The “MuTANT” project emerged from the transformation of the award-winning “2 in 1” ashtray concept, which received second place in an international competition for a new Camel ashtray design in 2013. The original project explored how a single object could change its function through a simple rotation, providing two modes of use within the same form.
As the production context changed, so did the object itself.
The concept, originally developed for industrial production, was reinterpreted through the principles of small-batch manufacturing and concrete casting. In this process, the dual function gave way to a refined form, while production complexity was replaced by a simpler and more sustainable solution.
The name “MuTANT” refers to this mutation of the design through its adaptation to a new material, technology and production method. Concrete gives the object weight, tactility and a distinctive character, while pigmentation allows for different interpretations without compromising its recognisable geometry.
The project is not a reproduction of the original concept, but its evolution. It examines the relationship between idea and execution, demonstrating how a change in material and production process can become the catalyst for a new design expression.