Korean designer Chanhyeok Kim has developed a furniture series called Unsleepy that utilises coffee waste as a raw material. By combining used coffee grounds with a biodegradable binder, Kim has created a composite material that is durable and visually distinct, featuring natural variations in texture and colour.

Material Innovation and Process
The composite material called Coffee Dough is formed through a process that repurposes coffee waste, addressing the issue of organic waste while providing an alternative to traditional materials. The resulting material, a mixture of coffee grounds and binding agents, has, when it’s dry, a texture similar to ceramic or stone,

Design and Functionality
The Unsleepy collection includes chairs, stools, and tables, all designed with minimalist geometric shapes that highlight the material’s raw appearance. The furniture maintains the natural, earthy tones of coffee grounds, with variations depending on the composition. The textured surface adds a tactile element to the pieces, which are designed for everyday use.

Relevance for Interior and Product Designers
The Unsleepy series demonstrates the potential of sustainable materials for residential and commercial interiors. The furniture’s aesthetic and functional qualities make it suitable for various design contexts, offering an example of how biobased materials can be integrated without compromising performance or appearance.

Broader Implications
This project illustrates the potential of organic waste as a resource for design and manufacturing. As industries increasingly seek environmentally friendly materials, solutions like coffee waste composites could contribute to reducing resource consumption and waste generation. The series represents an example of material innovation that aligns with sustainability goals.

Source: Designboom.com
Photos: Chanhyeok Kim