Crystals, Baby!

This material is a crystalline composite based on potassium aluminium sulfate grown on a transparent acrylic substrate. The acrylic acts as a stabilising carrier, enabling controlled crystal growth into a continuous crystalline surface while remaining light-transmissive.

Crystal formation is achieved through a controlled immersion process. The acrylic surface is seeded to define growth points and placed into a saturated potassium aluminium sulfate solution. Repeated immersion allows the crystals to grow directly onto the substrate in layers, resulting in a coherent and firmly bonded crystalline structure.

Colour is introduced using acid dyes during crystallisation, becoming encapsulated within the crystal lattice and forming an integral part of the material. A wide range of colours is possible. In interior applications, colour stability exceeds five years without significant fading.

As potassium aluminium sulfate crystals are hygroscopic, the crystalline surface is sealed with Paraloid B72 and a UV-protective coating to improve durability.

Visually, the material is defined by the regular geometry of crystal growth. The crystalline surface refracts and diffuses light, producing gradients, reflections and shadows that shift with viewing angle and lighting conditions.

The material is intended for interior use, including surfaces, lighting objects and installations.