Climate-Smart Furniture: The Story Behind a 100% Sustainable Lounge Chair
Since the early 2000s, it has been widely reported that the construction industry accounts for nearly 40% of the planet’s CO2 emissions. The role of interiors in that percentage has been historically underestimated, with common statistics suggesting that a project’s furniture, fixtures and equipment are only responsible for about 7 to 10% of its overall carbon footprint. However, new research notably indicates the contrary: in a building’s average life span, the carbon footprint of its interiors will equal – if not exceed – that of the structure and envelope. Interior design, to the surprise of many, has actually been doing great harm.
Tackling the climate crisis has thus become a transcendental issue not only in large-scale, traditional construction, but also in the design of decorative elements and furnishings. As a result, hand in hand with comfort, aesthetics and functionality, furniture designers and manufacturers have placed sustainability as a top priority – whether it be through a climate-smart fabrication, the use of recycled materials or high-quality products with a durable lifespan. This has been in an effort to generate a positive environmental impact and, at the same time, respond to an increasingly conscious audience that seeks to consume responsibly.
With this in mind, furniture company Andreu World developed the first 100% sustainable lounge chair made of a new bioplastic. Part of the Nuez collection and designed by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola, the Nuez Lounge BIO® stands out because of its innovative use of materials and technologies, aiming to contribute to more eco-friendly interiors but without sacrificing beauty and user well-being. Below, we explore the story behind its sustainable design.
A design that combines warmth and character
Similar to folded paper, the Nuez Lounge BIO® is shaped like a three-dimensional enveloping shell, supported by a central base with a return system. With a high, elegant backrest, the sculptural design sought to demonstrate the technological complexity of the shell, with the unique texture that distinguishes it. Achieving warmth and comfort, however, was also a top priority.
Thanks to its geometry, integrated swingarm system and intricately-designed upholstered seat cushion, the lounge chair is ideal for calming environments, such as waiting areas, lobbies, collaborative areas or public and private relaxation spaces. The design can also adapt to various styles, offering a range of four colors and swivel bases in ash wood or polished aluminum (white or black).
TEXTO PROPIEDAD: https://www.archdaily.com/980471/climate-smart-furniture-the-story-behind-a-100-percent-sustainable-lounge-chair