Stena

Stena is an ongoing project initiated by Juliana in 2018 during her studies at the Sandberg Instituut in Amsterdam. It is a hand-blown glass carafe that utilizes the thermal properties of natural soapstone. The stone and glass come into perfect contact, allowing for the transmission of coldness. By freezing the stone before use, Stena keeps a chilled drink cold for a longer period of time.

The idea for Stena emerged from Juliana’s observation that people were becoming increasingly disconnected from nature. Wanting to share her deep personal bond with the natural world, she sought to create an object that would bring an element of nature into everyday life. Stena is the result—a functional piece that forms a tangible connection between people and the natural materials around them, through the storage and cooling qualities of soapstone.

During the glassblowing process, the molten glass takes on the angular contours of the raw stone, resulting in a uniquely shaped vessel each time. The interplay of rough, unpolished stone and delicate, transparent glass gives Stena a sculptural quality—making it a striking object, even when not in use. Each piece is individually handmade, ensuring that no two are exactly alike.