Atelier Vierkant, renowned for its uncompromising approach, skillfully transforms clay into exquisite designs.
These handcrafted pots and planters have garnered global admiration and are prominently featured in exclusive locations.
While Belgium may be among the smallest European countries, its artistic talents are far from limited. The country has earned a formidable reputation as a design powerhouse on the international stage. The “Made in Belgium” label has become synonymous with exceptional quality. Atelier Vierkant exemplifies this reputation by using 70 tonnes of clay per week from Western Europe to create one-of-a-kind handcrafted pots in their Belgian studio.
Transforming clay, an age-old material, into a contemporary design personality is a unique challenge. At Atelier Vierkant, there is no room for standardized objects; instead, they craft authentic designs of artisanal excellence – design pieces with a distinct heart and soul. Each creation is meticulously handmade, taking time and care to achieve perfection. The resulting pieces are sleek yet inviting, never lacking warmth. In this creative process, no two pieces are ever identical; every design departing the Atelier is wonderfully one-of-a-kind, proudly bearing the distinctive stamp of its creator.
In their studio, Willy and Annette Janssens, the visionary founders and designers of Atelier Vierkant, are tirelessly immersed in clay, experimenting and pushing the boundaries of this material. Here, every creation takes shape, destined to grace the world’s most magnificent locations, adorning luxurious villas, grand city hotels, and enchanting gardens.
Atelier Vierkant consistently challenges its technical limits, achieving results that appear almost unimaginable. “The clay consumes us, yet it is we who control it,” they declare. This delicate balance gives birth to exquisite and functional objects, layered, organic, and beautifully distilled. The creations exude a robust and proud presence, striking the perfect harmony without ever crossing the line. They embody architectural, functional elements, and at the same time, artistic sculptures, representing the perfect fusion of form and function.
Atelier Vierkant’s approach to work is just as unconventional as their monumental pots: no agents, importers, or advertisements are involved. They firmly believe that what you do yourself, you do better. In this spirit, Willy and Annette take charge of designing the objects, while their three sons handle the rest. It’s an intensive way to work, but for them, it’s the only option. This ethos forms the very foundation of their identity—a rejection of impersonal offices detached from the work floor. Instead, they thrive in an impressive and vibrant studio, the true beating heart of this passionate family business.
Atelier Vierkant boasts an extensive global network of 3,000 architects and designers, fostering close collaborations to create tailor-made, distinctive projects. Each partnership is truly one-of-a-kind, consistently yielding unexpected and delightful outcomes. From exclusive restaurants in France to luxurious hotels in Barcelona and remarkable private houses in New Zealand, the diversity of their ventures knows no bounds.
The key to their success lies in cultivating robust relationships built on trust with each of their esteemed partners. When architects and designers reach out, they are met with personalized attention, leaving no room for expensive, time-consuming intermediaries. Instead, Atelier Vierkant prioritizes direct, intensive, and hands-on collaboration, ensuring efficient communication and delivering exceptional results.
The Atelier workshop serves as a dynamic creative think tank and production hall, constantly exploring uncharted territories and innovating with every endeavor. In close collaboration with their partners, they engage in brainstorming sessions, in-depth research, and execute entire projects from scratch. The goal is to achieve a seamless match between their pots and the specific project they are designed for, ensuring both shape and texture align harmoniously.
Operating out of three fully functional workshops, Atelier Vierkant takes pride in their latest plant, now fully operational. This new addition has significantly increased their daily pot production capacity and expanded their stock, providing clients with an even greater range of choices. The expansion has been driven by the remarkable and steady growth rate experienced by Atelier Vierkant over the past decade, reflecting their continuous commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
The Process
The transformation of clay from raw material to a refined finished product is a meticulous, hands-on process carried out with utmost dedication. The initial stages involve pressing, shaping, and molding the clay into pots, followed by the firing process. Once the clay has conformed to the mold’s shape, it undergoes a gradual drying process. Air-blowing pipes aid in releasing trapped water from the clay particles, and this drying phase takes several days, allowing the clay to become harder.
