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Italian design brand Antrax IT introduces Carlo, an innovative electric heating element that brings together architecture, art, and contemporary technology. Created in collaboration with architect Dante O. Benini, this distinctive design object pays tribute to the legendary Carlo Scarpa. Its original concept has earned it a place in the ADI Design Index 2026, making it eligible for consideration for the prestigious Compasso d’Oro award.
Positioned somewhere between a functional object and an artistic sculpture, Carlo is the latest creation from Antrax IT, an Italian company renowned for designer radiators that challenge traditional perceptions of heating appliances.
Its origins can be traced to an almost imperceptible architectural detail conceived decades ago by Italian master Carlo Scarpa. Through the creative interpretation of architect Dante O. Benini, this small but ingenious element has now acquired an entirely new purpose within contemporary interiors.
From an Architectural Detail to a Designer Heating Element
The inspiration behind Carlo comes from the work of Carlo Scarpa, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Italian architecture.
Scarpa devoted exceptional attention to technical details, materials, and the relationships between them. Among his characteristic solutions was a carefully designed drip-edge profile intended to prevent rainwater from running down building facades from window sills, a detail also incorporated into the Banca Popolare di Verona building.
This seemingly modest architectural feature became the foundation for an entirely new design object.
Dante O. Benini, who collaborated with Scarpa for many years, preserved the original shape of the detail while giving it a completely different function.
In the Carlo design, the element is positioned at the top of a vertical tubular heating component measuring 35 millimeters in diameter.
Crafted from satin-finished stainless steel, it features precise laser cutting that creates a discreet hook for hanging towels, bathrobes, or clothing.
Two small decorative openings further emphasize the originality of the detail, which simultaneously serves a practical purpose and pays homage to the celebrated architect.
The result is a refined interpretation of architectural heritage, demonstrating how an element originally conceived for a building facade can be transformed into a sophisticated accessory for modern living.
Minimalist Design with More Than 200 Customization Options
One of Carlo's defining qualities is its carefully considered selection of materials.
While the upper decorative element is made from satin-finished stainless steel, the body of the heating component is manufactured from 100% recyclable aluminum.
This combination represents a contemporary interpretation of Scarpa's architectural philosophy, which frequently explored the relationships between materials such as wood, concrete, bronze, glass, marble, and metal.
Antrax IT offers more than 200 colors and finishes, including matte, glossy, and textured surfaces.
Particularly noteworthy are the new galvanic finishes: Light Gold, Copper, Nickel Brushed, and Black Diamond, which allow the heating element to complement a wide variety of interior design styles.
An exclusive version manufactured entirely from stainless steel is also available.
Thanks to its simple vertical silhouette, Carlo can be installed as an individual decorative feature or arranged in compositions featuring multiple units, creating interesting visual rhythms across the wall.
This versatility allows the product to move beyond its practical function, becoming an architectural detail in its own right.
Whether incorporated into a minimalist bathroom, a sophisticated dressing room, or a contemporary residential interior, Carlo introduces a subtle sculptural presence without dominating the surrounding space.
An Electric Heating Element Consuming Just 35 Watts
Beyond its distinctive aesthetic, Carlo offers several practical advantages.
It is an electric heating accessory with a power rating of just 35 W, designed for localized heating and the convenient hanging of towels, bathrobes, or clothing.
Its construction allows straightforward wall installation using a slim rectangular mounting bracket with an integrated on/off switch.
The electrical connection can be concealed within the wall or provided through a cable emerging from the lower section of the bracket and connecting directly to a power outlet.
Thanks to its compact dimensions and understated appearance, Carlo can be incorporated into a variety of residential and commercial environments, particularly where functionality must coexist with carefully considered decorative details.
Its low power rating makes it suitable for targeted warming rather than serving as a primary room-heating system.
This distinction is central to its design philosophy: Carlo is not intended to replace a conventional radiator but to introduce a discreet, functional source of warmth that also enhances the architectural character of a space.
ADI Design Index 2026: Recognition for Architectural Inspiration and Innovation
Carlo's inclusion in the ADI Design Index 2026 represents an important recognition for Antrax IT and the designers behind the project.
This prestigious selection highlights outstanding achievements in Italian design and represents a significant step toward the Compasso d’Oro ADI, one of the most respected awards in the international design industry.
The product was developed by Dante O. Benini and Andrea Crosetta, and its significance extends beyond its distinctive appearance.
Its true value lies in the way it connects historical architectural heritage with the practical requirements of contemporary living.
For Benini, the project also carries a deeply personal meaning, representing a tribute to his former mentor and longtime collaborator.
Founded in 1997, Antrax IT continues to develop innovative designer radiators and heating elements in collaboration with internationally recognized architects and designers, including Piero Lissoni, Daniel Libeskind, and Matteo Thun.
Through these collaborations, the company has established an approach in which heating technology becomes an integral part of interior architecture rather than a purely technical necessity.
Carlo perfectly embodies this philosophy.
It demonstrates how even the smallest architectural detail can inspire an entirely new object, transforming a simple heating accessory into a sophisticated expression of design, functionality, and respect for Italy's remarkable architectural heritage.
By bringing Scarpa's attention to detail into a contemporary context, Antrax IT has created a product that celebrates the enduring relationship between craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design.
