shaped plant pots always have something to do with views and colors: “green of distanced fog”, “hidden maroon”, “tranquil white” and “elegant indigo”. By simple shaping, thereby directing the attention to the stable color tones, they manage to breathe into the products a feeling of daily life that is both warm and comfortable.

Apart from designing products, Nihao Concrete is also eager to interact with their customers by sharing tips about botany on their official homepage. In particular, Nihao Concrete has a special preference for succulent plants, which come originally from dry habitats and do not need to be watered frequently. Therefore, they should be the kind of plants most suitable for city dwellers!

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