Tansu Shelving System
Mode One
2022 
Polystyrene
99 x 32 x 99 cm

Tansu Shelving System

Tansu is a flatpack, modular shelving system designed to redefine our relationship with plastic waste and furniture.

This piece of storage furniture is composed entirely of one plastic, repurposed polystyrene, taken from old refrigerators and discarded household electronics. Tansu was made to be assembled using no screws or glue and can be easily reassembled in a variety of unique combinations. Offering a customisable yet elegant addition to any home, office or retail space.

The shelving system was created to offer consumers an alternative to the standard waste-filled cycle of the furniture industry. I began the process by looking at the concept of circularity and how that could be applied to furniture. With that in mind, he defined eight design principles: Mono-Material, Design for Disassembly, Flatpack, Multifunctional, Modular, Local Production, Closed-loop Material Flows and Resource Stewardship. Therefore, Tansu allows the consumer to maintain and uphold their principles of supporting sustainability more affordably, without sacrificing high-end design or function.

The Tansu shelving system was designed around a flexible subscription-based service for furniture. First, the product is created from repurposed materials, removing them from landfills or the environment. Then, the product lives a long life within the home of a consumer. Whether the consumer wishes to change the Tansu or finds it in need of repair, they no longer have to replace the entire unit. The Tansu is highly customisable, allowing consumers to create unique styles through an easy disassemble and reassemble process. Interestingly, they can also extend or reduce the product, meaning location and floor space are no longer problems. Also, if Tansu is damaged in any way, each individual part can be maintained, replaced or reworked by the manufacturer.

What’s more, with the subscription-based model, the onus is no longer on the consumer to recycle. Instead, the business will reclaim the product and either reuse or recycle it appropriately. This shift in mindset allows furniture to constantly remain in circulation and avoid taking up space in a landfill somewhere. With every piece of furniture being managed as a resource, we can reduce loss and waste long term in the furniture industry.

Tansu Shelving System
Mode One
2022 
Polystyrene
99 x 32 x 99 cm