columbia university students present luffa stoolita

 

The Luffa Stoolita explores the potential application of plant-based by-products, particularly their subsequent food wastes, as alternative materials for furniture design and construction. Realized by master’s students Justin Wan, Paul Edward Liu, and Tim Ting-Hao Chen at Columbia University GSAPP, the project challenges conventional materiality in the realm of sustainable furniture, while prompting reflection on responsible consumption and waste management. By upcycling natural waste materials, the stool design demonstrates the possibility of extending the life cycle of food beyond its brief consumerist lifespan aligned with low-impact design solutions to address the issue of food waste. To prioritize environmental sustainability, all materials used in the research and design project are locally sourced. 

luffa stoolita: upcycled stools made from spent shower sponges and coffee grounds
all images courtesy of Justin Wan

 

 

repurposing plant-based by-products for sustainable furniture

 

The surge in online food delivery services has intensified concerns regarding food wastage and its environmental impact. However, the team behind Luffa Stoolita sees this as an opportunity for reevaluation and innovation. Under the guidance of Columbia University’s Professor Lola Ben Alon, the research project aims to repurpose food waste, primarily focusing on the luffa fruit’s physical properties to enhance the structural strength and durability of earth designs.

 

The research journey involved exploring the use of luffa sponges, combined with spent coffee grounds and clay-rich soil as an aggregate and a binding agent respectively, to develop the stool design. In conceptualizing the furniture piece, the design incorporates all components of the luffa, employing it as formwork, utilizing its fibers for construction, and leveraging its cushioning properties for comfort and support. The study tested multiple combinations and ratios for an optimal earth blend capable of withstanding compressive stress and preventing crumbling in both the design’s seat portion and leg segments.

luffa stoolita: upcycled stools made from spent shower sponges and coffee grounds
realized by students Justin Wan, Paul Edward Liu, and Tim Ting-Hao Chen at Columbia University GSAPP

 

 

leveraging organic tensile properties for optimal earth blends

 

Leveraging the luffa’s inherent tensile properties, the student team engineered the legs from halved luffa segments. Acting as formwork, the luffa segments are filled with the identified earth-coffee blend, each time in thin layers and tamped to ensure proper compaction, while the seat base was made from a similar earth blend, though mixed with shredded luffa as a reinforcing material to control shrinkage and provide flexibility. The cushion, crafted from the outer surface of luffa fruit, was turned inside-out to reveal a smoother surface, offering enhanced comfort.

 

Additionally, the design exposed intricate patterns where the seeds were once nestled. The cushion was carefully affixed to the seat base while the latter was still damp, followed by thorough drying to ensure optimal adhesion. The material combination results in a sturdy and compact design that fuses the lightweight and rigid structure of the luffa with the strength and heftiness of earthen materials.

luffa stoolita: upcycled stools made from spent shower sponges and coffee grounds
Luffa Stoolita explores the potential application of plant-based by-products in sustainable furniture

luffa stoolita: upcycled stools made from spent shower sponges and coffee grounds
the cushion is crafted from multiple pieces of trimmed luffa skins

luffa stoolita: upcycled stools made from spent shower sponges and coffee grounds
all materials used in the research and design project are locally sourced

luffa stoolita: upcycled stools made from spent shower sponges and coffee grounds
the study tested multiple combinations and ratios for an optimal earth blend

from chow to chair upcycled stool design made from spent shower sponges and coffee pucks 11
treating luffa sponges in Columbia GSAPP’s Natural Materials Lab

from chow to chair upcycled stool design made from spent shower sponges and coffee pucks 11
all components of the luffa fruit are used: shreddings and core (seat), skin (cushion), halved segments (legs)

from chow to chair upcycled stool design made from spent shower sponges and coffee pucks 11
microscopic images: lattice of fibers and cellular membranes, cured earth blend nestled within fibers

 

 

1/4
Luffa Stoolita consists of three groups of components: cushion, seat, leg segments
Luffa Stoolita consists of three groups of components: cushion, seat, leg segments
the stool features a slightly elliptical shape, with axes measuring at 315mm and 293mm
the stool features a slightly elliptical shape, with axes measuring at 315mm and 293mm
the compact design stands at 240mm tall
the compact design stands at 240mm tall
leg segments are positioned equilaterally to ensure optimal balance and stability
leg segments are positioned equilaterally to ensure optimal balance and stability

project info:

 

name: Luffa Stoolita
designer: Justin Wan, Paul Edward Liu, Tim Ting-Hao Chen

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: ravail khan | designboom