Warmth of Nature
Material Innovation
During the research trip in Thailand we found an opportunity of using Water Hyacinth, an invasive weed that pollutes Thailand’ s waterways. And not just in Thailand but many countries around the world have been facing this problem, too.
The current use of water hyacinth is drying it and weave into baskets, bags and furnitures.
Through our experiments, we found out that we can give a new life to Water Hyacinth, and to bring the warmth of nature into urban life.
Water Hyacinth' Properties
The warmth of natural materials can make people feel light hearted. Because of natural materials has the irregular property. The density, texture,touch and smell can make people feel more warm than artificial materials.
The water hyacinth has special properties that are foldable or bendable, and formable when pressing it in piece. It will become strong, have natural patterns and absorb the sound. So, we were inspiredto design four products for interior decoration which are environmental friendly.
Products for Interior Decoration
The first stage was to cut off the base and tip parts of the water hyacinth and leave the body part with length of 30-50 cm. After that, spread it out and then iron with the heat press machine to become new material.
It was used of the 1cm long stem part of the water hyacinth, which was lined up as the surface. Then, pressed it with hot glue. When lighting them, the natural surface will form the soft light and irregular shadow.
The first stage was to cut off the base and tip parts of the water hyacinth and leave the body part with length of 30-50 cm. After that, spread it out and then iron with the heat press machine to become new material.
Design - Xiang Wenyi&Busarin Chumnong
Photo&Video - Xiang Wenyi&Busarin Chumnong