Sustainable design has become a priority in the contemporary world, with more and more creators and companies exploring how to combine aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
Two outstanding examples of this responsible approach to sustainable design are Boquita de Cielo, a London-based ceramics studio. Through their proposals they show us how creativity and sustainability can come together and transform spaces with quality materials.
The artisanal legacy of Boquita de Cielo
Boquita de Cielo, founded by Belgians Koen Meersman and Kris Scheerlinck, is a studio that stands out for its approach to ceramics. Based in London, their production is oriented towards the creation of custom pieces ranging from tiles to sculptural murals. Boquita de Cielo’s aesthetic, the founders explain, is a manifestation of their dedication to the artisanal process, in which every step, from sculpting to glazing, is done by hand.
Our bespoke ceramic pieces are the result of a dialogue with the designer or client, as we like to develop unique and specific projects for each space.
This process has an aesthetic impact and is a testament to their commitment to quality and the time needed to create the pieces. Ceramics, for them, is not just a product, but an art form. The founders comment that the squirrel cannot be forced, and they work with care and dedication.
Some of the ceramics created by Boquita de Cielo. Editorial credit: Boquita de cielo.
Tradition and sustainability in every piece
The ceramics studio works exclusively with 100% natural clays purchased in England, as well as materials sourced from local companies. But the connection with local and traditional actions does not stop there, as they develop and mix their own glazes by hand, using natural ingredients.
England has a long and rich tradition of working with clay, and we always source our materials from local companies – they tell us.
In addition to their dedication to the artisanal process, Boquita de Cielo also engages in sustainable practices, although they prefer not to abuse the term ‘sustainability’. Koen and Kris reuse the clay from pieces that are not well designed, and recycle the water they use during the modelling and glazing processes. They also use environmentally friendly packaging for transport, ‘small but significant steps.’
Ceramics from the London studio. Editorial credit: Boquita de cielo.
One of the most important projects for Boquita de Cielo was the creation of a 23 square metre ceramic mural for a luxury fashion boutique. This is just one of the examples where ceramic pieces are functional and artistic pieces that give shape and character to spaces. In addition, they have just completed two pieces for a private flat in New York, and although they are still a young company, they love their work and celebrate every project as an achievement, no matter how small.
