Transfixing Spirulina Furniture Produces Free Heat, Light and Food
Jacob Douenias and Ethan Frier have been busy brewing up the next trend in green interior decor: spirulina-producing furniture. The cyanobacteria, commonly used for adding protein and nutrients to smoothies and other food, has made its way into the landscape of objects for the home, and here can be seen as the central feature in a spectacular series designed specifically for cultivating the living greens for practical purposes.
Called “Living Things,” Douenias and Frier’s project explores how photosynthetic algae can be used to produce food, fuel, heat and light for its users in the home. Their pieces include glowing lamps and tables, each equipped with hand-blown glass bioreactors that support the growth of spirulina.
Living Things is designed for the dining and living room and all of its pieces are interconnected and managed through a central control system that sits within a cabinet. The growth system is supported by a set of pumps, tubing, manifolds, LED drivers, heater connections and filters, all of which can be controlled and adjusted manually using the knobs atop the table.
Though what’s being grown is not quite as appetizing as carrots and broccoli, spirulina does prove far more functional and sustainable. The designers chose the algae for its rich green hue, light absorbency, and its adaptable culinary qualities.
You can see more innovative green designs by Jacob Douenias here, and have a peek at Living Things in action at the Mattress Factory Museum in Philly where it’s currently on show.
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Photos courtesy of Jacob Douenias
