LEIBAL introduces its first exclusive product collaboration, the Berea Sandstone Lamps, designed by San Francisco-based duo Hank Beyer and Alex Sizemore, known for their minimalist work in furniture, product, and sculpture since 2017.
The Berea Sandstone Lamps collection began during Beyer and Sizemore's time as industrial design students at the University of Cincinnati. In the summer of 2017, they documented a family-owned quarry along the Berea sandstone formation in Northeastern Ohio. Struck by the natural beauty of the sandstone, they salvaged discarded offcuts and transformed them into a series of lamps. LEIBAL founder Leo Lei recognized the potential of this project and published the collection that same year.
Seven years later, LEIBAL presents an 11-piece collection of these unique sandstone lamps. Following a recent visit to the quarry, Beyer and Sizemore spent a week collecting various fragments to craft a series of lamps that reflect both the ancient and industrial histories of the stone. The Berea sandstone formation, formed over 350 million years by river deposits from Eastern Canada, showcases unique patterns and colors due to various mineral deposits. Modern industrial techniques such as blasting, cutting, coring, and grinding add further texture and form. Although some processes render the stone unsuitable for commercial use, HB-AS repurposed these fragments into lamps, highlighting the stone's distinct characteristics.
LEIBAL's collaboration with HB-AS signifies its commitment to promoting young designers through limited-edition collections. This initiative marks the debut of LEIBAL's curatorial efforts, aiming to bring unique design pieces to a broader audience. Leo Lei, founder of Leibal, commented on the collaboration: "Working directly with designers I admire has been deeply rewarding. This collection represents a tangible impact that goes beyond our publication's support."
Hank Beyer and Alex Sizemore have been collaborating since 2017, focusing on creating furniture, products, and sculptures. Based in San Francisco, they met at the University of Cincinnati and have developed a diverse portfolio, often reimagining industrial materials and processes for domestic objects.
Founded by Leo Lei in 2010, LEIBAL began as a platform for archiving minimalist architecture and interior design projects. It has since evolved into a brand, online magazine, and store, featuring both established international heritage brands and emerging independent studios through a minimalist lens.
The Berea Sandstone Lamps were displayed at New York Design Week 2024.
