ecoBirdy, known for its innovative approach to sustainable design, introduces HEY, a one-of-a-kind bookshelf collection crafted from reclaimed wood. Co-founder Vanessa Yuan brings her commitment to mindful consumption and environmental responsibility to this project, aiming to elevate the narrative of reclaimed wood and its vital role in sustainable living.
The bookshelves challenge conventional displays, transforming your reads into conversation pieces and initiating meaningful dialogue—not only about the stories hidden within the books but also about the materials that make up the shelves. HEY debuts at the FOR THE NOW exhibition as part of the 'bînomes' project by Flanders DC, a Belgian government organization that supports and unites local entrepreneurs and designers.
Since its founding in 2018, ecoBirdy has transformed discarded plastic into high-quality furniture for both children and adults, raising awareness about plastic waste. With HEY, in collaboration with Belgian illustrator Eva Lynen, Vanessa made a conscious choice to focus on wood—another material that demands greater respect and careful reuse. "Wood is a precious resource shaped by nature. While it is a biodegradable and renewable material, it deserves to be repurposed in a way that honors its heritage and extends its purpose," says Vanessa. 'HEY demonstrates that reclaimed wood can be used to create premium furniture pieces that are sculptural, sophisticated, refined, and exceed the idea of a single-use lifecycle.'
The 'bînomes' programme was established to promote diversity in the design industry, encouraging collaboration between creatives with various identities and professional backgrounds. Vanessa, the designer, and Eva, the illustrator, defined "encouraging conversation and social interaction" as a key functional principle in their design process. They merged their unique approaches, blending functionality with playfulness to create designs that invite engagement and connection.
Redefining the art of display
In a world where reading often takes a backseat due to digital distractions, the HEY bookshelf reimagines the way we interact with our books. It's common to display beloved books throughout a home, and for many, it has become a part of their interior decoration—but how often do people discuss the content of a book?
The HEY collection features both 'book shelving unit' and 'book stand' forms, each designed with unique functions and aesthetics. The shelving unit challenges traditional book arrangements by offering unconventional compartments that encourage a mindful placement of books, balancing the visual appearance and the personal meaning of the content. Each element of the shelves preserves the original characteristics of reclaimed wood, allowing the natural veins, textures, and worm marks to narrate the material's unique story.
The book stands are designed to showcase books in an open position, inviting people to pick them up, read their contents, and engage in inspiring discussions. Sculptural in appearance, the stands are crafted through a deconstruction process that unites intentional and unintentional shapes, featuring a blend of tinted and untreated surfaces with refined and raw edges.
More information:
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