Meanca Neethling - Meeco Studio

@meeco_studio

The Lucky Look chair is meticulously crafted with a purposeful intention. It embraces sustainability by using discarded and repurposed materials, ensuring that every chair contributes to the reduction of waste. Remarkably, each chair incorporates approximately 24 recycled plastic bottles, making a significant environmental impact. Drawing inspiration from graceful curves and captivating outlines,  this design of this chair harmonises rhythmic patterns and sculptural forms, establishing a visual language that speaks volumes. Above all, this piece prioritises longevity and functionality, envisioning future heirlooms that embody sustainability and circular design principles.

MATERIALS

Upholstered in a non-woven felt made from 100% recycled plastic bottles

Lauren Shantall - Scout

@scout_pr

This mid-century rocker initially had a wobbly arm, which later broke, causing the entire chair to become unstable. Rather than discarding it, the chair was repaired using a resourceful approach. The loose joints were hammered back in place, and a half pipe was used to replace the missing arm. To reinforce and conceal cracks, papier-mâché was applied to compromised areas. Once dried, the chair was coated with layers of paint from a previous home renovation. This Repair Chair embodies the principles of recycling, reusing, and repairing by salvaging an existing chair with available materials.

MATERIALS

Recycled wooden chair, papier mache and leftover paint

Matthew Edwards - Matte in collaboration with Clothes to Good & Levi’s Africa

@mattebinary  @clothes2good @levis_africa

This chair prototype draws inspiration from the concept of repurposing waste or unusable textiles to create a diverse range of furniture. Since textile waste is challenging to recycle, this product focuses on upcycling the material through the art of weaving, offering it a fresh purpose. By weaving together used denim material, soft and long-lasting panels are formed. The design capitalises on the material's softness and captivating visual appeal, while a baling process enhances its strength. Moreover, the modular design allows for rearrangement, enabling the creation of different seating layouts to accommodate various spaces.

Clothes to Good is a social enterprise that is value centred, fully inclusive and a green ecosystem. They help to create employment for women in need in South Africa and in doing so ensure that jeans do not end up in landfills. Among the organisation’s initiatives is its micro-business programme, which currently empowers 108 women – 56 of whom have children with disabilities – to become successful entrepreneurs in their communities by selling recycled, pre-loved clothes. Jeans that are not in a re-sellable condition are upcycled into new items including toys for children with disabilities.

Clothes to Good can responsibly recycle and up-cycle jeans through a fully inclusive green ecosystem. Their team is able to weigh, sort and categorise donated jeans.

This sorting process is guided by the European Union Waste Hierarchy for textile recycling and all Levi’s®  apparel collected will be recycled on levels 1 – 4.

• Any items that are reusable in their current form will be used to help mothers of children with disabilities to start their own micro-businesses selling this product.

• All jeans that cannot be re-used in their current form will be assessed for up-cycling. These items will be processed into Early Childhood development and disability specific toys/resources.

• Additionally, we will be upcycling a portion of the donated denim into various Levi’s® home and lifestyle products to be sold at the Sandton pop up, with proceeds going to Clothes To Good.

MATERIALS

Denim Waste, ratchet straps, pine & steel

Frauke Stegmann - Studio Frauke Stegmann

@fraukestegmann

This design has been crafted from 100% reclaimed materials, ensuring sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact. We prioritise minimal additional artisanal production processes, allowing the natural beauty of the reclaimed polyurethane foam, reclaimed fabric pieces and yarn to shine through while creating unique and eco-friendly seating options.

MATERIALS

Reclaimed polyurethane foam, fabric off-cuts & yarn

Carla Erasmus & Christa Botha - Bofred 

@bofredcpt

The stool is made from Rebul Board, a natural fibre-based board that incorporates a recycled core placed between cardboard liners. This construction provides high strength while offering a VOC-free (volatile organic compound) and fully repulpable alternative. The surface of the stool is covered with hemihydrate plaster, a mineral gypsum material that is environmentally favourable due to its inert nature and full recyclability. Overall, the stool showcases sustainable and eco-friendly materials in its manufacturing process.

MATERIALS

Rebul Board & Hemihydrate Plaster

Adam Lenferna  - Design Time Student

@adam__lenferna

The Cloud Bench is an innovative seating solution crafted from a combination of waste materials;  polyurethane foam, recycled pine and castor wheels. The reused pine timber contributes to its sturdy construction, ensuring structural integrity, while the polyurethane foam provides exceptional comfort, giving users the sensation of sitting on a soft cloud. The inclusion of castor wheels allows mobility. 

