Industrial designer Arik Levy has created Ice of Genesis, a collection of decorative surfaces for Spanish brand Compac that was informed by the Arctic's frozen lakes.
The surfaces, which are made from quartz, aim to replicate "the sensation of walking on ice" when used for flooring, Compac said.
Ice of Genesis can also be used for kitchen countertops or cladding and has been shortlisted for a 2023 Dezeen Award in the product design (bathrooms and kitchens) category.
"From the frozen lakes of the Arctic, Arik Levy has created a surface with a visual effect of depth never seen before, achieved through veins that penetrate the material," said Compac.
During the making of Ice of Genesis, Levy used a specialised industrial technique allowing him to develop a surface that had depth but was also flat and manageable to install.
The material mimics the patterns found in ice and was described by Levy as "a balance between solid and liquid".
"The juxtaposition of gravity and mineral is very important. What I hope is that gravity will bring that stationary sort of sensation and the mineral brings a certain kind of beautiful fragility," said Levy.
"It looks like it's made out of a block, but it isn't made from a block, so it is a very unique piece in essence," he added.
"We are able to match the veins, and their energy, and the way they look."
The product comes in either Ice Black or Ice White and was designed to be resistant to stains, scratching, abrasion, dirt and humidity, according to Compac.
"With a much more sustainable reformulation to benefit the entire environment with which the material interacts from the beginning of its production to the end user, the technological quartz developed by Compac is a material of exceptional beauty and durability," said the brand.
Ice of Genesis will compete against projects including Studio Inma Bermúdez' Nu taps in the product design (bathroom and kitchen) category of Dezeen Awards 2023.