Rik van Mierlo is Designer and founder of SOFT STEEL 

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 Graduated in 2021 at the art academy in Rotterdam, Rik reachearched the possibilities of expanded metal. He created a way to expand tubes metal plates irregulary leaving incredible new design possibilities whit this old production technique.

For his graduation work he created the SOFT STEEL Vase. An expanded metal tube. 

Later he discovered that lighting enhanced these expanded frames to a next level. Creating beautufull contrast between its lit inner structure and outside framework. Sometimes even a beautifull shadowplay appears.

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SOFT STEEL is no more a research project, nor a graduation work. Its developed in a high end, contemporary lighting brand. Focussing on design and quality.

Designed, Produced and crafted in the Netherlands.