Design by Michailia Flessa
Project: Asteria Glyfadas Complex
Athens
Greece
KION side table by Saint of Athens, Demenico Terrazzo Knob/Hanger and Siman Pendant Lamp by Gian Paolo Venier
Production
Using concrete as our fundamental raw material, we incorporate technologically advanced components into our products, as well as additional secondary materials that complement the design, such as wood, metal, and more.
Our production is always handmade, abiding by the European standards and directives of each product category.
The raw materials that we use at URBI ET ORBI are internationally acknowledged, both eco-friendly and human-friendly. Such examples are the special GFRC and UHPC mixes, the most sophisticated advances the concrete industry has to offer.
Material
Concrete is considered by many a mass that is not eco-friendly because it is artificial. It consists of 42% crushed rock, 26% sand, 16% water, 10% cement, and 6% entrained air. Cement is the binding material required to homogenize the concrete mixture. Although cement is not eco-friendly due to the CO2 emissions during its production, it ultimately constitutes a very small percentage of the mass created—a mass composed of natural materials, free from fossil fuels or harsh chemicals.
Because it is an inert mass, nature’s dyad can assimilate it into the environment, making it a new member of it, as it recognizes its composition. Although this may take several years of effort, it will eventually happen effortlessly and without any health burden.
At Urbi et Orbi, we believe in effortless effort, balance, coexistence, and harmony. We listen to the genius of nature and strive to emulate it. Concrete can be recycled, and we make it a natural part of our process to do so, because we want our ecological footprint to be intangible. We use raw materials that we find nearby, preferring sand collected from processing in the workshop than sand gathered from a river or dam. We have chosen to recycle 100% of our waste internally in our production.
We create harmony.
Identity
We live in a fast-paced world, at URBI ET ORBI we love to give duration to the moments. We enjoy the present before it becomes the past.
We live at a time where infinite images succeed one another at a rapid pace and in the end, we do not have time to see the depth in any of them until they eventually become two-dimensional.
We refuse to look only at the surface; we seek the underlying meanings, emotions and messages.
In URBI ET ORBI, we persist in believing in timeless values. A product can be more than just an object. It can have long-term existence, age gracefully without deteriorating, be the space, not merely fill it. In addition to its functionality, a product should have character, spirit, and personality. It should awaken memories and emotions, engage in a dialogue with the user, have origin, move through space and time, and create relationships and experiences.
We want to have memories, to receive and transmit messages starting from this point, we produce and propose products that have life.
About us
URBI ET ORBI is entering its second decade. Founded in 2012 in Greece, its aim was to present to the world the possibilities of concrete as the primary material for the manufacture of design products. The people at Urbi et Orbi, in collaboration with renowned designers, have created exceptional products in the field of bathroom and living spaces. Throughout this journey, we have received recognition and appreciation from numerous professionals in various countries.
With an innovative viewpoint, we evolve, experimenting with new techniques and finishes, viewing each new design as a challenge.
Awards
What is usually called industrial waste, we call secondary raw materials.
In 2020 Urbi et Orbi launched a circular economy initiative, called “Zero Waste Project”. By using and repurposing our industrial waste, we are humbly contributing to the global sustainability effort of closing the waste gap.
How do we do that:
What does that mean for you
To find out more about the products that are included in the Zero Waste Project, look for the recycling banner with the unique percentage of zero waste materials that are included in each product. Those products contribute toward satisfying ‘Recycling Content’ Credit under LEED®.
Design by eDje architects
Project: Pfizer Digital Hub
Thessaloniki
Greece
Terrazzo Vanity Top by TEXTURES & TILES
Terrazzo table designed by Demi Tsirigotaki SPATIAL DESIGN
Project: CAYO Exlusive Resort & Spa
Location: Elounda
Design: Gian Paolo Venier
Photographer: Vaggelis Paterakis
Design-Construction: 2020
Products: Terrazzo Tables
Project: OMMA
Location: Imerovigli, Santorini island, Cyclades, Greece
Design: STONES & WALLS
Design-Construction: 2020
Associated Products: Superfly C, Superfly T, Globus 28 concrete lamps
Project: costume concrete table tops
Location: Naousa Paros
Design-Construction: 2020
Design by: Art Group Interiors
Project: ATHENS COMMERCIAL TRIANGLE
Location: Athens Greece
Design-Construction: 2018
Design by: Athens partnership
holywater sink & tuuub concrete pendant lamp by sotirislazoudesignstudio at HOTEL MEGATRENDS 2019 by XENIA
”Boutique Room” by sotirislazoudesignstudio
SIMAN collection designed by Gian paolo Venier presented in HOTEL MEGATRENDS 2019 by XENIA
”Restaurant in nature by Gian Paolo Venier”
Trophy made of concrete designed by CTRLZAK Art & Design Studio for the 20 years of PRODEXPO
The new SIMAN basin designed by Gianpaolo Venier presented in Mary& booth at Milano Design Week 2019
SOTTOBOSCO the multisensorial & unplugged hotel suite concept.
On the occasion of the SIA Guest Rimini luxury hotellery fair, Gian Paolo Venier rethinks the usual hotel room as an unplugged and multisensorial environment: drawing from the carefree atmospheres of his childhood Venier creates a fresh and nonconformist suite in which technology is not welcome.
“Sottobosco”is an unusual concept of hotel room, in constant balance between indoor and outdoor.
In the bathroom Venier choose the Circum 42 washbasin.
concrete benches designed by Athens partnership
project: Athens Commercial triangle
2018-2019
concrete vanity top designed by maxwood washrooms
project: Wates Farmiloe
location:Coventry United Kindom
2019
Trophy made of concrete designed by Valentino Marengo for the Archisearch award 2019 appointed to Yannis Tseklenis