MATERIALS

Polyurethane foam, reused pine wood and castor wheels

Cara Turner  - Design Time Student

@bycaradesigns

The Future Nostalgia chair encapsulates the essence of merging existing materials with a fresh perspective, redefining what is considered "outdated" and introducing a novel concept for the contemporary era. It recognises the evolving nature of movement, both in the passage of time and the changes within our bodies. Sadly, society often succumbs to ageism, embracing the new whilst swiftly discarding the old. This mindset permeates into materiality and sustainability as well seen in the  repurposing of the wrought iron patio chair that once belonged to my grandmother.

MATERIALS

Existing iron mesh patio chair and found lace curtains

Joseph Maresch - Design Time Student

@joe_interiordesign

Turning the unwanted into the desirable, the Fray Chair is uniquely designed to incorporate pre-used items;  rope and wooden palettes. Fray is unique as it can be sold as a flat packed item and assembled once purchased. One has the option of changing the design aesthetic; different finishes on the wooden palettes, ie;  a natural seal, a paint colour of your choice, and one is spoilt for choice regarding different rope thicknesses and colours. 

MATERIALS

Found rope and upcycled wooden pallets

Lauren-Mae Samuels  - Design Time Student

@lms_interiors

The recycled school chair has undergone a remarkable transformation into a dining chair by incorporating playful elements of pool noodles. The backrest is  upholstered in off-cut velvet, adding a touch of sophistication. The seat is adorned with pool noodles, offering not only a vibrant aesthetic but also ensuring enhanced cushioning and comfort for anyone seated. This imaginative repurposing of materials brings a fresh and enjoyable twist to the traditional dining experience.

MATERIALS

Upcycled chair, found pool noodles & off-cut fabric

Emily Brougham-Cook  - Design Time Student

@ebc.designs

The Rope Chair is a stunning embodiment of sustainability and the 5 R's:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose, and Reclaim. This chair showcases how eco-consciousness can blend seamlessly aesthetically and functionality. The chair frame is laser cut and the rope is thread through holes cut into the sides of the frame providing a comfortable seating experience. This functional chair offers both comfort, quirk and a captivating appeal to the beholder's eye.

MATERIALS

Recycled Rope & Reclaimed Timber

Cayle Jansen van Vuuren  - Design Time Student

@cayle.design

Liber, the Latin word for book, has taken on a new meaning in the context of environmental sustainability. Inspired by the principles of repurposing and reusing, this approach aligns with the principles of sustainability, using pre-used products and breathing new life into them as it reduces waste and promotes resourcefulness. 

MATERIALS

Recycled crates and used magazines

Michaela Johnston Forbes  - Design Time Student

@michaela_.jf

The industry's significant negative impact on the environment inspired this design, the RE-5 ottoman. This piece repurposes fabrics that would have otherwise contributed to landfill waste. The ottoman’s base and round legs are made from factory sourced off-cut timber.  The RE-5 showcases sustainability and can be transformed into a functional funky modular seating arrangement.

MATERIALS

Textile production off-cuts and wood

Kara Malan  - Design Time Student

@karamalan_interiors

The environmentally conscious multi-person bench offers a creative and sustainable solution for many. It ingeniously repurposes thrifted chairs as backings and utilises chair legs as load support, effectively giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. The seat frame, manufactured from factory offcuts, demonstrates an innovative approach that not only minimises waste but also promotes recycling and upcycling. By repurposing readily available resources, this bench serves as a compelling example of the significance of sustainability and responsible consumption.

MATERIALS

Recycled chairs and Supawood overruns

Rachel Piper  - Design Time Student

@rach_piper

This eco-friendly creation reimagines discarded objects into functional and stylish furniture. Crated & Created is constructed from found crates, tied together with cable ties. The backrest is a found bicycle wheel, which enhances  both comfort and visual appeal. The upholstered seat cushion adds a touch of comfort and enhances the design.

