Upcycled Murano glass elevates into sculptural illumination, in an alchemy of craft and innovation
Upglas is a story of transformation, where forgotten fragments of precious Murano glass are reimagined and elevated once again into sculptural light – turning discarded material into exquisite design, in a new poetic dialogue of creativity and regeneration.
Italian designer Luca Nichetto has always had a passion for material experimentation and for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. When asked by the founder of Astep, Alessandro Sarfatti, to design a recycled glass lamp, Nichetto’s research led him to a start-up working with 3D printing in Murano, the small island north of Venice where Nichetto grew up.
Made of scrapped fine glass
Drawing on Murano’s legacy as the epicentre of exceptional glasswork and artisan excellence, Nichetto was instrumental in choosing a new production method involving mouth-blown glass remnants and a technique akin to making dough.
In the production process, the colours of leftover glass are first sorted, then grinded until they become a powder-like compound. A special patented, biodegradable resin is finally added, and the result is a type of paste similar to clay in its consistency and flexibility of use.
“When I first saw this new material”, Nichetto explains, “I got the idea of rolling and spreading it by hand, much like you would roll a flour dough to make pizza, and then shape it into a mould”. The cast is then heated at 400 degrees Celsius, much lower than the typical 1,200 degrees used for glass products – which is rendering the whole process even more interesting from an impact perspective.
“We’re giving discarded glass a new life,” notes Sarfatti. “By finding a way to upcycle precious Murano glass and save it from becoming waste, this new technology aligns with our foundational commitment to continuously evolve our lighting and design acumen through inventive, forward-thinking ideas.”
Never the same
The handcrafting process gives each lamp its unique chromatic pattern and tactile presence. The outcome is a smooth, delicate glass surface that almost resembles honed stone – textured, marbled, alive. At once a visual statement and a more sustainable innovation, Upglas invites a new way of thinking about premium design. It is not only what we see, but what we value, that defines beauty.
Individual expression
Switched off, Upglas makes a visual statement that’s archetypal yet striking. Switched on, the direct light emitted from the shade brightens the atmosphere in a room without imposing. This makes Upglas ideal for private residences, as well as boutique hotels, restaurants, and more.
For the initial launch of Upglas, the focus is on table lamps in two different shapes, available in four colour versions. Each one is duo-toned to accentuate the uniqueness of the material and its unpredictable patterns. Carefully selected by Astep with Luca Nichetto, the four colourways will include a black on white variant, a white on light grey, a green on light grey, and a warmer tonality in red on light grey.
Excellence reborn
The fragments of surplus glass used to create Upglas come from a variety of products made in Murano, such as flower vases, chandeliers, wine glasses, and the like. As a durable product that’s made of waste, the production of Upglas avoids the extra.
Luca Nichetto
Designer (1976)
Luca Nichetto is a multi-disciplinary Italian designer with a profound passion for material experimentation, innovation, and artisan excellence. Drawing on his extensive understanding of industrial processes, he crafts compelling ideas imbued with cultural references that resonate with a global audience. Influenced by the Murano glass-making industry that shaped him as a young designer, his distinctive design lingo reflects his fascination with the innate beauty of shapes, textures and tones. Together with his penchant for purity of form and refined detailing, Nichetto’s ultimate desire is to create experiences that contribute to a genuine emotional connection between people and his products.
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