Corteza
Useful information
- Team members
- Alba DIAZ STRUM
- Country
- Spain
- Keywords
- Cork Cooler Process Rotational molding Sustainable product
Short Description
This project explores how cork can evolve towards new object typologies and new modes of production.
Detailed Description
Thick, shock absorbing, moisture-wicking, lightweight, rot-resistant, insulating... Cork is a material that is considered obsolete and is often attributed with anecdotal uses. Based on an in-depth study of the cork industry in Europe, "Corteza" proposes a creative application highlighting the incredible qualities of this material while exploring a refined aesthetic to enhance it.
Corteza is a rotationally molded cork thermal cooler, ideal for carrying fresh products. It is made using an innovative manufacturing process inspired by rotational molding. Rotational molding is an industrial process generally applied to plastic materials to produce large, hollow and inexpensive products. The choice of cork allows to consider this manufacturing process differently while enhancing the thermal qualities of this durable material. The detail of the handles is borrowed from the aesthetics of leather goods and also contributes to ennoble this process.
Project Details
- Does your design support sustainable production, embodying circular or regenerative design practices?
This project aims to promote sustainable production by highlighting the plasticity and properties of cork. This material can replace foams and plastics that are harmful to the environment, and also allows to rethink the design and production of the object as a whole. The assembly is simplified allowing a greater dismantlability. The product is designed with a controlled and durable life cycle in mind.
The positive impact of the project on the environment can be further extended through recycling. Once the cooler has reached the end of its life, it can be shredded and turned into granules, it returns to the production process, opening a new cycle as a raw material.
Corteza combines local and sustainable materials with heavy industry, increasing the quality and refining.
The project seeks to revive a forgotten material into new types of objects, towards contemporary uses and more sustainable production logics. It replaces the synthetic with the natural and hybridizes techniques borrowed from industry and craftsmanship, in order to make practices that have been undermined by industrialization and consumerism relevant again.
- Does your design promote awareness of responsible design and consumption?
The Corteza Cork Cooler is designed to be durable and strong. Not only is it made from a fully sustainable, renewable and recyclable material, but it borrows the refined beauty of luxury leather goods. It's a quality product to keep and use for years, with a timeless and functional aesthetic. The design is inspired by the historic cork objects of the Mediterranean coast and Portugal, updating a traditional material and vernacular practices for contemporary uses.
Images
Social Media Accounts
Useful information
- Team members
- Alba Diaz Strum
- Country
- Spain
- Keywords
- Cork Cooler Process Rotational molding Sustainable product
Short Description
This project explores how cork can evolve towards new object typologies and new modes of production
Detailed Description
Thick, shock absorbing, moisture-wicking, lightweight, rot-resistant, insulating... Cork is a material that is considered obsolete and is often attributed with anecdotal uses. Based on an in-depth study of the cork industry in Europe, "Corteza" proposes a creative application highlighting the incredible qualities of this material while exploring a refined aesthetic to enhance it.
Corteza is a rotationally molded cork thermal cooler, ideal for carrying fresh products. It is made using an innovative manufacturing process inspired by rotational molding. Rotational molding is an industrial process generally applied to plastic materials to produce large, hollow and inexpensive products. The choice of cork allows to consider this manufacturing process differently while enhancing the thermal qualities of this durable material. The detail of the handles is borrowed from the aesthetics of leather goods and also contributes to ennoble this process.
Project Details
- Does your design support sustainable production, embodying circular or regenerative design practices?
This project aims to promote sustainable production by highlighting the plasticity and properties of cork. This material can replace foams and plastics that are harmful to the environment, and also allows to rethink the design and production of the object as a whole. The assembly is simplified allowing a greater dismantlability. The product is designed with a controlled and durable life cycle in mind.
The positive impact of the project on the environment can be further extended through recycling. Once the cooler has reached the end of its life, it can be shredded and turned into granules, it returns to the production process, opening a new cycle as a raw material.
Corteza combines local and sustainable materials with heavy industry, increasing the quality and refining.
The project seeks to revive a forgotten material into new types of objects, towards contemporary uses and more sustainable production logics. It replaces the synthetic with the natural and hybridizes techniques borrowed from industry and craftsmanship, in order to make practices that have been undermined by industrialization and consumerism relevant again.
- Does your design promote awareness of responsible design and consumption?
The Corteza Cork Cooler is designed to be durable and sturdy. Not only is it made from a fully sustainable, renewable and recyclable material, but it borrows the refined beauty of luxury leather goods. It's a quality product to keep and use for years to come, with a timeless and functional aesthetic.
Images
