It is estimated that over two billion wood pallets are in circulation at any given time, and two-thirds of them are only ever used once. This frightening statistic has not gone unnoticed to the world’s environmentally conscious designers, and the recycling of shipping pallets into new objects and new spaces has almost caught up to its whale-sized corresponding trend, shipping container architecture.

Pallet houses, pallet chairs and wild interior landscapes constructed out of pallets have materialized left and right, all championing the coarse aesthetic of pale, unfinished wood. But why should pallets be recycled only to reiterate their lowly origins? Dissatisfied with the current trend, French design firm Studio-aparte aspired for a new recycled pallet aesthetic that can match the lofty ethics of the concept. ‘Woodstock’ is a minimalist black sofa assembled out of—you may have guessed it—discarded shipping pallets. But would your unsuspecting houseguests be able to tell? More after the jump!

The refined look of ‘Woodstock’ directly counters the untreated appearance of its core material, neatly closing the gaps characteristic of the original pallet form and coating the wood in slimming black. Only the residual texture of wood grain remains as a hint of the product’s composition. Designed for small spaces, ‘Woodstock’ provides room to comfortably seat two, along with a composite shelf and side table attached to one side, adding additional functions and a delightful asymmetry. Two accompanying ottomans can be tucked away under the side table. Now you can have your eco-friendly cake and savor the interior design compliments too!

[All images © Studio-aparte]

by Kelly Chan

posted in Product sustainable design

tagged bench, design, furniture, interior design, ottoman, pallet, shipping container, shipping pallet, sofa, Studio-aparte, sustainability

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