With the initial drying complete, the pots are handed over to skilled artisans in the atelier for the finishing touches. Engravings and textures are delicately added, further enhancing the uniqueness of each piece. Subsequently, the pots go through a second drying process in specially designated drying rooms. After spending several days in these rooms, the pots are ready for the final transformation.
Firing takes place in specialized ovens, reaching temperatures as high as 1200°C. This intense heat permanently solidifies the clay, rendering it impervious to further alterations. The high firing temperatures also bestow the pots with the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including frost and heat. As a result, the pots become suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Once the firing process is completed, the pots are carefully packed and prepared for worldwide shipping. Depending on the destination, various means of transport are employed, including trucks, sea freight, or air freight. This extensive journey ensures that the exceptional creations of Atelier Vierkant find their way to discerning clients across the globe.
Atelier Vierkant takes pride in completing every stage of the production process within its own facilities, without relying on any relocation or outsourcing. This approach ensures that the production cycle remains as efficient as possible, as everything happens under one roof. This commitment to in-house production not only promotes sustainability but also enables complete traceability of their products. The artisans working at the Atelier gain a profound understanding of the entire production and supply chain process, making them highly aware of the value-adding aspects that define their exquisite sculptures.
In addition to the three workshop plants, Atelier Vierkant’s showroom provides both private and professional clients with an exceptional opportunity. Here, they can witness, touch, and experience the vast assortment of pot models firsthand. The diverse range of shapes, colors, and structures on display serves as an inspiring source for clients, offering fresh perspectives and igniting new ideas. Sometimes, these encounters even lead to questioning existing project plans and opening creative minds to exciting possibilities. The showroom serves as a space of exploration and innovation, further solidifying Atelier Vierkant’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expression.
Sustainability & Durability
Atelier Vierkant takes great pride in crafting products that exude strength and robustness, designed to stand the test of time and last a lifetime. This conscious long-term perspective ensures that their pots, pebbles, and benches become cherished companions, akin to dear friends, each acquiring a personal meaning over time. As they become an integral part of the narrative of a place, these objects hold stories about gardens, houses, and cherished memories.
Every pot from Atelier Vierkant tells a unique and captivating story, deeply rooted in the communion of the four natural elements that shape our world: earth, fire, air, and water. The clay represents the elemental connection of earth and water, reflecting its physical essence. The drying process, aided by air-blowing pipes, symbolizes the presence of air, allowing the clay to release trapped water and solidify. The firing process, with pots and seats placed in gigantic ovens and subjected to intense heat, represents the element of fire.
However, the true magic of these elements lies in the addition of a fifth element: human passion. It is this very passion that elevates these raw materials into extraordinary finished products of unparalleled quality. The artisans at Atelier Vierkant infuse their creations with boundless creativity and inspiration, pouring their hearts into each piece they produce. This infusion of human passion gives life and meaning to the products, making them not just functional objects but true works of art with stories waiting to be told and cherished.
Atelier Vierkant has honed and perfected traditional skills and specialized production techniques, allowing them to bring their envisioned forms to life and showcase that the art of craftsmanship is very much alive and thriving within their atelier. Their dedication to arts and crafts is unparalleled, resulting in creations that exemplify the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
The notion of durability extends beyond the realm of memory and the narrative of a place; it also encompasses the physical resilience of Atelier Vierkant’s products. The use of natural clay, fired at 1200°C, grants the pots exceptional strength to withstand various harsh climate conditions, including frost, heat, and UV rays. This ensures that the pots remain steadfast and retain their original shape, while their colors maintain their vibrancy without fading over time.
This remarkable resilience is the reason why Atelier Vierkant’s pots are widely chosen to enhance beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces worldwide. Whether under soft snow in cold climates or nestled amidst warm sand in sunnier regions, these planters and pebble sculptures grace landscapes across the globe, from Hawaii to Saudi Arabia, from Japan to Spain. The enduring appeal and adaptability of Atelier Vierkant’s creations make them the go-to choice for discerning customers seeking lasting beauty and functionality in their outdoor spaces.
Browse through the Atelier Vierkant range here.
Check out the Atelier Vierkant website to view many beautiful projects from around the globe.
For more information