Story at a glance:
- Bent metal chairs from Division Twelve are colorful and carbon-neutral.
- New, recycled glass tiles are made from components found in discarded fridges, ovens, and microwaves.
- Fuseproject helped to design an air purifier for interior design lovers.
From food waste to old electronics, materials are being recycled in innovative ways to create some beautiful interior design products. “The potential in materials that are currently not used efficiently due to restrictions, regulations, old habits, and systems, or lack of political incentives is enormous,” says Marius Myking, director of Snøhetta Product Design.
These are just some of our favorite recent sustainable products for you to consider for your next project.Â
1. Forite
Forite uses glass from discarded fridges, ovens, and microwaves and reimagines it as beautiful, sustainable tile. Photo courtesy of Snøhetta
Forite transforms trash into treasure. Photo courtesy of Snøhetta
Forite is a collection of glass tiles made from recycled electronic waste designed and developed by Snøhetta, Studio Plastique, and Fornace Brioni. The project was launched and displayed for the first time during Milan Design Week 2022. “To us Forite is just the beginning, and we hope this project will be used as an example to follow and inspire more innovative approaches on how we take advantage of existing material resources in new ways,” Myking says.Â
Forite uses glass from discarded fridges, ovens, and microwaves and reimagines it as beautiful, sustainable tile that is opaque and transparent, each with a unique pattern. The terrazzo-like quality makes these tiles ideal for a wide range of architectural applications, including both surface coverage and as semi-transparent partition elements.
2. Division Twelve Chairs
The Wedge with its deep seat and elegant curve in playful colors like antique pink or Division Light Blue with a Haven Hyacinth seat. Photo courtesy of Division Twelve
Division Twelve’s line of bent-metal furniture is colorful, versatile, and carbon neutral.
Choose from chairs like the Wedge with its deep seat and elegant curve in playful colors like antique pink or Division Light Blue with a Haven Hyacinth seat. Or Dek—a unique oval seat inspired by the dek of a skateboard, seen here in Division Yellow for outdoor use.
To achieve carbon-neutral status, Division Twelve reduced carbon emissions at every stage of its processes—from design and the materials they used in production, distribution, and end-of-life.
3. Airmega Icon
The Airmega Icon’s design uses new geometry to fit into spaces discreetly and elegantly. Photo courtesy of Fuseproject
Fuseproject and Coway are making indoor air quality more beautiful with this new air purifier you won’t want to hide in a corner.
“We were inspired by design ethos commonly applied to furniture and set out to create a model that improves health, but also serves as a beautiful and practical showpiece,” says fuseproject CEO and Founder Yves Béhar. “Rather than imposing a boxy or round plastic object that stands out as utilitarian technology, the Airmega Icon’s design uses new geometry to fit into spaces discreetly and elegantly. The refined materials, textile, and wood finish, neutral color palette of gray and pink tones, and furniture feet add beauty to any environment.”
4. The Amphora Series
The Amphora Pendant Series brings interest to everything from a small space with one pendant to large spaces as a family of pendants. Photo courtesy of Model No.
California furniture company Model No. has launched a 3D-printed lighting series crafted from food waste and wood dust. The Amphora Hive Pendant is part of a lighting collection of more than a dozen pieces inspired by ancient Mediterranean vases.
Food waste, corn and sugar leftovers, wood dust, and sustainably sourced FSC-certified hardwood make up the new designs. Every piece is made to order, and all production takes place in the brand’s California micro-factory.
5. Solatube Tubular Daylighting Systems
These 750 DS-O Tubular Daylighting Systems light up the Miami Dade College West Campus. Photo courtesy of Solatube
These 750 DS-O Tubular Daylighting Systems with integrated light kits and colorful acrylic covers were used to create a one-of-a-kind design on the Miami Dade College West Campus. Here, the broad-spectrum daylight illuminates the space to create an even glow and bring life to this corner of campus. The lighting solution created by the architect and Solatube International provided an innovative approach to daylighting in a modern and high-performing educational environment.
