Monolith
Category: Furniture
Competitions: Home Competition 2026
The Monolith is a multifunctional design concept that bridges the gap between modern biophillic interiors and sustainable engineering. Shaped into a solid, minimalist cylinder, the stool features a subtle ergonomic curve on top for comfortable casual seating. It complements contemporary home spaces while introducing a progressive twist: a living planter alcove integrated right into the center of the seat volume. The core of the stool is constructed entirely from upcycled, eco-friendly materials to maximise circularity. Its main body utilises agricultural rice straw—a byproduct that is typically burned in fields and causes severe air pollution—which is rescued and compressed under high heat. To bond the fiber together into a dense, sturdy mass without toxic chemicals, the design uses kraft lignin, a natural polymer byproduct from the paper industry. This entirely organic material matrix ensures the stool remains functional during its lifespan and completely compostable at its end. To ensure the design stands up to market demands and daily use, it employs a clever two-part protection system to address the vulnerabilities of raw bio-composites. The seating surface and exterior walls are finished with a traditional Indian lacquer (shellac) glaze; applied through frictional heat, this natural resin creates a smooth, hard barrier that prevents the straw from shedding or fraying. At the same time, moisture from the plants is completely isolated by a custom molded, waterproof biopolymer tray nested inside the central slot. This plant-based liner holds the soil and succulents, keeping water entirely away from the straw matrix to prevent structural damage or mold.
