carved in steel and stone, sculptural electronic piano transforms from instrument to monolith

Batten and Kamp x Henry Chu craft Steel and Stone Piano V2

Batten and Kamp, in collaboration with digital artist and pianist Henry Chu, unveil the Steel and Stone Piano V2, an articulated, sculptural, and fully functional electronic piano. Fabricated from stainless steel and anchored by granite stone, the piano extends Batten and Kamp’s renowned Steel and Stone series into the realm of music. The Steel and Stone Piano pivots between two modes: a horizontal ‘playing mode’ and a vertical ‘monolith mode,’ seamlessly transforming from instrument to sculpture. Precision-fabricated stainless steel meets raw granite, creating a dialogue between the engineered and the elemental.

all images courtesy of Batten and Kamp

piano articulates between functional and sculptural states

The concept originated when digital artist Henry Chu approached Batten and Kamp with an idea for a keyboard that articulates between functional and sculptural states. The creative duo of Batten and Kamp worked closely with local Hong Kong fabricators and a German electric piano supplier to realize the piece. Although meticulously engineered, the piano remains deeply rooted in Batten and Kamp’s core influences: minimalism, brutalism, and science fiction. After debuting at Art Basel Hong Kong and gaining viral attention, a re-engineered second version was created. V2 features a hidden hinge mechanism, a minimal USB interface, and an integrated foot pedal lead. This limited edition consists of 8 pieces, plus 4 artist proofs. The first edition has already been acquired by one of the world’s most renowned musicians for their private collection.

sculpture meets musical instrument in Steel and Stone Piano V2

fabricated from stainless steel and anchored by solid granite

the piano is a dialogue between the engineered and the elemental

the piano pivots between two modes: a horizontal ‘playing mode’ and a vertical ‘monolith mode’

Steel and Stone Piano V2 smoothly transforms from instrument to monolith

stainless steel surfaces meet raw granite textures

rooted in minimalism, brutalism, and science fiction influences

German-made electric piano components integrated into the design

Batten and Kamp worked closely with local Hong Kong fabricators to realize the piece

precision-fabricated stainless steel meets raw granite

hidden hinge mechanism enables smooth transformation

the piano extends Batten and Kamp’s renowned Steel and Stone series into the realm of music

a collaboration between designers Batten and Kamp and digital artist Henry Chu

project info:

name: Steel and Stone Piano V2

designers: Batten and Kamp | @batten_and_kamp x Henry Chu | @henryc.hu

details: Limited Edition of 8 + 4 AP Stainless steel, granite, electronic keyboard

horizontal configuration: 1235mm W x 250mm D x 1000 mm H

upright configuration: 700mm W x 250mm D x 1570mm H

keyboard specifications: Midi keyboard with 76 (E-G) or 88 (A-C) keys hammer mechanics, Midi Note messages range: 28-103 (76 keys) or 21-108 (88 keys) with velocity (127 steps), Midi Output (optional), USB interface, Connector for foot pedal

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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