A collaboration with SWT Paper
One of the most important parts of saving the environment is to value and treat our resources and materials more carefully, both biological materials as well as synthetic. Production of every sort needs to change from a linear economy into a circular economy, and waste needs to be viewed and valued differently.
This master thesis project is about the recycling of materials, reusing of resources and the circular economy within the interior design and architecture industry. I have been exploring the topic and discourse of recycling, in order to execute a project in alignment with the sustainability goals. The project became a collaboration with the company SWT Paper and the result is a module system designed from a product called M-board, made from recycled paper.
SWT Paper has developed the M-board, a product made of recycled paper, and in terms of production it is revolutionary because it demands less glue and no heating for drying. The production uses about 50% less energy and the environmental impact is 80% less, compared with other board production. The production is around 90% from recycled material and the board is 100% recyclable and can be reused to make new boards. Despite its lightweight, it is very durable, stable and has similar quality as a MDF and can be used for furniture like table tops, screen walls and cabinet doors. The product could potentially replace products like the chipboard in interior projects, and because it is lighter, easier to replace when needed and can be recycled again it would therefore add to a lower CO2-emissions for both designer and client.
The zig-zag-designed screen wall creates an airy flow within a room and has the ability to absorb sound, increase air flow and allows light to get through the openings of the wall.
The patterns are inspired by watercolor and oil paintings, from a close range view, close enough so that you can see the brush strokes. These patterns provide a new view of what a screen wall can be, not only a practical, sound absorbing and flexible room divider, but also a piece of art.
