Summumstudio creates a sensory space with Cosentino's new Éclos surface at Casa Decor

In a context like the Casa Decor design fair, where scenography often takes centre stage, Cosentino's space designed by Summumstudio goes a step further, turning the material into an experience and sustainability into an architectural argument. Titled 'Manantial', the space is conceived as an ecosystem representing the idea of origin, where water serves as the connecting thread and matter shapes it. The novelty lies precisely in the material itself, as everything is crafted using Éclos, Cosentino's new surface.

The space is built as a sequence of layers where the sensory and the technical engage in dialogue. It is neither a bathroom, nor a kitchen, nor a living room, but all at once. “The space, and therefore the architectural proposal, must be able to express the same versatility that characterises Cosentino's material,” says Jose María Gimeno, architect and founder of Summumstudio, referring to Éclos. He adds: “It is a material capable of adapting and meeting the design needs required in a bathroom, kitchen, or equipment space, such as furniture. Therefore, our proposal seeks to contextualise a multifunctional space with reminiscences of these three universes.”

One of the most striking elements of the space, the suspended block, has also been the major execution challenge for the studio and, visually, one of the focal points. “An element that gives the installation character and uniqueness, standing out for its levitation effect, as it is a piece weighing over 400kg,” notes Gimeno.

In this 'Manantial', everything begins with Éclos, Cosentino's new material, made largely from recycled glass and free of crystalline silica. A surface that is not introduced as just another element but as the true protagonist of the project. Through it, Summumstudio has been able to showcase the virtues of this new surface. “In our opinion, the material stands out for notable improvements in two areas: aesthetics and technical performance. The aesthetic improvement is remarkable, due to the depth and visual transparency it conveys. The natural way in which veins are defined and deepened in the core of the material gives it realism and an unparalleled quality,” says Gimeno. In fact, its INLAYR® technology, based on a three-dimensional layered construction, allows depth, colour, and visual vibration to be actively worked into the architecture.

“Technically, it performs extraordinarily,” adds the designer. “It is a material suitable for any application, with very high ease of handling, not requiring special machinery to work with it, and despite its rigid and seemingly inflexible appearance, it offers great plasticity.”

“In our case, we have pushed the material to its limits, hollowing it out, stripping it, subjecting it to all kinds of machining with multiple tools, and it has performed excellently without suffering any breakage.” Thus, it transitions from being a mere cladding to becoming an architectural element. Floors, walls, worktops, islands, or even suspended elements follow the same material logic, creating continuity and reinforcing the unified reading of the whole.

One of the project's successes is its ability to work with diversity without breaking coherence. Éclos' Eclectic Veins collection unfolds in various applications, from large planes to more fragmented details, such as the mosaic forming the access door. This approach introduces a change in scale that enriches the whole without disrupting it. The veins, tones, and chromatic variations function as a rhythmic system that traverses the space, creating a dynamic yet controlled reading.

Meanwhile, in the project's more introspective area, Éclos Phantome emerges. Its deep black background, crossed by copper veins and green nuances, creates a dense and enveloping atmosphere. Here, the architecture becomes more restrained, quieter, reinforcing the relationship between matter and perception.

In contrast, Éclos Tajnár introduces a different tone. Its light beige base and soft veins bring brightness and a sense of calm that spreads throughout the rest of the space. Applied across multiple surfaces and sections, it acts as a continuous support, balancing the intensity of the more dramatic areas.

Beyond the spatial experience, sustainability emerges as a structural condition of the project. Thus, in 'Manantial', water is not a hidden resource but a conceptual element that structures the space. It is presented as a valuable asset, almost staged, in line with Cosentino's commitment to carry out all its production with 99% recycled water.

Water reuse is complemented by the use of 100% renewable energy and recycled materials at the core of production. Added to this is the intention to extend the space's lifecycle: after the exhibition, the elements will be recovered and integrated into new environments.

“Manantial is the place where Éclos is born and springs forth, flowing naturally to create an immersive, atmospheric, almost celestial space that symbolises the material creation of Éclos, stemming from the interaction of light, water, and glass—elements inherent to this material and forming its DNA,” conclude the studio.