without waste homeware range
Without Waste is a hallway homeware range based on the principle of minimising the volume of offcuts in batch production to usable shapes only or, if possible, eliminating them completely. This involves the strategic planning of material use, a challenging restriction to a designer’s creative mindset, hence why it is frequently avoided by large companies.
By offering an ethical, eco-friendly alternative to customers during a time when sustainable design is of utmost importance, Without Waste encourages a more thoughtful design process that prioritises considered material consumption.
The entire flatpack range is designed to be understandable and easy to assemble, thus making the transition from the entropic outside world into the comfort of the home that little bit easier.
KEY BOWL
Due to the complexity of the concentric hexagons, laser cutting was the most efficient manufacturing process. It also enabled me to visually nest the components on a plywood sheet using Fusion 360, therefore producing no waste excluding the inevitable dust caused by laser cutting and hand sanding.
The hexagons were adhered using PVA glue and clamps to firmly connect the pieces. I then applied multiple coats of Danish Oil to highlight the natural beauty of Birch grain.
The 4 corners produced by the hexagon were used as legs to ensure the key bowl sits at an ergonomically suitable height on the side table. It also creates an aesthetically pleasing shadow pattern when underneath lighting.
coat hooks
Designed to re-envisage any city skyline of you choosing with sentimental value, this piece of wall art has disguised hooks identifiable by a subtly highlighted window. This excludes a secret hook that develops an interactive connection between user and product. Metal rod was used as an axle to allow the hooks to fold by approximately 45 degrees.
The buildings are connected to a plywood backboard, creating a skyline shadow. This backboard is connected to the wall by keyhole fittings, requiring basic tools like a hand drill and screws to set up.
The hooks are laser cut and sanded, but the outside edges can be coloured black to create a night-time aesthetic. The are connected to the backboard with PVA glue and screws.
umbrella stand
This abstract, structural piece was designed as a statement against unnecessary waste. The visually absent centre circle of the plywood sheet was used as the middle shelf of the side table. The rings were CNC milled to save time and prevent excessive sanding to round the edges of the circle.
Once the product was sanded down and the holes were drilled to the correct angles, I cut the tubular steel into sections with angled ends that sit flush with the top ring. These were spray painted copper to create a rustic aesthetic with the Danish oiled plywood.
The base square corners were cut off and used as feet to provide added structural support under the metal pipes and create an aesthetic shadow for a levitating effect. The angle of the pipes prevents the rings falling past a certain level, eliminating the need for more joints and therefore preventing additional waste. Epoxy resin secures the top ring to prevent it being knocked off.
side table
This side table explores the possibilities of creative forms despite the design limitation of producing no offcuts. It achieves this by using the circle offcuts, typically deemed useless and disposed of due to their irregular shape, as shelf supports, thus contributing to the angular aesthetic and structural stability.
All components were cut and sanded using workshop machinery due to the limitations of the university CNC equipment, resulting in slighter increased dust production. However, if it were to be batch produced, CNC equipment could be used to save time and reduce waste.
The top and base circles are connected to the legs with screws to ensure secure connection. The legs are designed to be an ergonomically comfortable height for the average user.
packaging
The flatpack box is designed for ease of transport, both in terms of stackability in carrier lorries (thus reducing fuel costs by saving space), and carrying by an individual to assemble in the comfort of their home. It is based on IKEA packaging with a simple and understandable label outlining all essential information and explaining the concept of Without Waste.
The instructions are centred around Universal Design, the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people. It achieves this by using wireframe pictures rather than words to explain to assembly process, a globally understood form of communication. It is a quick process and requires only PVA glue, reducing the risk of harm to the user by as much as reasonably possible.
The green card sleeve contains all necessary information about the contents of the box and the Without Waste design approach, providing the shop customer with the option to choose an environmentally-friendly product. The boxes will be arranged to form a plywood sheet form, thus displaying the nesting plan used to reduce material waste and reinforcing the philosophy behind Without Waste.
exhibition
The end of year exhibition celebrated the work of 1st and 2nd year product and interior designers. Over 100 different people attended the exhibition, asking questions about our projects and seeing the range of work on display.
learn more about the development of these products here!
