In the vibrant heart of Yorkshire, an extraordinary venture was born in 2016 from the shared vision of Claire and Andy Pedley. From the intimate setting of their kitchen table, The Poured Project emerged, dedicated to transforming an age-old building material into stunning bespoke sinks and worktops. Concrete, often associated with robust construction and industrial aesthetics, finds a new purpose in their skilled hands, becoming an elegant, customisable element for contemporary homes. The Poured Project isn’t just creating furnishings; they’re pioneering a shift in how we perceive and integrate concrete into our most personal spaces, setting a new benchmark for unique and durable interior design. Join us as Sara Walker delves into the innovative world of The Poured Project and their ambitious plans.
The Genesis of a Vision: From Restoration to Reinvention
The journey into bespoke concrete fabrication began unexpectedly for Andy Pedley, a furniture restorer by trade. Known for his exceptional ability to master new skills and craft almost anything, Andy possesses a methodical approach, driven by thorough research and an innate sense of organization. Claire shares that when Andy was first commissioned to create a sink from concrete, the request was initially surprising. However, his adventurous spirit and belief in exploration led him to embrace the challenge, asking, “why not?”. This simple question became the catalyst for what would evolve into The Poured Project – a business rooted in ingenuity and a deep understanding of material possibilities.
This initial foray into concrete wasn’t merely about fulfilling a commission; it was an intensive learning experience that would lay the groundwork for their future enterprise. Andy’s background in furniture restoration provided him with a unique perspective on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the structural integrity required for lasting pieces. This foundational knowledge proved invaluable as he embarked on mastering the intricacies of concrete, a material far removed from traditional timber or upholstery but equally demanding in its own right. The transition from restoring antique furniture to creating contemporary concrete pieces highlights Andy’s remarkable versatility and dedication to his craft, embodying the spirit of innovation that defines The Poured Project.
The Art of Creation: From Concept to Concrete Masterpiece
The creation of a bespoke concrete sink at The Poured Project is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a deep understanding of material science. The process commences with Andy translating design concepts into detailed paper drawings, a crucial step in visualising the final product. Following this, he hand-crafts a wooden template, expertly shaping it on a lathe to achieve precise dimensions and contours. This wooden prototype then serves as the foundation for the next critical stage: creating the mould. A rubber layer is carefully applied over the template, forming the exact negative impression of the desired sink.
To ensure structural integrity during the concrete pouring and curing phases, a robust internal and external frame is constructed around the rubber mould. This support system is vital for maintaining the shape and preventing deformation as the concrete sets. It was during this pioneering stage that Andy extensively experimented with various concrete mixtures, diligently learning how the material behaves under different conditions, from its fluidity when wet to its strength and finish when cured. The exceptional satisfaction of their very first concrete sink customer not only validated their innovative approach but also spurred Claire and Andy to establish The Poured Project, transitioning their unique craft into a commercial enterprise. This marked the beginning of their mission to bring beautiful, functional concrete pieces to a broader market, offering distinctive solutions for modern interiors.
Unlocking Concrete’s Potential: Versatility, Aesthetics, and Durability
Concrete, often seen as a utilitarian material, reveals its true versatility and aesthetic prowess in the hands of The Poured Project. It is an incredibly flexible medium, allowing for an extensive range of finishes and appearances, from a raw, industrial texture to a sleek, highly polished surface that rivals natural stone. This remarkable adaptability is achieved through the careful selection and blending of various aggregates and admixtures, each chosen to influence the final look and feel of the piece. Developing these unique mixtures from scratch was a significant undertaking for the Pedleys, requiring countless hours of experimentation to perfect the bespoke recipes that define their distinctive style.
Beyond texture, concrete also offers an expansive palette for customisation through the incorporation of pigments. These can transform the material from its classic grey into a spectrum of colours, enabling designers and homeowners to integrate concrete seamlessly into any interior scheme, from minimalist modern to rustic industrial. Each custom concrete sink requires approximately three weeks to produce, a duration largely attributed to the crucial curing process. This slow, controlled drying ensures the concrete achieves its maximum strength and durability, preventing cracks and enhancing longevity. Once fully cured, each piece is meticulously sealed with a food-safe lacquer, protecting the surface and making it exceptionally easy to clean and maintain, truly embodying both beauty and practicality.
The inherent properties of concrete also contribute to its growing appeal in contemporary design. Its thermal mass means it retains ambient temperatures, a significant advantage for items like bathtubs where a cold shock is undesirable. Moreover, its non-porous nature, once properly sealed, makes it highly resistant to staining, a critical feature for kitchen worktops and bathroom sinks that endure daily use. This combination of aesthetic flexibility, robust durability, and functional advantages positions concrete as an intelligent choice for those seeking unique, high-performance, and long-lasting fixtures in their homes.
Strength and Substance: Addressing the Practicalities of Concrete
While concrete offers a wealth of aesthetic and functional advantages, its inherent weight is an important consideration. As Claire explains, concrete is indeed heavier than materials such as porcelain, which necessitates careful planning and checks regarding installation locations. This often involves ensuring adequate structural support, particularly for larger items or installations on upper floors. Despite this practical aspect, the substantial weight is also a testament to concrete’s unparalleled strength and solidity, qualities that contribute significantly to the longevity and robustness of The Poured Project’s products.
The material’s strength allows for remarkable design flexibility, enabling the creation of surprisingly slender and elegant profiles without compromising integrity. For instance, while standard splashbacks typically measure 12mm in thickness, The Poured Project can craft ultra-thin concrete splashbacks that are only 8mm thick. This reduced thickness offers a refined, minimalist aesthetic that is both unobtrusive and incredibly strong, challenging conventional notions of what concrete design can achieve. This meticulous engineering ensures that even the most delicate-looking concrete piece offers superior resistance to impact and daily wear, guaranteeing a durable and enduring addition to any home.
