The Beton coffee vessel is a storage container for coffee bean. It is designed to enhance the quality and freshness of coffee being stored.
The vessel is made of concrete and cork, two materials that are naturally impermeable, allowing coffee to be stored in an environment that prohibits moisture, air, and light from interacting with it. The cork lid for the container is a rigid but soft material that fits snug when it is closed creating a natural seal that is airtight. On top center of the cork lid is a cut out for the scoop to comfortably nest. The bowl of the scoop is designed to hold 1 tablespoon of bean. This allows the user to scoop controlled amounts of coffee bean being prepared for grinding.
The imagery in this project depicts the process we took as designers to develop this product. Over 5 months of development we aimed for efficiency in the production of this product. Using prototyping technologies like 3D Printing for mold and jigs, CNC machining for molds, and computer aided design to develop the product. Though technology assisted our development, we used traditional wood working techniques for final finishes. The ultimate goal of this project is to explore and develop design practices that can be translated to more products.
Beton has been rigorously tested and refined; we believe that materials should drive the process and design of objects.
The concrete vessel is custom mixed to have the perfect blend of strength and color. Each piece is individually cast. We mill the wood, and cut and route each base and cap to ensure quality and a tight seal. The base is made from walnut and the top of cork. The scoop is hand turned and the veneers are each chosen for their specific grains and colors. Each handle is made to fit a specific scoop.
While the design of each piece will be the same, the hand crafted process makes each piece slightly different, each piece unique. The finished product is hand rubbed with a food safe oil mix. Over time, the oil from your hands will add to the patina, making this one of a kind container even more personal. The final results is a considerately crafted storage vessel, rich in color and texture. The vessel delivers an experience unlike any other storage container on the market.
