Clerkenwell Design Week 2016: London-based YenChen YaWen Studio has combined Jesmonite with metal powders to create a series of candle holders, pots and vases that oxidise and change colour as they age (+ slideshow).
The Patina Jesmonite collection investigates the patterns and colours formed throughout the oxidation process, and is inspired by outdoor landscapes.
The collection includes a series of vessels and candle holders, which combine wood and glass sections with parts made from Jesmonite resin mixed with various metal powders.
As the porous surface of the Jesmonite absorbs moisture, the metal powders are oxidised – allowing the pieces to change colour over time.
"Jesmonite has a satin marble-like finish," designer Ya Wen told Dezeen. "After casting together with different metal powders, the object will oxidise and become more saturated in colour when being exposed to humid environment."
"We pushed our research even further into using chemical process and treating the surface with different chemical formula that will lead to richer colours and textures," she added.
Jesmonite – a plaster and resin composite material – is becoming popular choice for designers. Other recent examples of its use include Pinch's limited-edition Nim coffee table, a sculpture for London's Ace Hotel and side tables by Study O Portable.
"Jesmonite is easy to cast in many different ways, making it very versatile material," said Ya Wen. "It has a lot of possibilities and could be mixed with other materials, or different coloured pigments to develop unique patterns and finishes whilst also being environmentally friendly."
The Patina Jesmonite collection was on show at the Platform exhibition throughout this year's Clerkenwell Design Week, which took place in London from 24 to 26 May 2016.
Dezeen's picks of the must-see installations at the event included a high temple of timber below a historic archway, a flat-packed Museum of Making and a series of glass-tile sculptures designed to help visitors navigate the area.