In his sun-drenched Caribbean studio, Alexandre Chapelin works his alchemy on travertine marble, transforming the ancient stone into contemporary masterpieces that seem to defy physics. His celebrated Lagoon Collection of epoxy dining tables captures water in its most mesmerizing states—forever frozen mid-ripple across stone landscapes.
The Art of Frozen Motion
Each Lagoon Table begins with hand-selected travertine slabs, chosen for their natural cavities and organic patterns. Chapelin then works like a geological sculptor:
- Precision carving creates river-like channels through the stone
- Specialty resin formulations are tinted in hypnotic aquatic hues
- Multi-layer pouring builds translucent depth, mimicking water’s refractive quality
The result? Tables where light dances across the surface as if glancing off actual waves.
Material Poetry
Chapelin’s genius lies in highlighting contrasts:
☀️ Warm, porous travertine – Earth’s rugged history preserved
💧 Glass-clear resin – Modern alchemy creating liquid illusions
“People can’t resist touching them,” he laughs. “The stone feels ancient, but the ‘water’ stays perpetually fresh.”
From Caribbean Tides to Global Homes
Originally conceived as an ode to Saint Martin’s turquoise coves, these tables now grace:
• Manhattan penthouse dining rooms
• Mediterranean villa terraces
• Scandinavian minimalist interiors
Collectors particularly prize custom editions featuring:
→ Crushed malachite “algae” suspended in resin
→ 24k gold leaf “sunbeams” piercing the surface
→ LED-lit bases that simulate moonlight on water
The Chapelin Philosophy
“Furniture should tell stories,” says the designer, currently experimenting with volcanic rock for his next collection. “When guests circle a Lagoon Table, they’re not just dining—they’re standing at the intersection of geology and imagination.”
Practical magic: The resin withstands hot plates and wine spills, while the sealed travertine never needs polishing. As Chapelin quips: “The only maintenance required is occasional daydreaming.”