Ultrametaefficient: Cork Chaise Lounge by Daniel Michalik

This cork chaise lounge, designed by Daniel Michalik, qualifies as being ultrametaefficient because it is: made with a renewable material, light, aesthetic, waterproof and impervious to rot and mold. It can be used indoors or outdoors.

About this design strategy, Michalik says:

My work focuses on researching and expanding the uses of underutilized, unconventional material. Investigation of new materials can only lead to innovative methods of production and new ways of interacting with our environment.

About this piece, he says:

I have discovered that when handled correctly, the natural flexibility of cork allows it to form fantastic, complex shapes no other material can match. Cortiça is the current product of this research, and it is the flagship of my latest line of cork furniture. At over 72 inches long, it is a full-size chaise longue with a place for head, heels, and everything in between.

The balanced form, along with the pliability of the material allows the user of this lounge to rock gently from side to side or on her back with a great degree of stability. The result is a sensation of floating, weightless and totally supported.

Because cork is 100% waterproof and impervious to rot and mold growth, this piece functions as well outdoors as it does in. And as we all know, cork floats, so while I have not attempted this feat personally, I see no reason why Cortiça can’t be used in the swimming pool! Just imagine the possibilities…

The cork for the lounge comes from waste recovered from the bottle-stopper industry.

Via: Treehugger