Daring experiments to the cement era | CASTLE series

Many years ago, Meiric visited Florence and was intrigued by the “Jersey Barrier”, a modular concrete employed to separate lanes of traffic, that stood in the middle of the square. The delicate work of the fence amazed him and broke his stereotype against “cement objects”. While he was impressed, a bold idea occurred to him: “Is it possible to use cement as a material for lighting?”

That’s where it all began the following cement materials experiment for over two years.

A period of innovation and experimentation with new techniques

At that time, you could never see a cement lamp in the market, every experimental idea was an adventure. At the beginning it was even difficult to reach a breakthrough making the cement strong enough to avoid cracking. After a series of failures, the R&D team turned to looking for a composite material. In a series of approaches eventually coming up with a formula and appropriate temperature that effectively accelerated the concrete curing and crystallized in this way encloses the aggregate particles and produces a dense material , ensuring its comprehensive and impact strengths by a critical 40-degree impact test. The mold, on the other hand, is hand-made with inner high-precision silicone rubber + outer plaster for easy demolding and for giving that delicate and smooth texture.

Before they were

In addition to material innovation, another key factor to make this work is the production process management.

The mixed cement has to be evacuated by vacuum machine to 6~8 cmHg (Centimetres of mercury, while the atmospheric pressure is 76 cmHg). After the machine stops stirring, the concrete material begins to solidify. At this time, the master has to precisely control the timing and volume of the grout, keeping it slow, and focusing on every detail, while filling into the mold. Any tiny slip-up in this stage may result in unwanted imperfections such as cracks or holes.

In order to prevent the shade from cracking by dramatical change of temperature and humidity, there is a wash-and-soak procedure extending the dry-up period. The cement crystallized in this way encloses the aggregate particles and produces a dense material. Each piece is gently hand washed and polished by P600 sandpaper back and forth one at a time and carefully wiped and patted dry., and it is then removed outdoor 5-7 days for drying. A cement lampshade is officially completed.

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CASTLE NOIR XS/S/M/L

2024

The brand-new Castle Noir infuses a darker, more serene hue into the ever-popular Castle family. While retaining its classic form, the unique concrete formulation imparts a refined texture to the lampshade, preserving the raw, natural grain of the material. The black metal details add a touch of modern elegance and sophisticated vibe to the Castle Noir series, available in four sizes to cater to various needs.

Designer   Chen, Chao Cheng
Material   concrete, aluminum, steel
Color   concrete dark grey
Light Source   
XS|G9 LED 2.5W 2700K
S|E27 1 x Max 100W
M|E27 1 x Max 100W
L|E27 1 x Max 77W
Size   
XS|L 11cm x W 11cm x H 10.1cm
S|L 20cm x W 20cm x H 18cm
M|L 31.5cm x W 31.5cm x H 29cm
L|L 40cm x W 40cm x H 37cm
Wire   gray max. 200cm (shade included)
Canopy   chrome
Model   
XS|SG-623CP-BK
S|SQ-7131CP-BK
M|SQ-7132CP-BK
L|SQ-7133CP-BK

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CASTLE MUSE P

2018

Derived from Greek mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses who symbolized the highest achievements in art and science. Today, a muse is known as a person or object that inspires creativity. At SEED Design, we’ve captured that spark of ingenuity in our own creation—the CASTLE MUSE Pendant.

Crafted from a unique fusion of opal glass and concrete, this pendant is stunning in its simplicity. Available in both classic grey concrete and a deep, dramatic “Noir,” each version brings its own distinct personality and presence to any space.

Designer   Chen, Chao Cheng
Material   concrete, glass
Color
concrete gray + matt opal
concrete dark grey + matt opal
Light Source   G9 1 x 4W LED 2700K CRI90
Size   L 10.5cm x W 10.5cm x H 9cm
Wire   gray max. 200cm (shade included)
Canopy   chrome
Model   SG-1012P
Illuminance

Inspiration

Photo credit:XINDESIGN

Inspiration

Inspiration

Photo credit : 大秝設計

Inspiration

Photo credit : 太硯室內設計

Inspiration

CASTLE MERMAID L

2016

The idea of the MERMAID arises from evening gowns. To take the silhouette of fabric into an object, a new image of the iconic collection has been brought out. It is softer, a bit feminine and more creative.
” It doesn’t matter how many wrinkles on our faces or the sizes we are. As women, we are strong, unique, and always special. That’s what the MERMAID all about. ” said the designer.

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Designer   Li, Hui Lun
Material   steel, concrete
Color grey/ sand gold/ satin
Light Source   E27 1 x 11W LED 2700/3000K
Size   L 24cm x W 24cm x H 22cm
Wire   gray max. 150cm (shade included)
Canopy    same as ring color
Model   SQ-7122CP

CASTLE XS/S/M/L

2008

CASTLE desires to challenge your every perception of texture and lighting. As a material, concrete is exceptionally energy efficient compared to that of metal or glass. By using concrete as a lampshade the CASTLE has responsibly kept in tune with concepts of green living in mind.

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Designer   Chen, Chao Cheng
Material   steel, concrete
Color   concrete gray
Light Source   
XS|G9 LED 3W 2700K
S|E27 1 x 10W LED 3000K
M|E27 1 x 11W LED 2700/3000K
L|E27 1 x 11W LED 2700/3000K
Size   
XS|L 11cm x W 11cm x H 10.1cm
S|L 20cm x W 20cm x H 18cm
M|L 31.5cm x W 31.5cm x H 29cm
L|L 40cm x W 40cm x H 37cm
Wire   gray max. 200cm (shade included)
Canopy   chrome
Model   
XS|SG-623CP
S|SQ-7131CP
M|SQ-7132CP
L|SQ-7133CP

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