In a world where innovation meets sustainability, the OUTLINE series by SAND PRODUCT is redefining industrial waste into stunning home decor. This project, created by interior designer Rikiya Toyoshima and product designer Shomu Taki, takes the discarded core molds from sand casting and transforms them into elegant furniture and decor pieces. By utilizing the often-overlooked carbonized sand from these molds as a primary material, SAND PRODUCT challenges conventional perceptions of industrial design, revealing beauty in the unexpected.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Rikiya Toyoshima
Product Designer: Shomu Taki
Series Name: OUTLINE
Material: Carbonized Sand Cast Molds
Photographer: Asuka Nagai
Core molds play a crucial role in sand casting, a method widely used to create complex metal components for various industries such as automotive and aerospace. These molds shape the metal until it cools and solidifies, after which they are separated by vibrations. However, during the casting process, the molds become carbonized, resulting in black sand that can no longer be used due to contamination risks. Traditionally, these molds were simply discarded after use, but SAND PRODUCT saw potential where others saw waste.
By reimagining these core molds as the central focus, SAND PRODUCT is transforming them from utilitarian objects into the final products themselves. The collection features innovative pieces such as a clock made from a core mold originally used to form pencils, with the pencil shapes cleverly repurposed as hour markers. This creative repurposing breathes new life into materials that would otherwise contribute to industrial waste, aligning with a vision for a more sustainable design future.
Another example from the OUTLINE series is a tray created from a mold that once designed the outline of a bowl. This piece features multiple curves and ridges, showcasing the intricate detail of the original mold while serving a functional purpose in the home. Similarly, core molds used to create test tubes are reassembled to form unique flower vases. Even more complex designs, such as repurposed molds from bathtub interiors, are transformed into stools or tables, incorporating the distinctive contours of the bathtub into their forms.
The significance of the OUTLINE series lies not just in its aesthetic appeal but also in its inspiring message. It encourages designers and creators to consider the potential of waste and the creative possibilities of reuse. By turning discarded industrial elements into functional decor, the collection invites a reevaluation of the life cycle of materials, promoting environmental consciousness and artistic innovation in design processes.
Through projects like the OUTLINE series, the intersection of sustainability and design proves that beauty can indeed emerge from the most unlikely of places. By highlighting the potential of industrial remnants, SAND PRODUCT not only provides a fresh perspective on home decor but also contributes to a broader dialogue on sustainable practices within the design community. For those interested in exploring more about these transformative creations, further details can be found on SAND PRODUCT’s online platforms. Each piece, photographed by Asuka Nagai, serves as a testament to the innovative spirit driving the reuse of materials typically regarded as waste.
