The Beetlechair is an innovative response to contemporary environmental challenges, particularly the ecological impact of climate-related forest diebacks. Designed by Studio Alexander von Dombois in Germany, this piece showcases how material innovation and thoughtful design can transform perceived waste, in this case beetle-damaged wood, into valuable resources, offering functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions for everyday living. 

Material Innovation
At the heart of the Beetlechair’s design is its use of beetle-damaged wood. This material is harvested from spruce trees affected by bark beetle infestations, which have become increasingly common due to climate change. Traditionally considered inferior and unsuitable for furniture production, this bluish-stained wood finds new life in the Beetlechair, proving its durability and aesthetic potential. By rethinking waste materials, the project contributes to a circular economy while reducing the ecological footprint of furniture manufacturing.

A Contemporary Witness to Climate Change
Made from local resources, the Beetlechair comfortably brings environmental consciousness into any home. In response to climate-related spruce dieback, the velvety-soft Beetlechair transforms the bluish-tinted wood, long considered inferior, into everyday seating furniture with both ecological and economic value. This chair serves as a tangible reminder of the effects of climate change and a constructive response to global crises.

Design and Craftsmanship
The chair’s simple yet elegant design emphasizes functionality and timeless appeal. Its velvety-soft finish highlights the natural beauty of beetle-damaged wood, making it suitable for a wide range of interior applications. The modular design allows for scalability, paving the way for an expandable range of furniture based on similar sustainable principles. This approach not only addresses current crises but also sets a precedent for future design methodologies. The Beetlewood furniture line begins with this chair but has the potential to grow into a complete product family, including a table, stool, side table, and lounge chair.

Sustainability and Circularity
By repurposing beetle-damaged wood, the Beetlechair reduces waste and highlights the potential of underutilised materials. This approach aligns with the principles of sustainable design, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and responsibly. Moreover, the Beetlechair demonstrates how furniture design can contribute to broader ecological goals, such as combating deforestation and promoting material circularity.

Relevance for Designers
For product designers, the Beetlechair is a case study in how material limitations can inspire creative and impactful solutions. Interior designers can draw inspiration from its ability to combine sustainability with aesthetic versatility, while architects may explore its potential for integration into eco-conscious building projects. The chair’s use of biobased and recyclable materials makes it a valuable reference point for anyone working in design disciplines prioritizing environmental responsibility.

About the Designer
Alexander von Dombois, the creator of the Beetlechair, has a background in sustainable product design and draws inspiration from various crafts, including pottery, woodworking, and metalwork. His focus on discovering new materials and production methods informs his work, resulting in designs that are both innovative and solution-oriented.

Practical Solutions for Environmental Challenges
The Beetlechair exemplifies how design can address environmental challenges while delivering practical and visually appealing solutions. By leveraging the overlooked potential of beetle-damaged wood, this project not only redefines waste materials but also sets a benchmark for sustainable furniture design. Its innovative approach makes it a noteworthy example for professionals across design disciplines who are committed to creating a more sustainable future.

Source: Green Concept Award, Alexander von Dombois
Photos: Henning Lehmkuhle