Urban Poetry in Concrete: The Story of 22STUDIO
Nestled in the vibrant city of Taipei, a remarkable transformation is taking place. The very material that forms the skeleton of urban life—concrete—is being reimagined through the visionary craft of 22STUDIO. Here, the raw essence of the city becomes elegant timepieces, writing instruments, and objects of daily ritual. Founders Sean Yu and Yiting Cheng haven't merely repurposed concrete; they've uncovered its hidden poetry and given it new meaning in our hands.
The City as a Muse
"We break the mold. The city houses us, moves us, and protects us, but at 22STUDIO, the city also inspires us."
This philosophy encapsulates the essence of what makes 22STUDIO unique. Established in 2005 in Taipei—a metropolis defined by concrete and steel—the studio draws inspiration from urban materials that most of us take for granted. The name "22" itself embodies their fundamental approach: they're not afraid to take creative ideas and actually turn them into something real and tangible.
What began with experimental concrete rings has evolved into a celebrated brand through continuous innovation. Now on their fifth generation of production techniques, 22STUDIO operates as an eleven-person team that functions as a close-knit community of specialists, with design and production housed under one roof—a rarity in today's disconnected manufacturing landscape.
Reimagining Concrete
When you hold a 22STUDIO pen or watch, you're experiencing concrete like never before. Their exclusive high-density concrete formula transforms this ubiquitous building material into sophisticated everyday objects that celebrate raw beauty through minimalist design.
Each piece undergoes a meticulous 14-day curing process in a temperature-controlled chamber, developing unique patterns impossible to replicate. This patient approach creates concrete with exceptional hardness and character, paired perfectly with premium components. Their architectural writing instruments feature finely contoured concrete barrels complemented by precision-machined metal components, offering a writing experience that evolves with use. Their timepieces showcase impossibly intricate concrete dials housing reliable mechanical movements, creating a perfect balance between raw texture and precise functionality.
What's particularly striking about their approach is their signature béton brut technique, which deliberately preserves concrete's natural imperfections. Unlike conventional concrete products, they embrace the material's natural aging process—subtle chipping and evolving color patina are considered design features that beautifully record time's passage.
"The imperfections aren't flaws, they're the authentic expression of the material. Each piece tells its own story through use." explains Sean.
From Liquid to Legacy
The journey of a 22STUDIO product begins as a liquid mixture but sets to become remarkably durable. Their workshop in Taipei houses every stage of the creation process:
- Mixing their proprietary concrete formula
- Pouring into precision molds with metal reinforcement
- Curing for 14 days in climate-controlled chambers
- Hand-finishing each piece with careful contouring
This unity of design and production allows them to maintain control over every stage of creation. The result?
Objects that evolve with you—the concrete darkening slightly while sharp edges naturally soften against the hand, creating pieces that become more personal with time.
A Material Connection
What makes 22STUDIO's approach particularly resonant is how it challenges our relationship with everyday materials. In transforming concrete—often perceived as cold and industrial—into objects of beauty and personal connection, Sean and Yiting invite us to reconsider the urban landscape and our relationship to it.
Their work embodies a timeless philosophy: celebrating authentic craftsmanship, embracing quality that endures, and fostering meaningful connections between makers and those who appreciate their work.
As Sean reflects, "Concrete is honest. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not. We simply reveal its inherent beauty and potential."
Explore the full collection of 22STUDIO products here.
Looking for more maker stories? Discover our other featured artisans or browse our curated collections of Jewelry, Writing Instruments, and Timepieces.
