For Immediate Release
New Courtyard Collection uses form-free concrete manufacturing to make distinctive forms and textures difficult to achieve through traditional concrete fabrication
CALEDONIA, Mich. – August 31, 2026 – Mangrove has launched its Courtyard Collection, a series of 3D-printed concrete fire pits that use advanced additive manufacturing to create sculptural forms difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional concrete fabrication. The collection is produced using Selective Paste Intrusion (SPI), a form-free concrete printing technology that Mangrove is the only manufacturer in North America operating at production scale, opening new possibilities for fire features designed as architectural elements within residential, hospitality, commercial and other outdoor environments.
“The Courtyard Collection was created for connection. We want to invite people into a design language that interprets our material through beauty and permanence,” said Spencer Hope, lead industrial designer at Mangrove. “Each piece was designed with threads of architecture, sculpture and stone. It’s always about embracing the material to tell stories and create experiences that are meaningful to people.”
Engineered for outdoor environments, the Courtyard Collection combines advanced concrete additive manufacturing with hand-finished craftsmanship. Three distinct designs – Lily, Sova and Staccato – explore different expressions of form and texture, with each available in two rim profiles and multiple sizes.
With a richly textured surface, Staccato creates a rhythm of light and shadow across its exterior. The textural pattern contrasts with a polished upper surface, giving the fire pit a distinctly modern profile.
Sova takes a minimal approach, allowing the texture and pattern of the concrete to define its smooth silhouette. The lower half retains the natural texture of the 3D-printing process, transitioning to a smooth, river-stone-like finish above.
Lily opens upward like a blooming flower, with a flared form that catches light across the surface. Visible striations from the 3D-printing process create depth and dimension below a smooth upper finish.
Narrow two-inch rims are offered in 28-, 34-, 40-, 46- and 58-inch diameters, while wide 12-inch rims are available in 40-, 46-, 52-, 58- and 70-inch diameters. Concrete colors include Quarry and Graphite, allowing designers and property owners to select a combination appropriate for the surrounding architecture and landscape.
Each fire pit is produced using Mangrove’s proprietary SPI process, which builds concrete layer by layer within a bed of sand. Cement paste is selectively deposited into the sand, binding material only where the design calls for it, while the surrounding unbound aggregate supports the piece as it takes shape. This eliminates the need for traditional molds or formwork and allows Mangrove to produce complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional concrete fabrication. Once printing is complete, each fire pit is removed, cured, hand finished and sealed with a protective, heat-rated finish.
The Courtyard Collection reflects more than 60 years of concrete expertise through three generations of the Kerkstra family. From precast architectural panels to today’s 3D-printed concrete products, that history informs Mangrove’s approach to material performance, manufacturing and craftsmanship.
“Our decades of concrete expertise, paired with advanced additive manufacturing, opens the door to design-driven products that weren’t possible before,” said Greg Kerkstra, CEO of Mangrove. “Courtyard Collection demonstrates how we can use that technology to create products that bring together design, craftsmanship and the long-term performance people expect from concrete.”
The Mangrove design team approached Courtyard Collection as an architectural element within a larger outdoor environment rather than as a standalone object.
“Eliel Saarinen said it best, ‘every creation must fit and serve the broader ecosystem it lives within.’ That idea shaped our approach,” said Luke Strand, industrial designer at Mangrove. “Designing a fire pit isn’t just about the object itself. It’s about the space it occupies and the people who live in that space.”
Weighing approximately 340 to 1,300 pounds, depending on configuration, Courtyard Collection fire pits are designed as substantial, permanent outdoor elements. The concrete has been freeze-thaw tested to ASTM C666 for all-season outdoor use.
Each Courtyard Collection fire pit incorporates a U.S.-made CROSSFIRE® 2.0 solid-brass burner system designed for long-term outdoor durability and to produce a full, natural flame with efficient fuel use. Fire pits are available in natural gas or propane configurations, with tumbled lava stones completing the fire feature. Courtyard Collection fire pits are made to order at Mangrove’s Caledonia, Michigan, design and manufacturing facility.
