The use of metal in architecture and design has experienced a real renaissance in recent years. A noble and versatile material, metal lends itself to being shaped and formed into innovative forms, resulting in creations of great visual and material impact. Always at the forefront of exploring the expressive potential of metals, De Castelli stands out for its ability to transform rough slabs into living surfaces capable of interacting with light and the surrounding space.
Vela by Gnosis Progetti, design De Castelli – photo © Alberto Parise
Founded in 1998, the Italian company has been able to combine traditional craftsmanship with constant technological research, collaborating with internationally renowned designers and creating unique projects for the world of furniture and architecture. Oxidation, inlays, engravings and erosions become tools in the hands of De Castelli’s artisans, capable of shaping the material and indulging in its transformations. Working with fine raw materials, the company is able to trigger and control the oxidation process, resulting in a palette rich in iridescent tones and deep nuances. The result is a perfect alchemy between the timeless beauty of metal and the unmistakable mark of time.
Vela by Gnosis Progetti, design De Castelli – photo © Alberto Parise
Vela by Gnosis Progetti, design De Castelli – photo © Alberto Parise
With Vela, a creation of Gnosis Progetti, De Castelli once again pushes the boundaries of design, transforming metal into an imperceptible and light fabric. The upholstery system is made up of modular panels, available in different sizes and finishes, made of metal sheets worked with an artisan technique that reproduces the effect of a drapery moved by the wind. The soft, sinuous waves catch the light, creating iridescent plays of reflections that transform the walls into true works of art. The alternation of light and shadow gives the metal an unexpected three-dimensionality, creating a suggestive dynamic that changes depending on the point of view.
De Castelli, Salone del Mobile 2023 – photo © Alberto Parise
But Vela is not just about aesthetics: the special finish of the panels also offers interesting acoustic properties that contribute to improving the comfort of the room. Available in a range of finishes from the warm tones of copper and brass to the cool shades of steel and iron, Vela elegantly blends into any style context, from the most classic to the most contemporary. With its ability to arouse emotions and create unique atmospheres, Vela is a perfect example of the De Castelli philosophy: transforming metal into emotion, design into art.
Vela by Gnosis Progetti, design De Castelli – photo © Alberto Parise
