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