Mangrove is a design-driven concrete additive manufacturing company and the only manufacturer in North America operating Selective Paste Intrusion (SPI) concrete printing technology at production scale. The company partners with architects, designers and developers to create complex, large-scale concrete elements for architectural, landscape and environmental applications. Using its proprietary SPI process, an industrial form of 3D concrete printing, Mangrove eliminates the need for traditional formwork, enabling greater design freedom, precision at scale and material efficiency from concept through production. Its integrated, in-house model brings together designers, engineers and fabrication specialists to deliver premium, custom solutions that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional methods. Built on the Kerkstra family’s multi-generational legacy in concrete manufacturing, Mangrove combines decades of technical expertise and operational discipline to advance a new era of design-forward concrete fabrication. Learn more at mangrove3d.com.
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For Immediate Release
Mangrove Introduces a New Approach to Concrete Design with North America’s First Production-Scale Additive Manufacturing Process
Grand opening to be held on July 22
CALEDONIA, Mich. – June 15, 2026 – Mangrove, a Michigan-based concrete additive manufacturing company and the only manufacturer in North America operating Selective Paste Intrusion (SPI) concrete printing technology at production scale, will host its grand opening July 22. Founded on three generations of concrete innovation in the Kerkstra family, Mangrove combines decades of material expertise with advanced manufacturing to unlock a new level of design freedom in the built environment.
Using its proprietary SPI process, an industrial form of 3D concrete printing, Mangrove produces complex, large-scale concrete elements without the constraints of traditional formwork. The process enables greater flexibility, precision at scale and efficiency from concept through production. The technology allows for intricate geometries, including organic curves, overhangs and lattice structures, while supporting optimized internal voids that reduce material weight without compromising structural integrity.
SPI is an emerging additive manufacturing process that builds concrete structures layer-by-layer using selectively binding material (concrete) within a bed of aggregate (sand). The surrounding material (sand) acts as a natural support system during production, allowing complex forms to be produced with a high degree of accuracy, consistency and material efficiency at architectural scale.
Mangrove’s manufacturing approach also emphasizes material efficiency and responsible production. The company’s SPI process eliminates the need for traditional formwork, reduces material waste and enables the recovery and reuse of aggregate. Mangrove also utilizes regionally Michigan-sourced materials and Type 1L cement, a lower-carbon alternative to traditional Portland cement.
“We are redefining what concrete can do at scale,” said Nathan Kerkstra, president of Mangrove. “By combining generational expertise with advanced additive manufacturing, we’re giving designers and partners the ability to move beyond the constraints of traditional formwork and realize ideas that were previously impossible to build.”
Mangrove’s capabilities are reflected in a growing portfolio of design-forward products and landscape elements, including furniture and lighting pieces such as Chair No. One (Red Dot Award-winning), Strata Collection, Oberhauser Balloon, Lamp No. One, Courtyard Collection Fire Tables and the Epoch Coffee Table. These works demonstrate the company’s ability to merge structural performance with sculptural form across both product design and built-environment applications.
Mangrove’s approach brings together industrial designers, engineers and fabrication specialists in a highly collaborative process that allows ideas to move seamlessly from concept through production. By combining in-house design and manufacturing, the company works closely with architects, interior designers, landscape architects and partners to develop premium, custom solutions tailored to each project. This integrated model enables Mangrove to solve complex design challenges and produce architectural and product elements that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional concrete methods.
“Our proprietary Selective Paste Intrusion process fundamentally changes how we think about form,” said Spencer Hope, lead industrial designer at Mangrove. “We’re no longer limited by molds or standard geometries. Instead, we can explore shape, texture and structure in a way that allows the material itself to become part of the design expression.”
Mangrove builds on the legacy of the Kerkstra family, whose work in concrete dates back to 1962 with the founding of Kerkstra Precast. Across three generations, the family has contributed to infrastructure and architectural precast projects throughout the Midwest, developing deep expertise in material performance, manufacturing and installation. Mangrove carries that legacy forward through its additive manufacturing model that integrates design, engineering and production into a single, collaborative process, bringing a level of operational experience and technical maturity uncommon in emerging manufacturing companies.
“In addition to introducing this new technology across North America, we are changing how concrete is designed, produced and experienced,” said Nathan Kerkstra, president of Mangrove. “We’re building a platform that allows us to collaborate more closely with designers and partners to solve complex challenges in ways that weren’t previously possible.”