MATERIALS

Recycled Crates & bicycle wheel

Eleanor Holyoake   - Design Time Student

@_sunmag

As designers, we understand the vital role we play in prioritising sustainability when creating products for the future. We recognize the importance of considering the lifespan and end-of-life journey of our creations. To exemplify our commitment, we partnered with Renove Studios, a furniture workshop dedicated to sustainability, and utilised reclaimed timber. Through creative craftsmanship, we have constructed a chair that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable. Consistent with our sustainable ethos, we have treated the timber with natural plant-based oils, allowing it to age and develop its own distinct character. Reclaimed timber is hugely valuable as it leaves no trace after decomposition and serves as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional furniture.

MATERIALS

Reclaimed Timber

Jouke Beket  - Design Time Student

@joukebeket

The rocker chair is a sustainable creation, utilising salvaged materials from various sources. The side timber panels were constructed using plywood sections found on a building site, glued together forming a double-layered structure for stability. Three horizontal timber supports were incorporated which provides essential structural reinforcement. Surplus transparent tent factory vinyl filled with discarded foam pieces and edged with Woolworths pre used shopping bags creates the "hammock” suspended seat.  Finally, the hammock was fixed to the chair frame's horizontal sections, completing the rocker.

MATERIALS

Plywood, Foam offcuts, Woolworths shopping bags and transparent vinyl

Anke van Zyl  - Design Time Student

@vanzyl_interior

By utilising upcycled core rolls and recycled foam, the Fluted Postal Chair effectively repurposed materials that would otherwise have been considered as waste. The core rolls, previously used in postal services to transport art and paper items, are securely joined using eco-friendly glue. The seat of the chair is constructed from melted and compressed foam offcuts, obtained from Strand Foam, and moulded into a circular shape to create a comfortable cushion. This design not only reduces paper waste but also addresses the issue of discarded foam, contributing to a more sustainable world.

MATERIALS

Repurposed Core Rolls & Compressed Foam

Sage Canter  - Design Time Student

@what.sage.designs

CrateWave is a remarkable example of sustainability whereby function meets purpose. By combining offcuts of long-lasting polyurethane foam with durable found plastic crates, this innovative design repurposes what would otherwise have been discarded as waste. The result is not only a functional seating solution but also a fun one, showcasing how creativity and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.

MATERIALS

Found Crates & polyurethane Off-Cuts

Chelsea Droomer - Design TIme Student

@chelsea_droomer

With motor vehicles contributing to 27% of the world's waste, the objective was to tackle this significant problem in the design of this chair. Introducing the groundbreaking multifunctional seat, Liquid Lust, it embodies the essence of versatility by serving as a seat, side table, and/or magazine/book holder. This innovative creation is crafted from recycled MDF board and elegantly coated with polished recycled aluminium, showcasing the potential for repurposing materials and reducing waste.

MATERIALS

Recycled aluminium and MDF Board

Taryn Macdonald - Design Time Student

@tarynmacdonaldinteriors_

The design intention behind the Revival Stool was to transform and breathe new life into a discarded stool, resulting in a unique and functional item. This piece emphasises sustainability by utilising no new timber in its creation. Instead, the original stool was repurposed, while recycled metal components were introduced to enhance both strength and visual appeal. A vibrant orange rope was incorporated as a visually captivating design element. Through the seamless integration of these materials, the Revival Stool achieves a harmonious convergence of form and function, providing stability and an engaging visual experience.

MATERIALS

Upcycled stool, repurposed rope & leftover paint

Danielle Miller  - Design Time Student

@danielle_m_interiors

Inspired by the Baobab Tree, native to Zimbabwe, the Mbuyu design pays homage to its grand trunks. The focal point is a modified leg, larger and thicker than the others, reminiscent of the tree's structure. The minimalist and striking form adds versatility to fit various environments. A dark ebony stain enhances its aesthetic appeal, while steel provides structural reinforcement. This captivating stool combines bold simplicity, modernism, and the natural beauty of the Baobab Tree.

MATERIALS

Upcycled stool & repurposed steel

Charlotte Philips - Design Time Student

@charlotte_phillips_design

Drawing inspiration from block colour and local craftsmanship, the transformation of a traditional kitchen stool into a vibrant piece became the design's focal point. The round legs were replaced with square ones, mimicking the concept of colour blocking. A high gloss paint finish lends a polished look, complemented by the addition of recycled rope to introduce texture. This fusion of unique elements successfully pays homage to tradition while infusing a contemporary aesthetic into the stool's design.