The tactile experience of concrete is another defining characteristic. Its cool, smooth surface, combined with its substantial feel, provides a sense of luxury and permanence that is difficult to replicate with lighter materials. This tangible quality, coupled with its robust nature, makes concrete an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms where resilience is paramount. The Pedleys’ expertise lies in harnessing these powerful attributes, transforming raw concrete into refined, functional art that enhances the domestic environment.
A Growing Collection: Innovation in Concrete Design
The Poured Project is continuously expanding its innovative product line, catering to diverse needs within modern homes. Currently, they offer a curated selection of three distinct concrete kitchen sinks, readily available for immediate purchase, providing both style and robust functionality. Excitingly, a new range of cloakroom sinks is on the horizon, promising to bring their signature aesthetic to smaller spaces, proving that elegance and durability can be integrated into even the most compact bathrooms.
Perhaps their most ambitious project yet is the development of a concrete bath. This undertaking is particularly pioneering as no other UK manufacturer currently produces concrete bathtubs, making The Poured Project a trailblazer in this niche. While concrete baths are available in the USA, importing them to the UK presents significant logistical challenges. Their upcoming bath, estimated to weigh around 200kg, will require careful consideration for installation due to its substantial weight. However, the visual impact of such a piece promises to be absolutely stunning, creating a true statement in any luxury bathroom. Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, a concrete bath offers a unique advantage: thermal efficiency. Unlike cold porcelain, concrete retains ambient temperatures, eliminating the initial shock of stepping into a chilly tub and ensuring a more comfortable and luxurious bathing experience.
In addition to sinks and the forthcoming bath, The Poured Project excels in crafting bespoke concrete worktops. Concrete is an exceptional material for work surfaces due to its inherently non-porous nature, especially when properly sealed. This quality makes concrete worktops highly resistant to staining from common kitchen spills like wine, coffee, or oils, ensuring they remain pristine and beautiful for years to come. Their worktops combine strength, hygiene, and a uniquely tactile finish, making them a preferred choice for discerning homeowners and designers seeking durable and visually striking kitchen or utility solutions. The continuous innovation and expansion of their product range underscore The Poured Project’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of concrete design in the UK market.
The Poured Project Promise: Quality, Trust, and Enduring Design
Despite being relatively early in their entrepreneurial journey, Claire and Andy Pedley possess unwavering faith in the quality and longevity of their bespoke concrete products. Their confidence stems not only from their rigorous crafting process but also from real-world testing. They have installed their innovative concrete sinks in their own family homes, where they endure the daily rigours of active family life and significant wear. This personal endorsement serves as a powerful testament to the durability and resilience of their creations. Further validating their commitment to excellence, they proudly share the story of a repeat customer who has already ordered her third sink, a clear indication of profound satisfaction and trust in The Poured Project’s craftsmanship and design.
This dedication to creating lasting, beautiful pieces is at the core of their business ethos. They understand that investing in a bespoke item for one’s home is a significant decision, and they strive to ensure every product not only meets but exceeds expectations. Their focus on high-quality materials, expert artisan techniques, and exceptional customer service fosters a loyal client base who appreciate the unique value and enduring appeal of concrete. The Poured Project isn’t just selling sinks and worktops; they are offering carefully crafted, long-term design solutions that bring a touch of industrial elegance and bespoke charm to any space.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Claire’s Transformative Journey
The establishment of The Poured Project has been a profound learning experience, not just for Andy, but also for Claire, who has embraced a completely new professional landscape. Prior to co-founding the company, Claire dedicated many years to foster care, a role that, while deeply rewarding, contrasts sharply with the demands of running a bespoke manufacturing business. As she light-heartedly notes, “this is a bit different!”, highlighting the significant shift in her career path.
Claire’s transition into the entrepreneurial world has involved acquiring a comprehensive array of new skills. From mastering the intricacies of sales and marketing to developing and managing the company’s website, and navigating the ever-evolving realm of social media, she has become an indispensable force behind The Poured Project’s growth and visibility. This hands-on involvement in every aspect of the business, from customer engagement to digital presence, showcases her remarkable adaptability and dedication. Claire’s journey exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit—the courage to embrace new challenges, the drive to learn continuously, and the passion to build something unique from the ground up. Her enthusiasm for what lies ahead is palpable, as she eagerly anticipates the next phase of development for The Poured Project, ready to steer the company towards new successes and expand their footprint in the exciting world of concrete design.
Connecting with The Poured Project: Custom Concrete Solutions for Your Home
The Poured Project is proud to offer its exceptional range of bespoke concrete sinks, worktops, and upcoming baths to customers across the entire United Kingdom. While their craftsmanship is unique, their distribution network is streamlined for convenience; all orders must be placed through one of their carefully selected retailers. This approach ensures that customers receive expert advice and support throughout the selection and ordering process, from initial design consultation to final installation.
For those eager to discover the transformative potential of concrete in their homes, whether envisioning a minimalist kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, or a distinctive cloakroom, The Poured Project invites you to explore their exquisite collection. To delve deeper into their innovative designs, view their product range, and find a retailer near you, please visit their official website: The Poured Project. Embrace the enduring beauty and unparalleled strength of bespoke concrete, and let The Poured Project help you redefine your living spaces with artistry and substance.
All images (c) 2019 The Poured Project