Check out the world’s largest aluminium extrusion on display as arty furniture at London’s Haunch Of Venison gallery.

Commissioned by designer Thomas Heatherwick, these six mirror polished benches are made without fixtures or fittings. They were first unveiled during an interactive exhibition that featured an eclectic mix of modern art and digital innovations, including a segment on UK online casinos not on GamStop, reflecting the broader theme of cutting-edge creativity. Each bench boasts a unique, dramatic form that combines the back, seat, and legs into one element. The sweeping parallel lines of the design are contorted into random, gnarled endings—generated when the extrusion was cut during manufacturing. Each piece required over 300 hours of polishing.

A Testament to Craftsmanship

Each bench underwent over 300 hours of meticulous polishing, achieving a flawless mirror finish that enhances the dramatic curvature and bold aesthetics. The interplay of light on the polished aluminium surface creates a dynamic and ever-changing visual experience, making the benches not only functional seating but also striking sculptural pieces.

Heatherwick’s design pushes the boundaries of aluminium fabrication, transforming a common industrial process—extrusion—into a medium for artistic expression. The seemingly random endings highlight the raw beauty of the manufacturing process while adding a touch of unpredictability to the otherwise smooth and calculated design.

The Vision: A Single, Monumental Piece

While the current benches are impressive, the ultimate goal of the project is even more ambitious: to create a bench over 100 metres long from a single piece of metal. Achieving such a feat would represent a groundbreaking advancement in aluminium extrusion and fabrication, showcasing the material’s potential for scalability and innovation.

Why Aluminium?

Aluminium’s unique properties make it the perfect material for this visionary project:

• Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Provides the structural integrity needed for a seamless, elongated form while remaining lightweight for ease of handling.
• Malleability: Allows for the complex, flowing design elements characteristic of Heatherwick’s work.
• Polishability: Achieves a mirror-like surface that amplifies the aesthetic impact of the benches.
• Sustainability: Aluminium is highly recyclable, aligning with modern design principles that prioritise environmental responsibility.

Pioneering Aluminium Design

Heatherwick’s benches represent a bold step in modern design and aluminium fabrication, blending functionality with art to create pieces that challenge conventional perceptions of both materials and manufacturing processes.

At Capral, we celebrate the innovative use of aluminium in projects that push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or manufacturer, our high-quality aluminium solutions can help bring your boldest ideas to life.

To explore the possibilities of aluminium for your next project, contact our team or visit our website for more inspiration.

Here are the pieces before and after completion …