Alexandra Viefhaus initially studied business administration before joining her family's metal fabrication company. In 2017, she launched her own label, Made of Steel, in Oberhausen. Through her distinctive designs, Viefhaus demonstrates the creative possibilities of working with metal. Her collection spans fire columns, tea lights, and wall art—many featuring visual references to the Ruhr region, including iconic skylines of area cities. Every piece is crafted from steel in the family workshop, with surfaces finished in either weathered steel patina or polished stainless steel. Beyond her signature collections, Viefhaus also creates bespoke designs on request, custom laser-engraving names, dates, and motifs directly onto any product.

The label's fire columns remain their bestseller. The Oberhausen edition showcases regional symbols—a miner, double eagle, hammer and chisel, and the iconic Gasometer—completed with the inscription "Glück Auf!" laser-engraved across all four sides. Measuring 35 x 35 x 80 cm, these columns are built for outdoor durability. The steel develops an attractive natural rust patina over time, adding character with each season. Recently, Made of Steel introduced an innovative feature: fire columns can now be converted into a plate grill on demand. Among Viefhaus's earliest creations are the Ruhrpottlichter (Ruhr Valley lights)—steel vessels lit from within by tea lights. Available in two sizes with various lettering and symbols celebrating Ruhr culture, they've become a signature piece. The complete Made of Steel collection is available online and at their brick-and-mortar location at Bergstraße 5 in Oberhausen.

www.madeofsteel-oberhausen.de

Photography Credits:

Made of Steel

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 01|22)