The Arboreal Collection

Founded by married design duo Alex Sommer and Laura Keller of 2SOM Studio at the end of 2018 CONCRETE & WAX is a brand built upon innovative and handmade product that is unique to the market. Set up with sustainability at the forefront, we strive for minimum waste, employ local craftsmen to create our prototypes, handmake all of our moulds, source as locally as possible and only create products that are beautiful, functional and built to stand the test of time.

Earlier this year, during a brain storming session together, we had an idea about a new collection, completely different to anything we have done before. We wanted to find a way to immortalise wood. And so, the Arboreal Collection was born.

Using carefully selected pieces of wood as prototypes for coasters, we charred and wire-brushed the surfaces before using each piece to hand-pour our moulds. The resulting concrete coasters show every ring and surface detail of the original wood cuttings. Each coaster sits on a hand-cut sustainably sourced cork base, uniquely shaped to each coaster form.

Our ‘Branch’ candle and holder set progresses the concept of our original Modular Candleware Collection because the holder not only fits our uniquely designed candle, but also any standard tealight and now also a taper candle too. This ensures that the holder can live the longest life possible without having to reply on our candles to perform its function. The Branch candle itself is a beautiful natural wax form that follows the shape of the holder exactly, so when displayed together, the candle and holder create the total branch, with every tactile surface detail of the bark distinguishable.

The Branch prototype was a cutting from the 60-year-old apple tree in our back garden and the coaster prototypes came from other trees during their annual prune.

From our home, to yours.

[To sit alongside these pieces we are also working on other Arboreal products. Each one proving a challenge in its own right, but, as the saying goes, “Nothing good in life comes easy. The best things take work”.]