BETONVENConcrete Art · Thessaloniki
Archive · 2020–2025
The concrete work of George Makaronidis
Betonven was a concrete studio run by one person. Between 2020 and 2025 it drew, modelled, moulded, cast, sanded, packed and posted 2,245 objects across 58 designs, from Greece to homes around the world.
The shop is closed. This is the work it made.
How it was made
No production partner, no outsourcing, no drop-shipping. Each design began as a drawing and ended as a wrapped parcel with a tracking number, and the same person did every step in between.
The work
Gods and philosophers opened at the crown to hold a plant. Bodies cast around a glass tube for a single stem. Burners, holders, columns and bookends. These are the pieces Betonven owned outright, modelled and moulded from scratch.
In their words
“This vase is one of the most beautiful things I own, and I am absolutely in love. Incredibly fast shipping too.”
“There was no chips or missing bits from the mold. It came out perfect and was packed in such a way to ensure no damage in transit.”
“Just gorgeous, exactly as advertised. He even packed some surprise gifts in the package. Would 100% buy again.”
“Superior quality and not at all as heavy as I thought they would be. I love how the ash falls into the holder. Such a clever design and ultra modern.”
“Quick delivery, safely packaged, and an absolute statement piece on my bookshelf.”
“Top Artikel in Mega-guter Qualität, zügig versendet und sehr sinnig verpackt.”
“Beautifully crafted. A small replica that is very detailed.”
“The owner is very responsive. Every problem with the shipment I faced, he took care of every scenario and was able to assist without hassle.”
“Came well wrapped with a little painted stone extra. Has joined my ever increasing group of planters.”
“Beautiful and definitely worth the wait with shipping from Greece to the USA. Looks exactly like the photographs.”
“In love with this statement piece.”
“Beautifully detailed. This little piece looks perfect on my shelving unit at university.”
The designer
Betonven was one thread of a longer practice. George is an industrial designer who has been taking things from idea to finished product since the early 2000s: signage and commercial display systems, product design and moulds, 3D printing, 360° virtual tours, AI production, web applications and published work.
Concrete suited him because it is unforgiving. A mould is either right or the piece is scrap, and the only way to find out is to pour it. Five years and 2,245 objects later, the moulds are on a shelf in Thessaloniki.
The rest of the practice continues under Signmak.
Signmak Design · Immersive · AI · Digital · Originals · VenturesGet in touch
If you own a piece and want another, if you want a commission or a custom mould, or if you are simply curious about the work, write here. It reaches George directly.
Direct: signmak@gmail.com