As the brain child of Brooklyn-based artist Fernando Mastrangelo, MMaterial is the only outdoor furniture collection we’re eying right now. Mastrangelo, who was once artist Matthew Barney’s assistant before breaking out on his own, is a seasoned sculptor who has been utilizing natural casting materials (like sugar and salt) for over a decade. By redefining our perception of cement, he hand-dyes the materials used for MMaterial and then brings in different aggregates for the indoor and outdoor designs, using everything from sand and brass to glass and gunmetal for his massive furniture collection.
Not only did they have to look great, the materials used had to be paired with the piece’s environment. For instance, using rock salt for an outdoor design would be a disaster, but swapping it for something like crushed quartz would give the same visual impact. Mastrangelo also looks to nature for his inspiration, oftentimes letting the materials decide what the end result will be. “The colors and textures are inspired by some of the phenomena that occur in nature,” he says.
The made-to-order collection spans a wide range of offerings, including a chaise lounge, tables and benches, planters, and a console. Prices range from $4,500 for a smaller Drum to $22,500 for the Strata console. Of course, considering these are cement, they can get pretty heavy, with the Hauser Chaise ($25,000) being the largest at 350 pounds. You can also request specific dimensions, material combinations and cement colorways, which would alter the price points.