Sustainable Designed Stool with Sawdust and Potato Scraps | Briket Stool

FDT Bureau

Many designs claim sustainability but often fail to address the end of a product's lifecycle, leading to more waste. However, some designs promote a circular economy by allowing products or materials to be reused. An example is the Briket stool by Renaud Defrancesco, which tackles material waste by utilizing sawdust and potato scraps. This nine-legged stool is made by compressing these byproducts into a solid mass, offering a solution to wood waste from industries like sawmills and workshops. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

Briket stands out due to its ability to be repurposed at the end of its lifecycle. Inspired by wooden pellets used for heating, the stool can be burned as fuel once it’s no longer usable, providing heat or energy for workshops. Additionally, the stool’s legs are individually removable and replaceable, potentially making the furniture almost immortal if replacement parts are available.

Aesthetically, Briket resembles cork more than traditional wood, with a unique raw texture that may not appeal to everyone. Despite its unconventional look, the stool is stable and reliable, embodying true sustainability from start to finish. Wood is a favored material for designers due to its natural beauty and renewability, but the industry produces significant waste. Briket addresses this by transforming waste into a functional product that continues to serve even after its primary use. This stool is a testament to innovative, sustainable design that minimizes waste and maximizes utility throughout its lifecycle.

Image credit: Renaud Defrancesco