Natural, local, long-lasting, cheap and biodegradable - adobe just seems to be the perfect sustainable material for experimenting with new shapes! Inspired by her experience in India, designer Karin Auran Frankenstein spent some time helping locals make furniture based on this ancient construction method. Eventually the Swedish designer started her own line, taking the outdoors in by creating her own line of earthy objects. A collection of chairs, lamps, shelves and other products were born from her passion for exploring the possibilities of biodegradable, low-cost and local materials such as paper, sand, peat, straw, potato flour, chalk and even poo. Jump ahead for a look into her design process as well as some other curious objects.
Commonly seen in Mexican and Middle Eastern architecture, adobe is a natural composite building material made from two types of complementary ingredients. Typically sand or clay is mixed with water and then strengthened with some kind of fibrous components such as straw, sticks or manure, providing the mixture with a high level of durability.
Just a few weeks ago, visitors to the newly opened Biologiska Museum, saw Frankenstein’s latest creations (a series of clocks) exhibited amongst a surreal setting of stuffed mammals and birds within a landscape of Swedish wonders. The quirky exhibition called “International Design in the Swedish Nature,” was part of the Stockholm Furniture Fair held last month.
The work of young Frankenstein reflects the respectful approach the Swedes have with their surroundings. Work such as this reminds us how easy it is to work in harmony nature rather than against it.
+ Karin Auran Frankenstein
+ Biologiska Museum
+ Stockholm Furniture Fair
Interesting designs! Funny how, in the search for eco-friendly alternatives, we often return to traditional methods.
Thanks for keeping us in the loop!
@CourtneyWantink