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The Designblok 2024 exhibition in Prague showcased an innovative collection titled "Add Wood," featuring the work of designers Esmée Willemsen, Janek Beau, Friedrich Gerlach, and Julia Huhnholz. These designers utilized EconitWood, a sustainable material developed by German company Additive Tectonics, to create a range of 3D-printed timber products including a sofa, a coffin, multipurpose cubes, and a shelving unit. This material combines sawmill leftovers with a non-toxic, flame-retardant magnesium carbonate binder, enabling the creation of complex structures without waste.
Willemsen introduced a customizable coffin design named Finalform.stl, tailored for individual needs and environmental considerations. She emphasized the design’s adaptability for different body sizes and personalization options that come at a minimal cost. The coffin's design also aims to accelerate natural decomposition by eliminating metal and synthetic components commonly used in traditional coffins.
Gerlach focused on the efficiency of the 3D printing process with his Lumo sofa, designed to maximize the production space by being stackable. The Lumo sofa integrates a removable seat made from 100% wool, ensuring the entire piece is biodegradable. Gerlach's design highlights the potential for large-scale furniture production using 3D printing technology, demonstrating significant cost and time efficiencies.
Huhnholz contributed with the Offset shelving unit, consisting of sculptural posts designed to nest within each other during production to enhance manufacturing speed. The unit's simple, interlocking assembly and the use of natural and recyclable materials underscore the efficiency and sustainability of using 3D-printed wood.
Beau’s Sandbox stool showcased versatility and modularity, functioning as both a stool and, when stacked, as a chair or table. The design is optimized for efficient shipping, adhering to common transport dimensions to avoid the need for additional packaging.
This exhibition not only highlighted the functional and aesthetic possibilities of 3D-printed timber but also demonstrated the environmental benefits of using recyclable and biodegradable materials. The designers, all previous winners of the Designblok Diploma Selection, effectively used the platform to explore and expand the applications of additive manufacturing in the design industry, earning them the 2024 Designblok Award for Best Designer Presentation. Their work illustrates a significant shift towards more sustainable manufacturing practices, offering insights into the future of product design and production.