Conduit Table Lamp by Hoi Kaloi.

Referencing the archetypal Roman aqueducts that dot the Southern European landscape, ‘Conduit’ by Hoi Kaloi is a table lamp that connects the heritage of marble design with contemporary manufacturing techniques.

Solid marble is milled and adapted to fit a standardised 300mm tubular bulb. Essentially a two-dimensional waterjet cut out profile, the lamp features an elaborate groove on one side to accommodate the cable while exposing it, enhancing the directional sense between power source and light.

The choice of marble was decided based on locality. Three distinct Greek types were chosen, Chios in dark brown, Ioannina in warm grey and the classic Pentelic in bright white. Non-local Travertine was added as a reclaimed material, its origin justified due to its familiarity and abundant presence in the Athenian built environment of the 1960s and 1970s.

Devised by Thanos Karampatsos, also known for his work with Christina Kotsilelou in Greece is for Lovers, the playful design creates a “luminous conduit” for the home. The idea came to him in 2018 during a residency at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in Shiga, Japan and from there Studio Hoi Kaloi sprung into existence.

For Karampatsos, Studio Hoi Kaloi is a passionate design endeavour that counterbalances an unforced elegance against a hint of subversion, while preserving intimacy and human connection.⁠

‘Conduit’ is part of the ‘Gran Turismo’ Greek design collection currently on display at Adorno Design. The exhibition, curated by Greece is for Lovers, explores the existence of a common essence among Greek designers working locally and abroad.

Related: Supernatural Daydreams and Divine Lighting Collections by Giopato & Coombes.

[Images courtesy of Hoi Kaloi. Photography by Nikos Alexopoulos.]