Dutch design firm Studio ThusThat has unveiled an innovative collection of furniture and homeware crafted from a single sheet of aluminium “crust” – an offcut of the smelting process into aluminium furniture. Named One Side Sawn, this collection showcases the studio’s commitment to sustainable design practices and creative repurposing of industrial byproducts.
Crafting Furniture from Industrial Byproducts
The One Side Sawn collection comprises a diverse range of items, including flat-pack tables, shelves, cabinets, mirrors, and desk accessories. What makes these pieces truly unique is their origin: they are all cut from a single sheet of aluminium crust. Additionally, a leftover material from the early stages of aluminium furniture production.
Repurposing Aluminium Crusts
Aluminium crusts are created when large blocks of aluminium are formed in a smelter, and the bumpy exterior of these blocks is sawn off before further processing. Studio ThusThat saw an opportunity to intercept and repurpose one of these thin sheets, known as “six-sides sawn plates,” which are sawn off from all six sides of the aluminium block.
Minimizing Waste through Thoughtful Design
The design process involved meticulously planning the cutting pattern to ensure that every piece of furniture could be crafted from the aluminium sheet without generating any waste. Each straight cut resulted in a piece with a wavy edge, dictating the shape of the subsequent object. This innovative approach not only minimizes waste but also creates a unique aesthetic characterized by rugged forms and jagged edges.
Embracing Imperfections and Raw Beauty
Rather than concealing the saw marks and uneven surface texture of the aluminium scrap, Studio ThusThat chose to celebrate these imperfections as integral elements of the design. The resulting furniture pieces retain the raw, industrial aesthetic of the material, showcasing its molten origins and rough-hewn appearance.
Promoting Sustainability and Material Consciousness
Through the One Side Sawn collection, Studio ThusThat aims to challenge conventional notions of material perfection and raise awareness about the environmental impact of industrial processes. Furthermore, By familiarizing people with the aesthetics of secondary materials and byproducts, the studio hopes to encourage a shift towards more sustainable design practices.
Exhibition and Future Applications
The entire One Side Sawn collection is currently on display at Tools Galerie in Paris, France. In addition to showcasing their furniture pieces, Studio ThusThat is making the crust material available for use in architectural and interior projects. Further extending the reach of their sustainable design initiative.
Continual Exploration of Industrial Processes
This project is just the latest in Studio ThusThat’s ongoing exploration of industrial processes and waste streams related to metal mining. By repurposing overlooked materials and transforming them into functional and visually striking objects. Moreover, the studio demonstrates the potential for creativity and innovation in sustainable design.
Conclusion
Studio ThusThat’s One Side Sawn collection exemplifies the transformative power of design in reimagining industrial byproducts and promoting sustainability. Through thoughtful craftsmanship and a commitment to minimizing waste, the studio has created a series of furniture pieces that not only embody raw beauty. But also advocate for a more conscientious approach to material usage. As the collection continues to garner attention, it serves as a compelling example of how design can contribute to a more sustainable future.
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