Gathering Lamp
A brutalist assembly of bacteria-produced tiles, anodised aluminium, 3D print and wool, forming a beacon of light to gather around. Gathering Lamp was designed and produced in collaboration with Faber Futures as an NPOL Original.
Approach
Every element of the modular construction was designed for repair and disassembly, allowing for component replacement and lifespan extension of all parts via a repair service developed in tandem with the lamp.
Read more about Waste made Concrete at NPOL, where the lamp is also available to purchase.
Made with repurposed Biolith® tiles—biocement material cured with wild-type bacteria and locally-sourced aggregate—the Gathering Lamp reimagines how this carbon-gentle construction material could be used over a range of applications that keep the material in circulation. The micro-batch manufacturing process relies on minimal intervention: only six holes are drilled into the standardised tiles for hand assembly, creating as little as 3.25% tile material waste. The modular construction is held with anodised aluminium fixings to ensure that the object is durable and maintainable, with each piece subject to replacement at the end of its life. The wool label and scratch-prevention mat have been treated with laser etching and attached using non-permanent starch-based glue, eliminating the need for toxic adhesives or complex machinery. The recyclable outer packaging houses protective cellulosic insulation that is fully compostable and safely dissolvable in water. With intended use for gatherings of all sorts, the lamp enacts a deeper emotional connection to materials through the act of repair, resulting in improved longevity and circularity of biomaterials.
NPOL
Inspired by marine ecosystems, Biomason aims to drastically reduce carbon emissions in concrete production for the built environment. Using bacteria, Biolith® tiles form in under three days, compared to the 28-day curing time of traditional cement, and they don’t require energy-intensive kiln firing. This process turns aggregate into a biocement that is 20 times lighter and three times stronger than a traditional concrete block, while producing 95% fewer CO2 emissions than conventional cement. Designed to showcase Biomason’s biobased concrete, the Gathering Lamp brings the material into a new context. The manufacturing process is highly efficient, with only two holes drilled into each tile, ensuring minimal material waste. Made for disassembly, the Biolith® components and anodised aluminium fixings are repairable, reusable, and recyclable, ensuring the product’s longevity.
NPOL
Image credits: Mitre & Mondays, NPOL