Branch Side Table

Austrian product designer Philipp Aduatz has launched a new furniture collection that attempts to break from conventional design, incorporating wood, flax fibers, and a biobased epoxy resin as a fiber-reinforced composite material. The collection, which includes a chair, a side table, a coffee table, and a lamp, reflects Aduatz’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of experimental design.

Aduatz’s approach involves combining natural fibers with wood and a partially biobased resin to maximize the use of renewable materials, resulting in a composite material with a minimal carbon footprint. For the chair and tables, Aduatz sourced branches from the forest near his studio in Weidling, Lower Austria, which were then carefully wrapped with flax fibers and infused with dyed resin through an experimental process, resulting in each piece being a unique sculpture.

Over a decade ago, designers were interested in composite materials like carbon fiber reinforced polymers for their technical properties and aesthetic appeal. Recent trends favor environmental considerations, shifting towards natural and renewable fibers like flax, hemp, or sisal, as well as the use of epoxy resins made with an increasing proportion of natural vegetable oils, such as linseed or soybean oil. The combination of a partially biobased epoxy resin with natural fibers results in a versatile and enduring biocomposite material customizable to specific requirements.

Branch Coffee Table, 2024

Wood, flax fibres, biobased epoxy resin

112cm x 51,5 cm x 44,5cm (W/D/H), Experimental unique piece

Click here if you are interested in further information about the design process of this object.

All photos © by Georg Molterer