The right connections

Organic woven hemp textiles, decorative bamboo flooring, EPS (expandable polystyrene) foam, and polymer mosaic tiles are among the more unique of the materials that leap out from the database of Material Connexion Bangkok, a global library of advanced, innovative and sustainable materials that makes its home at the Thailand Creative and Design Centre (TCDC).

All produced by Thai suppliers, the materials are semi-finished for industrial production but the library’s director Chompoonuj Weerakiti believes they have the potential to go far beyond their functions.

Proof can be found in an exhibition simply called “The Cooperation” being held in the TCDC’s lobby until November 24. Here, hemp fabric is not only applied to interior decoration and accessories, but forms a partition that doubles as a wall for growing plants. Here too is a lightweight all-purpose storage bag made out of foam that’s perfect for carrying around the gizmos so important to modern life.

These and the other prototypes on show were given life during a nine-month project that kicked off early this year and had its aim to develop interprofessional relationships and collaborations between four pairs of manufacturers and designers. It has succeeded beautifully. 

“Some materials are not created simply for specific functions so it makes sense to explore the possibilities for commercial use,” says Chompoonuj.

Phongsathorn La-iad-on of FiF Design Studio paired with Apiwat Hiranpradit of Polyfoam Manufacturing to discover how EPS foam could go beyond its usual function.

“EPS is generally perceived as low-cost, high-maintenance but vulnerable material that’s used as packaging for everything from televisions to ice boxes. I wanted to create a new perception while making the most of its best qualities - thermal insulation, lightness and durability. It’s also waterproof, buoyant, inflammable and recyclable,” says Apiwat. 

As today’s urbanites carry around mobile phones, tablets, notebooks and cameras, Phongsathorn figured that a lightweight, portable, protective and insulating bag to keep their stuff save and damage-free would be a particularly welcome accessory.

“It’s been a challenge to change the perception of consumers that a low-cost material is efficient in protecting their pricey gadgets,” says Phongsathorn.

The inside of the bag is covered with polycarbonate for strength and to maintain a constant temperature while the exterior uses foam with high density texture for maximum heat protection. The magnetic cover is dressed in leather for a premium look and the inserts can be customised to meet the storage space needs of individual customers.

 

 

Eco-friendly designer Pipat Apirakthanakorn, owner of the Eco Shop, was delighted to be working with the hemp fabric produced by Duangruthai Pumipichet’s DD Nature Craft.

“Organic woven hemp textiles are biodegradable, chemical-free, breathable, anti-fungal, and resistant to UV,” Duangruthai enthuses. “Unlike silk and cotton, which share the bulk of the local textile business, hemp is still little known. However, it is widely used overseas for making accessories like bags and shoes and is making inroads to the fashion business.”

Pipat, who admits he was one of those who knew little about the characteristics of hemp, decided to create a product that would best describe its strength and versatility.

“Hemp is more durable than cotton, absorbs moistness better than nylon and provides warmth than linen. It also gets softer when you wash it,” he says.

He came up with a hemp partition on a metal frame and planted a climbing fig at its base. “Within a week the plant will start grow on the hemp. It can withstand natural sunlight and rain and will stay strong without any problems of mildew problem. You can also plant moss. The metal frame knocks down into is upper and lower parts so it’s easy to transport,” Pipat says.

Apirat Boonruangthaworn of +Sense joined with Nitipan Darakanon of Sonite Innovative Surface to explore the potential for developing polymer mosaics into outdoor furniture. 

The furniture must be able to bear the weight of a human body while being soft and comfortable so both Apirat and Nitipan accept it will take a while to develop. For now, they have contented themselves with folding two-dimensional polymer mosaics into a three-dimensional laminated sheet that’s perfect for wall coverings and also practical for industrial manufacturing.

“Laser-cut polymer mosaic is lightweight compared to similar materials such as tiles, stone or glass. It is 2-mm thin and three times thinner than glass, but heat resistant to 130 degrees Celsius. It is available in more than 600 colours with thousands of patterns and can be applied to different surfaces for interior design, wall and ceiling coverings,” says Pripun Visetjinda of Sonite Innovative Surface.

“By wrapping the material, we were able to come up with a trial pattern that could then be folded and processed into a three-dimensional laminated sheet. We also designed a backing plate to maintain the mosaic pattern’s bas-relief structure and make it more convenient for installation,” he says. “This is just the first step and I can see the possibilities of creating the furniture in the near future.”

Young creative designer Saran Youkongdee of Sarran and Thana Tipcharoen of Pimtha came up with other uses for bamboo coverings including indoor and outdoor flooring, wall panels plus countertops, furniture and ceilings.

Saran attached a clear acrylic sheet to a solid bamboo panel to add more colour to the laminated material then added light by installing an LED on the inside.

“I decided to develop a three-dimensional laminated wall material made from compressed bamboo. The material still maintains its original home decoration concept and comes in three standard sizes that can be arranged into three patterns – traditional woven bamboo, weft pattern with peacock motif and a modern design. I also used dip dye in natural sedge colour to accentuate the beauty of the bamboo design.” Saran explains. 

While the result is both attractive and fascinating, Thana, a 13-year veteran of the bamboo business, admits that the cost of production is still too high to make manufacturing worthwhile.

“Many processes are hand-made and require skilled craftsmen. The equipment must also be precise and that raises production costs,” says Thana. “It does however underline the possibilities for Thai materials.”

 

NURTURING THE NATURAL 

>>> “The Cooperation” runs until November 24 at the Thailand Creative and Design Centre on the sixth floor of the Emporium mall.

>>> It’s open daily except Monday from 10.30am to 9pm. Admission is free. |Call (02) 664 8448, extension 213, 214, or visit www.TCDC.or.th.