Graphite by Cristian Zuzunaga

Graphite is a metallised roller blind textile designed by Cristian Zuzunaga and is the pinnacle of design, innovation, and sustainability.

It is the first Kvadrat Shade roller blind textile manufactured from 100% recycled polyester, made entirely from textile waste.

Graphite is made of 100% textile-to-textile recycled polyester. It offers the same performance as virgin polyester and is recyclable.

The eight colours in the palette are inspired by the soft light and atmospheric tones of the Northern European urban moods of autumn and winter.

The darker metallised backing of Graphite subtly adapts to changing light conditions. The less reflective aluminium layer complements large facades, meeting architectural requirements with elegance.

A subtle reflection: the designer's inspiration behind Graphite's metallised backing

The metallised backing of Graphite is a distinctive feature of the Kvadrat Shade textile range. Our metallised textiles typically feature a highly reflective light grey backing, but Graphite has a darker backside. This cool grey metallised layer provides a more subtle appearance behind windows, which is often a feature requested by architects.

When developing the metallised layer of Graphite, Cristian was inspired by urban materials such as asphalt and concrete. Asphalt darkens and mutes when wet, and the same is true of Graphite’s metallised backside. On sunny days, the metallised layer takes on a lighter tone. In grey or rainy conditions, it deepens, just like city streets after rainfall.

The textile is named after one of the artist’s essential minerals, reflecting Cristian’s affinity for his pencils and his fascination with stones and minerals. The metallised layer of the textile captures the dynamic, mineral qualities of graphite, subtly shifting its appearance under varying light intensities – much like the reflections and the natural shimmer of minerals like graphite and pyrite. This seamless blend of his creative tools and inspirations brings a unique depth to the name.

"I am pleased to have designed Graphite, the first Kvadrat Shade textile made from 100% recycled textiles. Knowing that Kvadrat aims to use recycled materials for all its textiles in the future, makes me very proud."

Cristian Zuzunaga

 

Create comfortable spaces with excellent glare control

Graphite offers excellent glare control (class 3-4), reducing harsh light and preventing diffuse light transmission. Most colours score the highest class, ensuring optimal visual comfort.

By effectively filtering daylight, Graphite creates a more balanced indoor environment, enhancing occupant well-being, eliminating eye strain and increasing productivity. At the same time, Graphite maintains a good visual contact with the outside. 

Graphite is a triumph of collaborative innovation between the R&D team at Kvadrat High Performance Textiles in Eibergen and the Kvadrat Innovation Lab in Ebeltoft. It it is made from 100% textile-to-textile recycled polyester yarns. Graphite is durable and fully recyclable, contributing to a circular design process that reduces waste.

The textile is produced at Kvadrat Weaving and Kvadrat High Performance Textiles, where we ensure the highest quality through our in-house expertise and craftsmanship.