A Deep Dive into the Kepler Collection - An Exclusive Interview with The Creative Lead Behind Kepler
The Kepler family, imagined and developed by the Director of Product Design at Eurofase Richard Caputi, is an enchanting lighting collection that seamlessly marries organic elements with on trend design and cutting-edge technology. Each piece, a testament to enduring relevance, contemporary significance, and individuality, creating a visual tapestry that is truly one of a kind. The veins inherited from the alabaster stone, render each Kepler globe a unique masterpiece, ensuring no replication. The alabaster quarried for use in Kepler, comes from the most coveted mines in the Aragon mountains in Spain due to the high-quality stone that these mines produce, which must be seen and touched to be truly appreciated.
Eurofase, a trailblazer in the lighting industry, is no stranger to defying conventions, and the Kepler collection is a prime example of our commitment to pushing boundaries. In an exclusive interview with Richard Caputi, the Director of Product Design at Eurofase, we delve into the design inspiration and the intricate challenges faced in bringing this masterpiece to life and many more.
Design Inspiration and Elements
Richard reveals the poetic inspiration behind Kepler, drawing from nature's splendor. He envisions Kepler as a representation of Earth – a sanctuary that evokes feelings of home, coziness, and tranquility. The use of premium alabaster sourced from the Aragon mountains of Spain adds a touch of opulence that simply elevates this fixture above any within the market. Richard told us that the use of Alabaster is a resurgence from the 80s and is attributed to advancements in LED technology, as ensuring a cool temperature light source without compromising the integrity of the stone was a challenge when incandescent bulbs were used back then. Richard stated, “incandescent bulbs used to heat and dry out alabaster causing it to crack, thankfully with the advancement in lighting technology, such issues would never occur today, which is why we felt more than confident rolling out the fixture.”
Challenges and Marvels
The development of Kepler was not without its challenges, and Richard sheds light on the meticulous engineering required to craft the fixture. As the 12-inch globe, weighs a substantial 22 pounds, demanding intricate engineering to ensure that the fixture’s support could withstand three times its weight. Educating consumers about the authenticity of materials, especially Spanish alabaster, also became paramount, as differentiating Kepler from cheaper imitations, within the market was not an easy feat. Richard says each Kepler globe undergoes a manufacturing process that guarantees a seamless appearance, making each piece not only distinguished by its unique veins but also by its flawless spherical form, which is simply not found in the market.
Market Positioning and Trends
Richard expounds on Kepler's market positioning, saying that it is strategically placed as a niche product that challenges the top caliber of European fixtures. Kepler aspires to surpass European counterparts in quality, durability, and design, offering a luxurious alternative for North American consumers. While standing firm in adherence to strict safety measures mandated by North American regulatory bodies. Whilst being priced appropriately within the market, as competitors tend to charge astronomically for quality top of the line Alabaster fixtures.
Timeless Design and Functionality
Crafted to withstand the test of time, Kepler's globe shape effortlessly integrates with various design styles, ensuring it remains stylish through renovations and taste changes. The use of LED technology, thin suspension cables, and a minimalist approach enhance the Kepler’s visual appeal without compromising functionality, providing a serene presence in any foyer no matter how grand they are. Richard said that the mission of Kepler is to “stand out in a way that never offends, and blend in a way that stands out.”
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
The Kepler collection embraces sustainability by utilizing naturally cut alabaster, minimizing environmental impact. Richard emphasizes the conscious choice to use naturally occurring materials, akin to marble, reducing the need for overly manufacturing and overt energy consumption.
Insights, Collaboration, and Future Endeavors
Richard asserts that consumer insights played a pivotal role in shaping Kepler's design, reflecting the market's appreciation for finely designed and manufactured products. Kepler's design was an in-house endeavor, underscoring Eurofase's commitment to quality. The Blakley family, an outdoor sconce expanded on our alabaster offering while demonstrating Eurofase's dedication to innovation, being an outdoor fixture that uses alabaster that is specially designed for durability, waterproofing and applying UV protection against the elements.
Director's Design Philosophy
Richard's design philosophy revolves around Eurofase's commitment to luxury, reliability, and longevity. Richard states “staying ahead of trends and directing them ensures Eurofase remains an industry leader, we not only follow trends we set them.”
The Kepler collection transcends the ordinary, offering a fusion of natural elegance and modern technology. Eurofase's meticulous design process, commitment to sustainability, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction position Kepler as a beacon of sophistication in the realm of lighting fixtures, where each piece tells a story of artistry and innovation.