Adam Keprta is an interdisciplinary designer focused on product design, scenography, and exhibition architecture. He has realized projects for cultural institutions, art installations, and product design for global commercial brands. He is currently working on scenographic and object elements for the Czech pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Among his latest works is the light object SCORIA, which combines luxury aesthetics with recycled material from Plastic guys.
From Bachelor’s Thesis to Luxury Light
The impulse came from Adam’s interest in sustainability in a segment traditionally relying on expensive and resource-heavy materials. In his bachelor’s thesis, he wanted to show that a luxury product can also be ecological. He was intrigued by recycled plastic during his own lab experiments, but it was Plastic guys panels that offered the necessary quality and look.
“I wanted a light that wouldn’t look like a recycled product but as a fully-fledged design object. Something that would work even in a luxury interior,” recalls Adam.
During his internship, he approached Lasvit, a brand renowned for working with glass and premium materials. They immediately became his main development consultant, as supporting young talents and seeking innovation is key to their vision. From this unexpected collaboration, a project was born that soon grew far beyond Adam’s initial plan.
Design Inspired by Functionalism
Adam drew inspiration from functionalism – its purity, focus on purpose, and beauty in detail. The structure of recycled panels reminded him of onyx, as seen in the iconic Villa Tugendhat. The material also surprised him with its lightness, enabling a subtle form without compromising strength.
Each panel is unique – differing in grain, layering, and tone. “At first it was a challenge; I liked so many variations that it was hard to choose just one,” he admits.
The Story of SCORIA
The name refers to porous volcanic rock, which may appear ordinary at first glance but, once processed, gains high value.
“That’s how I see plastics. I wanted to prove that recycled material doesn’t have to mean compromise,” says Adam.
The response from both the industry and the public was overwhelmingly positive. At exhibitions, many assumed the lamp was made of glass and were surprised when they learned the truth. The project won him the top award for best work in his field at Tomas Bata University.
What’s Next?
Adam is already working on a new recycled plastic lamp, which he will present at Czech Design Week. He believes the material offers endless unexplored possibilities beyond lighting design.
“Sustainability is not a one-time choice but a long-term journey. If SCORIA helps shift the perception of what luxury can mean, it was worth it.”