The grand opening will offer media and industry guests an inside look at Mangrove’s facility, including live demonstrations of the manufacturing and design process, product installations and opportunities to engage directly with the company’s leadership, design and engineering teams.
About Mangrove
Mangrove is a design-driven concrete additive manufacturing company and the only manufacturer in North America operating Selective Paste Intrusion (SPI) concrete printing technology at production scale. The company partners with architects, designers and developers to create complex, large-scale concrete elements for architectural, landscape and environmental applications. Using its proprietary SPI process, an industrial form of 3D concrete printing, Mangrove eliminates the need for traditional formwork, enabling greater design freedom, precision at scale and material efficiency from concept through production. Its integrated, in-house model brings together designers, engineers and fabrication specialists to deliver premium, custom solutions that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional methods. Built on the Kerkstra family’s multi-generational legacy in concrete manufacturing, Mangrove combines decades of technical expertise and operational discipline to advance a new era of design-forward concrete fabrication. Learn more at mangrove3d.com.
Media Contact
Adam Russo
adam@com616.com
616-350-4202
Mangrove · 5265 68th St SE, Caledonia, Michigan 49316 · www.MANGROVE3D.com
For Immediate Release
Mangrove Joins Be Original Americas in Support of Original Design and Innovation
CALEDONIA, Mich. – June 15, 2026 – Mangrove, a Michigan-based concrete additive manufacturing company and the only manufacturer in North America operating Selective Paste Intrusion (SPI) concrete printing technology at production scale, has joined Be Original Americas. The nonprofit advocacy organization works to educate manufacturers, designers, consumers and industry professionals about the importance of originality, intellectual property protection and investing in authentic design. Through educational programs, industry partnerships and advocacy efforts, it fosters innovation while supporting the designers and manufacturers behind original products.
Mangrove’s membership reflects the company’s commitment to advancing design through innovation, collaboration and responsible manufacturing. By combining advanced additive manufacturing technology with a design-led approach, Mangrove partners with architects, landscape architects, designers and developers to create bespoke concrete elements for landscape, residential, architectural and environmental applications.
“Original design is the foundation of innovation,” said Nathan Kerkstra, president of Mangrove. “We believe the most meaningful advancements happen when designers, engineers and manufacturers work together to create something new. Joining Be Original Americas aligns with our commitment to supporting creativity, protecting intellectual property and investing in the future of design.”
Mangrove’s proprietary SPI manufacturing process eliminates the need for traditional formwork, enabling greater design freedom, precision at scale and material efficiency from concept through production. The technology allows designers to explore complex geometries, organic forms and custom applications that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional concrete fabrication methods. By eliminating traditional formwork and reducing material waste, the process also supports a more efficient approach to concrete fabrication.
Be Original Americas believes authentic design drives innovation, supports economic growth and creates lasting value. Through its network of manufacturers, design professionals, media partners and educators, the organization advocates for originality and works to combat the growing impact of design imitation and counterfeiting.
“We are excited to welcome Mangrove as a member of Be Original Americas,” said John Edelman, President of Be Original Americas. “Their work reflects the spirit of innovation, creativity and authenticity that our organization champions. Through their investment in original design and advanced manufacturing, Mangrove is expanding what is possible while helping reinforce the value of protecting and supporting the ideas that move our industry forward.”
Mangrove joins a community of leading manufacturers, designers and industry organizations committed to advancing original design and fostering a culture of creativity, innovation and responsible production.
About Mangrove
Mangrove is a design-driven concrete additive manufacturing company and the only manufacturer in North America operating Selective Paste Intrusion (SPI) concrete printing technology at production scale. The company partners with architects, designers and developers to create complex, large-scale concrete elements for architectural, landscape and environmental applications. Using its proprietary SPI process, an industrial form of 3D concrete printing, Mangrove eliminates the need for traditional formwork, enabling greater design freedom, precision at scale and material efficiency from concept through production. Its integrated, in-house model brings together designers, engineers and fabrication specialists to deliver premium, custom solutions that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional methods. Built on the Kerkstra family’s multi-generational legacy in concrete manufacturing, Mangrove combines decades of technical expertise and operational discipline to advance a new era of design-forward concrete fabrication. Learn more at mangrove3d.com.
