How these designers are redefining concrete
CBC On Design explores the evolution of an idea and the path it takes to becoming an object in the world
Concrete is all around us, but we don't think about it much.
While this material is commonly associated with roads, bridges, and towering structures, industrial designers Matt and Shawna Heide turn it into the unexpected—vibrant, tactile, and refined objects for everyday spaces. Where concrete is often rough, heavy, industrial and almost always grey, the duo's pieces challenge this perception by crafting colourful, elegant pieces.
Their process starts in an unconventional way—with their hands in clay. Preferring hands-on craftsmanship over digital modelling, they shape prototypes manually to capture the ideal form and feel. Once satisfied, they create plaster versions before producing silicone molds that allow them to cast in concrete.
But form is only part of the equation. As self-described colour obsessives, the pair love to introduce bold, unconventional hues into their designs. Unlike the typical grey concrete, their work ranges from earthy, dark tones to bright and vibrant colours.
A key breakthrough in their work came with the development of the Oracle Pattern, a mesmerizing, organic design they can create with the placement of concrete in the mold. This technique, discovered by accident and refined over time, ensures that no two pieces are ever the same. While they can influence the process, they can't fully control the outcome — an element of randomness that makes each object unique. The exact details of the process are a closely guarded secret.
Their work relies on a well developed understanding of the science behind concrete. Concrete doesn't "dry" but undergoes a chemical process known as curing, where water 'activates' the material, setting off the chemical reactions that solidify it into an artificial stone. The duo plays with this process, layering pigments to create intricate marbling effects.
At its core, their philosophy is about embracing the unexpected. Every piece is a balance of control and chaos, planning and spontaneity. By pushing the boundaries of what concrete can do, they show that even the most utilitarian materials can become objects of beauty, wonder, and human connection.
New series CBC On Design, now streaming on CBC Gem and YouTube, explores the evolution of an idea and the path it takes to becoming a item in your everyday life — but that journey is rarely a straight line. Between the initial concept and finished object lie sketches, prototypes, material experiments, user testing, manufacturing puzzles, and countless hidden steps.