kuo duo expands its ‘word play’ series with ‘kerf plastic’

 

KUO DUO’s KERF PLASTIC Series is a collection of vibrant recycled plastic furniture that explores new approaches to materiality and construction. Through its ongoing experimental project, WORD PLAY, the Korean design studio has delved into the limitless possibilities of material construction. Inspired by the similarities between plastic boards and plywood, KUO DUO sought to showcase the application of the kerf bending woodworking technique to craft a chair, armchair, and bench for a Korean clothing brand. This approach allows the once rigid and thick plastic boards to transform into flexible, contoured shapes screwed together without the need for heat, glue, or chemicals.

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
KERF PLASTIC Bench for Re;code flagship store | all images courtesy of KUO DUO

 

 

the woodworking technique molds durable plastic boards

 

For Korean upcycling brand Re;code’s exhibition, RE;COLLECTIVE Milan, and their new flagship store in Seoul, KUO DUO conducted fresh experiments in creating a series of furniture using recycled plastic boards. For the designers, the objective was to demonstrate the untapped possibilities of shaping three-dimensional objects with this versatile material.

 

Following a series of experimental tests, KUO DUO recognized the resemblance between the materiality of plastic boards and plywood, and more flexible qualities of plastic board. The designers then decided to apply a woodworking technique to craft the vibrant furniture objects. Without the need for glue, heat, or any chemical processes, the once rigid 30T plastic boards became pliable and effortlessly took on their new forms. Using the kerf bending technique, the materials are shaped into a chair, armchair, and a bench — each finished with vibrant, abstract surfaces.

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
KERF PLASTIC Series explores new approaches to materiality and construction

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
application of the kerf bending woodworking technique molds plastic into chairs and benches

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
KERF PLASTIC Chair

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
KERF PLASTIC Armchair

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
the kerf bending technique molds rigid plastic boards without the need for heat, glue, or chemicals

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
vibrant, abstract surfaces

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
the series continues KUO DUO’s ongoing WORD PLAY project

KUO DUO applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
exhibited at the RE;COLLECTIVE Milan exhibition

 

 

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kuo duo applies kerf bending to mold recycled plastic boards into vibrant furniture
 
KERF PLASTIC Armchair & Chair for Re;collective Milan exhibition
KERF PLASTIC Armchair & Chair for Re;collective Milan exhibition
KERF PLASTIC Bench for Re;code flagship store
KERF PLASTIC Bench for Re;code flagship store

project info:

 

name: KERF PLASTIC Series
designer: KUO DUO

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: ravail khan | designboom