Following the previous article about Innovative Recycled Materials for Luxury Commercial Spaces, here our highlight of the most interesting furniture pieces created using recycled materials.
1. OreStreams by FormaFantasma
" Currently, electronics are the fastest growing waste stream. Electronic waste is considered especially valuable due to the use of precious metals such as gold and silver in the production of chip boards. While there are efforts to improve the recovery of metals, only 30% of the West’s e-waste makes its way to the appropriate recycling facilities. The remaining 70% are often shipped illegally to developing countries where they are disassembled in poor working conditions and where, with no better options, toxic components of electronics are disposed of inappropriately. This is harmful to both the environment and labourer.
Ore Streams sets out to identify ways in which design can be deployed to correct the flaws in the current waste-stream system. The range of office furniture (but in our opinion re-adaptable also for retail and hospitality - Ed.) is constructed using recycled iron and aluminium paired together with dead-stock and recycled electronic components. A recurrent element is the use of gold sourced from the recycling of circuit boards to plate details of the objects."
source: http://www.orestreams.com/
"Industrial Craft is a material based project focused around utilising plastic waste streams associated with CNC fabrication. As a by-product after the milling process the lightweight polyurethane foam dust is left in abundant volumes. Given that this material is still regarded as a niche plastic, it’s only means of disposal is through incineration or landfill. With a clear design opportunity I set out to find ways of utilising and repurposing this undervalued and problematic material.
Through material exploration I have resulted in a durable and versatile composite material that has the capabilities to be cast in diverse 3D forms of various scales. The composite material provides an extremely durable material that prolongs the life and places value in what was previously so easily discarded. With the ability (once cast) to be cut, sanded, engraved and put back into CNC, the finish possibilities are endless.
With a zero-waste process in the making of my ‘sculptural objects’ and with strong focus on the durability, I aim to have created an alluring yet functional use to the material. Industrial craft is as much about exploiting the possibility of material answers as it is about asking questions."
source: https://www.charlottekidger.com
3. Wreck by Bento Design
"Chaozhou, China, a classic rural society of isolated and static style, consists of thousands years of ceramics and tea culture. In the 20th century, economic globalization swept over the world; in the 21st century, Chaozhou supplies 70% of the total ceramic commodities for the world, becoming the world's largest daily-use ceramics production base. However, behind the huge output and commercial value of the industry are dumping price, excess capacity, dust pollution, irresponsibly disposal......
We are trying to recycle the wasted daily-use ceramics that is non-degradable and difficult in reutilization. Is it possible to reshape both the material and decorum?."
source: http://www.bentudesign.com
4. Swirl by Tom Dixon
"Swirl is a series of geometric forms stacked upon one another to create multi-dimensional, functional sculptures. The unique process involves recycling the powdered residue from the marble industry, mixed with pigment and resin to create blocks of material that can then be sawn, sliced and turned on a lathe. Substantial in weight, smooth in texture and bold in pattern, Swirl will inject a fresh pop sensibility into any setting.
Hand cut and turned on the lathe. Due to the nature of the pigmentation, each piece features a unique pattern due to the pouring process."
source: https://www.tomdixon.net/
"Solid Textile Board is a high-density material made from end-of-life textiles and cut offs from Kvadrat. Considering current textile waste streams, the board is made up of cotton and wool as these textiles are typically downgraded in existing recycling processes. Solid Textile Board can be an alternative to a variety of existing materials depending on the application. In designing the board material, focus has been on making a composite that, through its properties, can replace or even bring additions to existing material offerings and thereby be an honest alternative. "