hana-arashi

Italian company Paola Lenti has uniquely developed a 100% polypropylene mesh fabric for their outdoor furniture pieces. With approximately 180 colorful variations, it is a recyclable mono-material that is durable and water-resistant. A furniture collection that breathes new life into the offcuts was newly designed.  

Benefitting from the low melting point of polypropylene, the mesh is layered and bonded together using high-frequency thermocompression  method instead of secondary materials such as sewing threads and adhesives. Further experimentation revealed that by tweaking the temperature and heating time, specific sections of the mesh can be hardened, thereby increasing strength or allowing light to pass through.

The process begins by combining relatively large offcuts to create a “base.” Smaller offcuts that have been cut into same shapes are then welded onto the base. While enhancing surface strength, the fabric is partially “blind stamped” to add translucency to lightings. Finally, the base fabric is softly rolled, with the edges welded together to form a three-dimensional furniture piece. By applying a single technique in multiple ways, new values were added without compromising the smooth texture of the mesh and its high recyclability.

When the different colors of fabric remnants unite, there is an unpredictable beauty. It is reminiscent of petals dancing in the wind which continue to grace the season even after falling. The collection “hana-arashi (flower storm)” draws inspiration from such sceneries.