MATERIALS

Upcycled stool, recycled pine timber, rope and leftover paint

Sarah Brink - Design Time Student

@sarahbrink_design

The upcycled stool breathes new life into an old piece. The metal center frame is skillfully crafted from repurposed mild steel tubing, minimising waste. Sturdy construction is ensured with carefully chosen joiners' screws. A hand-sanded timber surface is finished with a rich ebony stain, repurposing leftover remnants.

MATERIALS

Recycled stool and repurposed steel

Imke Nina Gehring - Meta Studio

@imkenina_design

The original pine seat is replaced with a chevron-patterned shutterply, resembling woven upholstery or rattan. The legs combine wood and metal, with redesigned pine legs showcasing their natural colour and imperfections. Metal inserts on three legs provide contrast and can be painted matte black for a cohesive look. Securely joined with dowels and screws, the stool ensures stability and visual appeal. This transformed stool adds character and uniqueness to any space.

MATERIALS

Upcycled Stool, timber & reclaimed steel

Iman Behardien  - Design Time Student

@dezineby.iman

It is not always essential for an item to be extravagant, in order to fulfil its purpose effectively. This bench design revolves around the idea of tackling non-sustainability in design without generating new products. The designer chose a crate as the central element, acknowledging its existing functionality as a seating option widely employed by workers across the globe. By showcasing an already functional object, the aim is to underscore its potential as a sustainable seating solution, advocating for reuse and minimizing the requirement for new materials. This approach necessitates a slight alteration in the design, ensuring its alignment with sustainable principles.

MATERIALS

Recycled Crates & canvas off-cuts

Andrew Goodwin - Architect

@andrew.scott.goodwin

The design aims to explore an intriguing concept: What if a lively striped deck chair from San Francisco encountered a robust steel dining chair from Stuttgart, while lounging by the poolside of a Cape Town hotel during a vacation? To bring this idea to life, the design incorporates the use of a pre-owned steel chair frame and repurposed polyethylene foam pool noodles, both of which boast a remarkable combination of being 100% reused and 100% recyclable. Instead of opting for new steel, an existing steel chair was sourced and carefully stripped down to its frame. It was then reshaped and modified to enhance its comfort. As for the pool noodles, which were lying idle during the winter season, they were artfully transformed into vibrant, technicolour elements through cutting and upcycling techniques.

MATERIALS

Upcycled polyethylene foam pool noodles, modified second hand steel frame & black spray paint.

Farhana Monier  - Design Time Student

@flying_fig

Lost and forgotten treasures often end up buried in the landfill, left to fade away into obscurity. By utilising wood off cuts, textile scraps, and a leather belt, this design showcases upcycling at its best! Its simplicity allows for easy replication with minimal tools and resources, making it suitable for mass production. 

MATERIALS

Textile, Timber & a leather belt

Liani Douglas - Douglas & Company

@do_andco

Rethinking the past to prepare for the future, the Doppelganger embodies responsible design, with limitless future possibilities. In a world saturated with contemporary furniture, must we create yet another material form? Our consumer-driven market perpetuates overconsumption and product obsolescence. Our approach is to reimagine the familiar, finding solutions within the known. The Doppelganger revitalises the timeless charm of a utilitarian school chair, infusing it with new purpose. A worn-out reclaimed mild steel frame, with two single seats joined, supports a double bamboo seat. This bamboo board, salvaged from excess offcuts, reduces waste and harnesses a sustainable, durable material. The chair's form is further reworked with a sparse backrest made of wooden broom dowels and raised to ergonomic proportions. A small add-on tray suggests a playful new use.

MATERIALS

Reclaimed mild steel, recycled bamboo & broom dowels

Michelle Rust - Okra Candle

@okra.candle

A piece transformed from discarded Okra candle wax, a wick, and an old retired mould into a unique seating solution called Okra S T U . P Y. This chair showcases the limitless possibilities and creativity of upcycling. Through meticulous craftsmanship, the recycled wax and wick blend together to form a sturdy structure and a captivating piece of artwork. Each element carries its own story, serving as a reminder of the untapped potential hidden in seemingly insignificant items. This innovative creation revitalises discarded materials and promotes a future centred  around repurposing.

MATERIALS

Discontinued copper, resin, discarded wick filler & recycled Wax

Tanisha Neill - Nish Designs

@nish.product

Challenged to shift conventional thinking, the T W I N Chair's allure lies in its multidirectional configuration. Crafted as a set of chairs, it offers versatility and adaptability to suit various seating arrangements.Through collaboration with Wunders and their discarded materials, inspiration was found in their throwaway/off-cut pile. 

