BrutalBlend
Raw Forms, Refined Process
Concrete Juicer
Design Philosophy
Material Exploration
2023
Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Concrete
(Sugarcane Bagasse, Cement, Sand)
Crusher: 81 × 120 × 120 mm
Strainer: 112 × 120 × 120 mm
Bowl: 50 × 120 × 120 mm
BrutalBlend is a manually operated juicer crafted from hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete, embodying the bold design language of brutalist architecture. This project aims to innovate by creating new materials, combining readily available resources with food waste to synthesise a unique and sustainable product.
Brutalism, with its unapologetically raw aesthetic and emphasis on structure over ornament, offered the perfect foundation for exploring form through function. This project draws from that ethos, not just in material choice, but in the visual language of clean lines, weighty presence, and purposeful geometry. By translating architectural principles into a handheld scale, the design transforms a simple act like juicing into a tactile, grounded experience.
Inspired by the bold geometry and raw honesty of Brutalist architecture, BrutalBlend reimagines the everyday juicer as both a sculptural object and a functional tool. Drawing influence from monumental concrete structures like Tadao Ando’s Church of the Light, the project embraces mass, gravity, and simplicity—translating architectural scale into handheld form. This fusion of design language and purpose gives rise to a utilitarian product that also speaks to material experimentation and sustainability.
Material Processing
Development began with the exploration of sugarcane bagasse as reinforcement in a cement matrix. Iterative testing refined fibre lengths, curing times, and moulding methods to optimise strength, texture, and visual quality. Each stage, from fibre processing and mesh weaving to casting and curing, provided insights into material behaviour under stress. This hands-on, experimental approach guided the project’s focus on sustainability, material innovation, and craftsmanship.
