italian brand mutina has recently commissioned konstantin grcic to design ‘hives’, a hexagonal terracotta brick with almost limitless expandability. inspired by beehives, one of nature’s most intricate patterns,  the 3D material offers an incredible range of possible structures and configurations — from walls to columns, counters, furniture, dividers, and much more.  

konstantin grcic (see more  here ) shaped the ‘hives’ brick for mutina (see more  here ) as a standard 13×22.5.x7 cm module. using the artisanal technique of extrusion and an eco-friendly mixture, the duo created a 3D element that stands out with its warm tone, tactile surface, and strong thermal and acoustic properties — all unique features of terracotta.

the terracotta brick can be installed in different ways: upright (vertically) or flat (horitzontally), laid flush or staggered. this flexible configuration is ideal for creating curved walls for various structures such as table legs, columns, and counters.

in short, mutina’s ‘hives’ is an exceptionally functional and versatile solution designed for an array of architectural features. even more, thanks to its unusual shape, the product also becomes a highly decorative material capable of generating possibly infinite types of graphical patterns.

design: konstantin grcic for mutina

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