A CONCRETE IDEA
Written by Bridget Williams
Switzerland native Tim Bayes says he first became enamored with the “fascinating and unique” properties of malleable concrete while studying at the University of Westminster in London. “It starts out life as a liquid and combines the organic characteristics of natural stone with the ability to be cast into any shape. It also has a contemporary context that other stone materials don’t have,” he explained.
He founded Lowinfo in 1998, which allowed him to design and fabricate a range of concrete furniture and interior surfaces. Realizing a gap in the market, Bayes further honed his craft, establishing Kast Concrete Basins in 2013 in Nottingham, England. This first-of- its-kind niche brand specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing washbasins and sinks in a spectrum of styles.
Going far beyond the standard grey that typically comes to mind when thinking of concrete, Kast basins are available in a rainbow of colors, from cheery to calming. Equally at home in traditional and contemporary interiors, Bayes points out that “many of my design values align with modernism, with an emphasis on functional design and clean lines.”
Kast’s factory is also its design studio, and Bayes asserts that continuous experimentation leads to generating ideas and solving problems. “I believe a tacit knowledge of materials and physical making skills underpin and elevate the design process. Any design that we conceive can be tested, refined, and made right here,” he elucidated.
While his company has had to put plans for a public launch of new collections on hold, Bayes remains optimistic. “The pandemic has been difficult in many ways, but it has allowed us as a team more time for thought, reflection, and planning.” And, he added, “Washing our hands has never been so important.”
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