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Michael L. Strøm was one of 12 designers in the network 12+12. This is a cooperation of network between 12 scientists from Risø and 12 designers from the association Danish Designers. The network was established at Risø at the end of 2005.
Michael L. Strøm was working on a new chair design but could not find the right material. At a meeting in the network, development engineer Tom Løgstrup Andersen presented him with a new biological material. Graduate engineer student Lasse Svensson, who had developed the material as part of his specially studied subject at Risø, and Michael L. Strøm then set about making technology and design form a synthesis. In less than three months they succeeded in moving from research stage, through prototype and development of mould, to the production of five chairs.
Environmentally friendly material and resource saving production
The chair is made by a so-called biocomposite, consisting of flax fibre reinforced bioplastic produced from maize. It is also possible to produce the bioplast from other starchy plant materials like potatoes or biowaste. The raw materials are characterized by being CO2 neutral and available in large quantities.
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The new biomaterial is still a little bit more expensive than typically applied furniture materials, but the price is falling and expected to reach same price level in short time. It will be possible to produce furniture with the new material at prices which are competitive with similar products, as the production process is most simple and therefore economic. |
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The chair is produced in two steps: first a casting and then a cutting of the edges. When the chair leaves the mould, the surface is finished. It does not need to be lacquered, painted or surface treated in any other way. The surface is water-repellent and dirt repelling, and it can be produced with lustre surface finish in all colours and patterns.
So why don’t you just enjoy the design and comfort of this new chair without worrying about the environment. |