Project Overview
In a creative collaboration, [Re] Waste and Onetwosix Design transformed recycled HDPE plastic into vibrant, popsicle-shaped benches for K-Days. The project was part of the K-Days Design Competition, which invited Alberta-based designers to submit innovative seating concepts for the fairgrounds.
The competition encouraged the use of sustainable materials, and Onetwosix’s Pop-Upsicles design was selected as the winning concept. The final benches provide functional seating while showcasing sustainability and innovative design in public spaces.
Read about the K-Days Design Competition
The Challenge
K-Days sought to enhance its fairgrounds with artistically designed, functional seating that aligned with sustainability principles. The challenge was to create a durable, visually appealing bench using recycled materials while ensuring the final product could withstand outdoor conditions and high traffic use.
Key challenges included:
- Material Selection: Finding sustainable, durable materials that could be molded into the desired form.
- Structural Integrity: Ensuring the popsicle-shaped benches could withstand outdoor exposure and frequent use.
- Precision in Fabrication: Balancing design aesthetics with engineering feasibility, considering material tolerances and construction methods.
Our Solution
Onetwosix Design was awarded the project based on their popsicle bench concept, and [Re] Waste played a key role by providing the recycled plastic sheets and technical expertise.
✔ Recycled Material: The benches were made from recycled HDPE sheets provided by [Re] Waste, ensuring a sustainable, high-quality material.
✔ Collaborative Design Process: Multiple phases of development took place, including:
- Initial concept & design submission.
- Structural reviews, material tolerance evaluations, and design modifications.
- Mock-up approval followed by final fabrication & installation.
✔ Innovative Fabrication Methods:
- Sheet forming & plastic welding for structure.
- Plastic reinforcements & mechanical fastenings for durability.
- Water bladders used internally for weight distribution.
- Laser engraving & premium wood finishing for added design elements.
Onetwosix Design executed the full project lifecycle, showcasing how sustainable materials can be used to create functional and visually striking furniture pieces.
The Results & Environmental Impact
✔ Recycled HDPE plastic sheets used in the project weighed approximately 3,000 lbs, diverting significant plastic waste from landfills.
✔ The project set a precedent for future sustainable design competitions, emphasizing the importance of circular economy materials.
✔ K-Days now has an interactive, photo-worthy seating installation that highlights local design talent and eco-conscious innovation.
Looking Ahead
This project demonstrates how recycled plastics can be integrated into large-scale public furniture. As interest in sustainable design grows, [Re] Waste continues to explore new opportunities to collaborate with designers, municipalities, and businesses to expand the use of recycled materials in furniture and architecture.
Partner Testimonial
"[Re] Waste was excellent to work with. The sheet material is great not only from a sustainability standpoint, but is also of high quality. Sustainability is a key consideration for our business, and the recycled plastic sheets from [Re] Waste allowed us to turn waste into beautiful furniture for people to enjoy."
— Nick Kazakoff, CEO Onetwosix Design
Ready to turn recycled plastic into functional, sustainable furniture?
Contact [Re] Waste to start your own eco-friendly furniture project today!