Plant Matter

Studio RYTE has focused on environmental and functional improvements for the past five years due to the climate crisis. This project explores plant fibres as sustainable alternatives as we experiment with locally sourced plants as substitutes for flax fibre, expanding our analysis to the local territory.

Since 2017, we have used biodegradable flax fibre to create compact, modular stools. These stools challenge traditional design boundaries, considering weight, structure, assembly, and end-of-life considerations. Inspired by Hong Kong’s Red A brand, our design features a curved assembly supported by sturdy arches.

The modular stools are lightweight, efficient, and constructed with biodegradable flax fibre, the most robust natural cellulosic material. We have tested various binders, including bio-resin (v1.0) and PLA (v5.0), a bioplastic derived from corn starch. For the sixth version, we aim to enhance our use of plant fibres by researching locally sourced alternatives like Silvergrass, Screw Pine, and Banyan trees. Evaluating their strength, moisture content, and compatibility with binders will determine their suitability for our designs and potential small-scale production.

Research findings are presented through material prototypes, videos, and panel descriptions, showcasing the project timeline, fabrication process, and the significance of sustainable materials in Hong Kong.