Media Contact
Adam Russo
adam@com616.com
616-350-4202
Mangrove · 5265 68th St SE, Caledonia, Michigan 49316 · www.MANGROVE3D.com
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For Immediate Release
Un Nido Explores Craft, Material and Form Through 3D-Printed Concrete
Collaborative installation explores digital fabrication and low-waste concrete manufacturing during Fulton Market Design Days in Chicago
CHICAGO – June 1, 2026 – Common Object Studio, a Maryland- and Michigan-based regenerative design practice focused on material, craft and manufacturing, and Mangrove, a Michigan-based Selective Paste Intrusion (SPI) manufacturing company specializing in large-scale 3D-printed concrete, will debut Un Nido during Fulton Market Design Days, June 8-10. The activation is located on W. Fulton St., between N. Sangamon St. and N. Peoria St. The Un Nido collection consists of a lounge chair, coffee table and planter.
Un Nido is a collaboration between Common Object Studio and Mangrove exploring 3D printed concrete as a medium for contemporary craft. Developed through low-waste fabrication and material research, the collection translates weaving logics into latticed forms that balance structure, openness, and tactile surface variation.
Mangrove’s proprietary SPI concrete printing technology is an emerging additive manufacturing process that builds concrete structures layer by layer within a surrounding bed of aggregate, allowing complex forms to be produced with a high degree of precision, consistency and material efficiency at architectural scale.
Un Nido is a collaboration between Common Object Studio and Mangrove, developed through shared design philosophies on how emerging technologies can produce objects rooted in craft, material and human touch. The project brings together Common Object’s approach to sustainable design and contemporary craft with Mangrove’s innovation in low-waste 3D-printed concrete, combining material research with advanced fabrication methods.
Inspired by traditional handcrafted objects and weaving practices, this collection reframes the visual and physical weight of concrete, a material typically perceived as cold and heavy. Through latticed geometries, density gives way to openness, allowing structure to feel unexpectedly light. This shift is held within nest-like forms that feel soft, open and inviting.
“The project began by questioning the conventional perception of concrete as a material associated with weight, permanence and uniformity. We were interested in how digital fabrication could instead reveal qualities of softness, openness and tactility,” said Fernando Ramirez, Co-Founder and Designer at Common Object Studio. “We embraced the tension between the control of the print and the variation within each printed layer. The forms emerge through highly controlled fabrication methods, while the surfaces retain subtle rhythms, variations and traces of refinement by hand. In this way, the work explores how technology can produce objects that still feel materially sensitive and connected to human touch.”
The collaboration further explores how digital fabrication can support more materially responsive and intentional forms of production.
“Un Nido is an example of how our technology can take ideas from possibility to real-world application,” said Nathan Kerkstra, president at Mangrove. “This collaboration allowed us to demonstrate the scale, precision and material efficiency of our process while expanding the boundaries of what can be achieved through concrete fabrication.”
About Common Object Studio
Common Object Studio is a regenerative design practice exploring the relationship between material, craft, and manufacturing. Founded by designers Fernando Ramirez and Justin Beitzel, the studio develops furniture, products, and systems that rethink how objects are sourced, manufactured, and experienced. Working across sustainable materials, contemporary craft, and emerging production technologies, Common Object collaborates with brands and manufacturers to create more responsible approaches to making that balance material intelligence, environmental impact, and human connection. Learn more at commonobjectstudio.com.
About Mangrove
Mangrove is a design-driven concrete additive manufacturing company and the only manufacturer in North America operating Selective Paste Intrusion (SPI) concrete printing technology at production scale. The company partners with architects, designers and developers to create complex, large-scale concrete elements for architectural, landscape and environmental applications. Using its proprietary SPI process, an industrial form of 3D concrete printing, Mangrove eliminates the need for traditional formwork, enabling greater design freedom, precision at scale and material efficiency from concept through production. Its integrated, in-house model brings together designers, engineers and fabrication specialists to deliver premium, custom solutions that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional methods. Built on the Kerkstra family’s multi-generational legacy in concrete manufacturing, Mangrove combines decades of technical expertise and operational discipline to advance a new era of design-forward concrete fabrication. Learn more at mangrove3d.com.
Media Contact
Adam Russo
adam@com616.com
616-350-4202