Show HN: Brutalist Concrete Laptop Stand (2024)
A handmade “brutalist” concrete laptop stand with an embedded power strip and intentionally weathered details has sparked debate over whether it’s clever industrial art or just impractical desk clutter. Commenters weigh in on what truly defines brutalism versus urban decay pastiche, raising points about ergonomics, surface scratching, electrical safety, and the sheer weight of the piece. The project also prompts broader talk about concrete as a creative medium—from lightweight mixes and additives to DIY techniques for removing air bubbles—and the appeal of building one-off objects purely for personal satisfaction.
Aesthetic & “Brutalism” Debate
- Many like the raw concrete, “urban decay” / post‑apocalyptic vibe and the contrast with sleek tech.
- Others argue it’s not true brutalism:
- Brutalism is framed as functional, monolithic, “béton brut” (raw concrete) with honest structure, not staged decay.
- Several call it pastiche or “pre‑ripped jeans” brutalism, more industrial / Falloutpunk than architectural brutalism.
- Some say decay is central to how many people actually experience brutalist buildings; others dislike concrete because it ages poorly.
- A number of commenters think it simply looks like trash or wouldn’t want it on their desk, even while respecting the craft.
Craft, Process & Materials
- The use of a vibrating sex toy to degas the concrete is heavily discussed, with comparisons to industrial concrete vibrators and other DIY tricks (massage gun, etc.).
- People note the attention to detail: rusted rebar, chemically aged copper, fake damaged cable, embedded power strip.
- Some see it as a clever, joyful, highly committed build; others dismiss it as “just concrete in a mold” with overblown presentation.
- Several emphasize the value of making things purely for oneself, without intent to sell.
Practicality, Ergonomics & Durability
- Weight is a recurring concern: hard to move, potentially stressing weak desks/floors, but also serving as an “inertial mass” for sit‑stand desks and possibly a giant heat sink.
- Users worry about scratching laptops on raw concrete and suggest adding cork, rubber, or a mat on top.
- The stand is flat, not angled; some criticize the lack of ergonomic tilt, others say that would undermine its brutalist character.
- Discussion branches into how thin/light non‑structural concrete can get (aircrete, foam, microcement, fiberglass, additives like graphene).
Safety Concerns
- Several find the exposed dummy wire and embedded power strip unsettling.
- One notes it may be grounded via rebar but still argues it’s unwise to normalize exposed mains‑like cables.
Related Ideas & Inspirations
- Suggestions include concrete laptop cases, speakers, monitor or “monitor‑stand stands,” and pieces inspired by metro stations or game environments (e.g., Control, Quake brutalist maps).
Meta: HN & this Show HN
- Many praise this as exactly the kind of idiosyncratic, non‑product Show HN they enjoy.
- Some note recent improvements in Show HN curation and contrast this with LLM‑driven or “vibe‑coded” software projects.