Marbleology18. Mar2014
Marble is a classic, timeless material. Since the sculpture was invented, marble was the perfect material to express the artist's vision. Over the centuries, marble was used only as a scupture material, as a decoration for furniture pieces (as a tabletop) and to produce small decorative pieces (chalices; press papier; etc)
In the contemporary times, when materials are reinveted or rediscovered and new materials are discovered at high speed, the marble shine through its proprieties: naturalness, elegance and durability. With the help of new technologies the marble starts a new life in a very new way. Thin slabs and large surfaces, complicated shapes in 2D or 3D cut or carved perfectly and a new way of thinking towards marble make it as one of the preffered material in these days.
Jean Louis IRATZOKI was in charge of the creative direction for the technologically approach of the new brand Retegui focused in marble objects and furniture. The following objects shows the new potential of marble.
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EGALA shelf collection 
EGALA shelves give wings to your walls! More than just a wall fitting, these practical shelves are an elegant interior design feature enhancing wall surfaces. EGALA shelves can have a multitude of uses such as displaying objects, giving pride of places of plae to photographs and paintings, or just simply a useful place to put keys and sundry items.
PETRA solid side tables---
Sculpted from solid marble, PETRA is the perfect illustration of raw material design. These small and unusual tables, which can be used alone or in pairs, both indoors and outdooors, provide a focal point that blend into the most varied surroundings..---
ARIN dining tables---
Behind the simple and clear-cut lines of the Arin table lies a combination of highly-complex assembly, CNC precision milling and bonding techniques that place lightness at the heart of the design. The milled marble top has been made lighter thanks to the use of strong honeycomnb core with oak trim.---
DOMO tableware---
The DOMO range shows how expertly-worked surfaces can make simple surfaces look great. Gentle milling and surface brushing give the marble an attractive density and depth to DOMO's curved lines. This range is ideal for fruits and other objects that simply need a place to be.---
BATELA tray---
Jean Louis IRATZOKI was born in Donibane Lohizune (St- Jean-de-Luz) in 1965. He obtained a diploma in interior design at the Boulle school in Paris, and later one in industrial design at the "Escuela Experimental de Diseño" in Madrid.He set up his workshop in the Basque Country in 1998. He works with large and small companies in product design and artistic management. Through special reflection conducted with each company he takes into consideration each company’s culture, history and environment.
Jean Louis IRATZOKI seeks out the simplicity and authenticity of the object.
The creations also display a touch of personality and gentleness.
In addition to a concern for the environment, social responsibility characterises the work done with the following companies.
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In 1939, Laurent Bergez founded a marble factory (la marbrerie) in Saint Jean de Luz, whose main activity was cutting funeral stones. Her daughter and son-Etienne Francette Retegui who succeeded him in 1973, developed and modernized the production tool.In 1999, it was the turn of Claude Retegui, small son of the founder, to take over the family business. Engineer in building, he created the 3D Technology department that allows to develop a new activity by combining stone and composite materials.
Today, the marble Retegui employs twelve people, including engineers and Companions Marbriers. Its high-tech equipment allows the production of complex parts with high precision.
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