Dutch designer David Derksen’s investigation into the beauty, form, and manufacturing techniques found in scientific glassware has resulted in a collection of vases and lights that reflect light and serve as beautiful yet utilitarian containers for flowers and plants.

The Flask Vase, Flask Light, and Dewar Light are the first results of Derksen’s exploration into the production processes used in the manufacturing of laboratory glassware, which the designer feels has its own specific formal language.

All vessels and instruments start as glass tubes that are reshaped on lathes under extreme heat. He often uses rubber parts to connect the various instruments or to seal the vessels. Acting as a malleable and gentle buffer for the glass, the combination of materials is at the same time functional and aesthetic.

Derksen’s project is named after scientist James Dewar, who while investigating the absolute zero temperature point, invented the Dewar flask or isolating container, the technology used in everyday coffee or Thermos flasks, containers composed of two walls of glass that sandwich a thin layer of silver to reflect the heat.

All photography and styling by Camille Cortet