Graywacke is a minimalist furniture collection designed by Cologne-based designer Carsten in der Elst. Presented at Awaykin, an East London brand development & growth studio, in collaboration with The Max Radford Gallery, this collection includes a blend of pieces from recent projects, revised items, and exclusive new works in stone. A unifying theme across these varied objects is the innovative use of industrial leftovers and a dedication to maintaining the integrity of the materials and the processes used in their creation. Carsten in der Elst’s work is particularly distinguished by its utilisation of industrial by-products sourced from a stone quarrying and manufacturing operation.

Throughout the quarrying and manufacturing process, a variety of stone offcuts in different shapes and sizes are produced. The designer employs a specialised gluing technique to join these pieces together, forming functional household objects without altering the original dimensions of the offcuts. This process requires a meticulous selection from the accumulated stone remnants, emphasising the importance of patience and precision in finding the perfect piece for each project. Through this practice, Carsten in der Elst not only champions sustainability but also brings a new lease of life to materials that would otherwise be discarded, highlighting the potential of industrial by-products in contemporary design.