Materials
We believe in design that places material at the forefront. With that goal in mind, we created Manos as a way to explore materiality through subtle variations of color, texture and porosity.
We are advocates of letting concrete be concrete, and believe its inherent qualities give Manos a unique blend of beauty and personality. This is our material-forward approach.
Concrete is composed of earth and water. These elements and their reactions never fail to differ.
Everything from the sediment inside the mix, to the temperature of the air, and humidity in the atmosphere has an effect on the end result. After years of experience, we have learned to listen to these elements.
We have grown well acquainted with a material that is essentially alive. This will result in slight variations, but that’s what we love about it.
Concrete is ancient. Romans used volcanic dust, ground-up rocks and sea water. We use a mix honed over decades, engineered to stand the test of time and produce the beautiful texture we are known for. Though we have perfected our mix we are always looking for a more sustainable path, with new material possibilities just around the corner.
Design that Endures
Join a community of architects, designers, and developers who care deeply about craft. Be the first to know about new product releases, material studies, and special offers from our Northern California studio.
