THE REBIRTH OF CLOUD
The rebirth of Cloud is almost as interesting as the product’s origin story. While out to sea with his family many years ago, David Trubridge noticed a fascinating environmental occurrence: clouds of water vapor appearing directly over small islands. Years later, these memories led to the development of the cloud-shaped lights.
Originally made from thin frosted plastic skins set over handmade island shaped seats this material became more and more a problem. While plastic was once an ideal material providing a much sought after glow and translucence, Trubridge felt he could no longer sell the products in good conscious.
“For a product conceived from the ocean, the idea of using plastics in products was in direct violation of my ethical standards and focus on sustainable materials and design practices,” said Trubridge. “Unfortunately, a bioplastic or resin replacement was not a good alternative due to cost and material properties. We pulled the product from the market and searched for ways to make it more environmentally friendly.”
In late 2019, lead studio designer Marion Courtille came up with the idea to recreate the iconic cloud forms with a thin bamboo plywood. While the process seemed impossible at first, she eventually had a breakthrough. As a result, the new Clouds are voluminous yet airy, enclosed yet see-through. Slits created by the construction process act as repetitive apertures allowing light to escape and the form to breathe. They also expose beautiful color finishes, a design aesthetic that was previously impossible due to the product’s enclosed plastic skin.
Cloud is available in two shapes and in all standard colours.
Product details
| Dimensions: | Small: diameter 1250 mm, height 450 mm Large: length 1717 mm x width 987 mm x height 475 mm |
|---|---|
| Material: | bamboo plywood as a secondary product from the food industry |
| Surfaces: | natur, carmel, coloured |
| Bulbs: | E27/26 LED, dimmable |
| Suspensions: | 3 x 5 m (stainless) by Reutlinger, Germany cord length: 5 m |
| Miscellaneous: | Packaged and shipped in kitsets to reduce the carbon footprint |
Sustainbility criteria
| Country of origin: | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Origin of materials: | New Zealand |
| Function: | low emission, CO2 neutral, natural |
| Certificates: | FSC, EPD |
| Manufacturing processes: | formaldehyde-free, water-based colours, manufacturing runs with 100% renewable energy, recycling of all manufacturing waste |
