Port Living Co. elevates concrete from construction material to refined home essential through their exclusive use of Ductal® Ultra-High Performance Concrete—a patented formula that's six times stronger than conventional concrete. As one of the few licensed Ductal pre-casters in America, they craft minimalist kitchenware, desktop accessories, and home decor with unprecedented precision. Their meticulous process involves hand-casting each piece, followed by a three-coat application of their FDA-approved sealer that's been third-party tested for safety. Every surface is then hand-burnished with a vegetable-based compound, creating a subtle sheen that enhances the concrete's natural texture. This attention to detail produces pieces with remarkable density and virtually no porosity—allowing their products to withstand freeze-thaw cycles outdoors while maintaining elegance indoors. From angular bookends that anchor libraries to salt cellars that started their journey, each design balances architectural presence with everyday functionality.

Annastasia and Jordan Castro's path to concrete mastery began over a decade ago in Boston, where their experience with large-scale architectural concrete projects met their passion for cooking and entertaining. What started as creating concrete pieces for their own kitchen quickly garnered interest from friends, sparking the inception of Port Living Co. in 2014. Now based in Charleston, they've built a reputation that extends from local sourcing partnerships to national recognition—featured as "Emerging Design" recipients at NYC's NYNOW Show and honored by the International Housewares Association. Their breakthrough came in 2017 through a pivotal partnership with Ductal's LafargeHolcim division, connecting them with over 200 concrete specialists worldwide. This collaboration allows the Castros to push boundaries while maintaining their commitment to American craftsmanship, with every piece handmade in their Charleston workshop using locally sourced materials.

Port Living Co.'s Ultra-High Performance Concrete contains only water, aggregate, and cement—no polymers or harmful chemicals—with roughly 25% recycled content. Their exclusive Ductal formula creates a disconnected pore structure that's naturally resistant to staining and weathering while remaining food-safe with FDA-approved sealers. Unlike conventional concrete that degrades over time, their pieces develop a gentle patina that enhances character without compromising integrity. The density of their blend eliminates the porosity issues common in standard concrete, meaning these pieces resist water absorption and environmental wear whether displayed indoors or weathered outdoors. Simple maintenance with a damp cloth keeps pieces pristine, while occasional resealing with paste wax or linseed oil refreshes the protective surface. This marriage of advanced material science with traditional craftsmanship ensures each piece maintains its refined appearance while gaining the subtle marks of daily life that make heirlooms irreplaceable.