Carbon Activated Timber Bench: A Sustainable Fusion of Design and Technology

Reclaiming Wood and Carbon Fibers to Create a Unique Piece of Furniture

The Carbon Activated Timber Bench stands out from other designs due to its innovative use of materials and its commitment to sustainability. The bench utilizes reclaimed wood planks that continue to store carbon, contributing to a positive ecological balance. By reusing the wood, the bench reduces waste and minimizes the need for virgin materials. The carbon fibers, strategically placed within the wood, enhance its capacity and strength, pushing the boundaries of what traditional wood can achieve.

In terms of production, the bench reflects a blend of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The process begins by stacking reclaimed wood planks into solid blocks. These blocks are then milled into their final geometries by an industrial robotic arm, which also creates paths for the subsequent reinforcement with carbon fibers. This combination of traditional woodworking techniques and robotic fabrication showcases the potential of merging old and new methods to create sustainable and visually striking designs.

The Carbon Activated Timber Bench boasts impressive technical specifications. With dimensions of 3000 x 830 x 400 mm and a mass of 128 kg, it is a substantial piece of furniture. The use of reclaimed hardwood from outdoor deckings adds to its unique charm. Additionally, the bench incorporates approximately 0.623 kg of carbon fibers, strategically placed to enhance the strength and durability of the wood planks.

Designed by Michael Budig and Kenneth Tracy, the Carbon Activated Timber Bench is a testament to the power of collaboration. The project involved a team of talented individuals, including Sachin Gupta, Kerine Kua, Dhileep Kumar, Lee Le Xiu Jean, Melissa Lee Wen Hui, Seah Jia Neng, and Daniel Yong Kaijie. The fabrication process was carried out by the Singapore Composite Cluster and Hon Nam Lee, who contributed their expertise in robotic fabrication and woodworking, respectively.

Functionally, the bench offers a comfortable seating experience. Its precise, continuous curvature and tapered edges create a low-profile object that appears lightweight despite its substantial weight of 140 kg. The elongated pattern of tightly wound carbon fiber strands within the carved grooves adds both visual interest and structural stability to the design.

The Carbon Activated Timber Bench was completed in November 2018 and installed on the grounds of Mapletree Business City 2 in Singapore. Its creation involved extensive research and experimentation, exploring the possibilities of combining traditional carpentry with digital calibration and robotic fabrication. By augmenting reclaimed wood with carbon fibers, the project showcases the potential of using high-performance materials alongside carbon-negative elements, leading to increased sustainability and productivity in design and manufacturing.

This exceptional design has received recognition for its ingenuity and impact. The Carbon Activated Timber Bench was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects, and Green Design category in 2020. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills while contributing to improvements in quality of life. The bench's fusion of art, science, design, and technology exemplifies its commitment to making the world a better place.

The Carbon Activated Timber Bench, with its sustainable materials, innovative manufacturing techniques, and striking design, serves as a testament to the possibilities of merging tradition and technology. It stands as a symbol of the future of sustainable design and the potential for creating functional and visually captivating furniture that positively impacts the environment.