Materials

Textile Production Off-Cuts

Storm Ross

@_storm_ross

Starting as a discarded chair retrieved from the city dump, the Figure 4 chair is a remarkable example of resourcefulness and sustainability. Discarded pallets were repurposed to create reinforcement, and papier-mâché was applied to give it a fresh aesthetic.

MATERIALS

Chair retrieved from the city dump, discarded pallet and papier mache

Hannerie Visser - Studio H

@studio_h_

Reviving a garden chair with a purposeful twist, coated with precious millet flour, celebrating sustainability. Its bespoke pillow, stuffed with millet, rests in a repurposed kitchen vacuum bag. By giving millet its rightful seat at the table, we honour nature's gifts and embrace eco-conscious living.

MATERIALS

Discarded plastic garden chair, millet flour, millet and repurposed kitchen-vacuum bag

Crystal Birch 

@therealcrystalbirch

A chair decorated over the top for this special occasion making it in millinery material. The chosen medium was braided wheat straw, which was used to create a cover for a discarded factory chair previously utilised in a church, bearing the words "NG Kerk" inscribed in permanent marker. The wheat straw, obtained in bundles, was skillfully braided using a century-old braiding machine. Dolla, Rowena, Cike, and Aiesha, skilled in the art of braiding and sewing straw hats, diligently crafted and bound the chair cover. Working with the braiding machine proved to be a challenging skill to master. All of this took place at The Hat Factory, an establishment dedicated to fair trade practices, preserving the craft of hat making, and empowering women and youth through skill development.

MATERIALS

Discarded church chair & off-cut wheat straw

Imke Nina Gehring - Design Time

@imkenina_design

The original pine seat is replaced with a chevron-patterned shutterply, resembling woven upholstery or rattan. The legs combine wood and metal, with redesigned pine legs showcasing their natural colour and imperfections. Metal inserts on three legs provide contrast and can be painted matte black for a cohesive look. Securely joined with dowels and screws, the stool ensures stability and visual appeal. This transformed stool adds character and uniqueness to any space.

MATERIALS

Upcycled Stool, timber & reclaimed steel

Anatomy Design

@anatomydesign

The Alia Chair is inspired by a dear friend of Anatomy Design – who is dedicated to responsible design, without compromising on aesthetics or quality. Each component of the chair has been delicately considered - to use only waste and offcut material. No new material was used - crafting the chair, with simple proportions, using only existing reclaimed solid oak, mismatched brass off cuts, reclaimed mohair from Frances V.H. The base fabric is made from recycled plastic waste from Plasticity. The cushion inners have also been made from reclaimed polyester waste from a textile recycling company, Rewoven.

We would like to thank Plasticity, Rewoven, Frances V.H and our loyal manufacturers for each being responsible and aiding us in creating this design.

MATERIALS

Reclaimed oak, mismatched brass off-cuts, reclaimed mohair & recycled plastic

Crystal Birch 

@therealcrystalbirch

A chair decorated over the top for this special occasion making it in millinery material. The chosen medium was braided wheat straw, which was used to create a cover for a discarded factory chair previously utilised in a church, bearing the words "NG Kerk" inscribed in permanent marker. The wheat straw, obtained in bundles, was skillfully braided using a century-old braiding machine. Dolla, Rowena, Cike, and Aiesha, skilled in the art of braiding and sewing straw hats, diligently crafted and bound the chair cover. Working with the braiding machine proved to be a challenging skill to master. All of this took place at The Hat Factory, an establishment dedicated to fair trade practices, preserving the craft of hat making, and empowering women and youth through skill development.

MATERIALS

Discarded church chair & off-cut wheat straw

Wunders

@wunders_

As a leading design-oriented furniture manufacturer, Wunders recognises their responsibility to spearhead sustainable design practices by placing emphasis on various key factors. These include the use of eco-friendly materials, prioritising energy efficiency, minimising waste generation, ensuring durability and longevity of products, embracing circularity and innovation, educating consumers, and adhering to relevant certifications and standards. By wholeheartedly embracing sustainability, Wunders is contributing to a more responsible and environmentally conscious future.

Through initiatives such as the the seating for Future Talks, Wunders are showcasing their unwavering commitment and responsibility towards the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This initiative serves as a testament to their dedication to creating furniture that not only meets the highest standards of design but also aligns with their vision of a sustainable and eco-conscious world.