How can an idea for a university entrance portfolio evolve into a fully-fledged design piece of furniture? The story of Harmõn, created by Brno University of Technology student Matěj Majka together with his classmates, is a great example of how recycled plastic opens up new possibilities in both design and sustainability.
From Entrance Portfolio to Professional Design
The concept of a modular set of tables originally came about as part of an application portfolio for a university in Sweden. At first, it consisted of wooden tables that fit together by sliding into each other. At BUT, however, the team decided to take the idea further – and chose an unconventional material for the job.
Why Recycled Plastic?
“We wanted something more minimalist and cooler than wood, yet strong enough so that the pieces wouldn’t crack when slotted together,” explains Matěj. Sustainability was key for the team – they considered natural materials such as pressed sunflower stalks or hemp, but ultimately chose recycled plastic from Plastic Guys.
A Material Full of Surprises
Three features were crucial for the design: strength, color, and texture. Thanks to them, the furniture withstood heavy loads without a single crack. “The texture looks more like marble or ceramic than plastic. That really surprised us and perfectly matched our minimalist yet artistic concept.”
Challenges and Joys of Production
The process revealed both strengths and limitations of the material. They were particularly surprised by its weight and the impossibility of gluing panels – joints had to be solved with screws and putty. On the other hand, the strength and flexibility exceeded expectations: “They never cracked, carried unexpected weight, and were easy to clean.”
At Plastic Guys, we are constantly improving and simplifying the work with our material – and the issue of gluing panels is now a thing of the past. We have developed our own adhesive that holds just as firmly as screws!
Feedback from Others
The samples attracted attention not only from classmates but also teachers and the jury. “We showed the Plastic Guys material to classmates, lecturers, as well as friends. I’d say everyone was to some extent surprised that it was recycled plastic – especially because of the smooth texture and hardness. Many compared it to marble. And, of course, the sustainable and eco-friendly factor was highly appreciated – people really care about that more and more.”
A Material of the Future
Matěj sees recycled plastic as a material with huge potential: “I can imagine it not only in furniture but also in tiles, cladding, or even in construction. I think its applications are far wider than we can imagine today.”
The Harmõn project beautifully demonstrates that even a student design can push boundaries and point the way toward a more sustainable future.
