I saw these lightshades at the Home 2013 show last month and was impressed on so many counts. Who would have thought that waste cardboard boxes could be made into something so useful and beautiful? Architects and designers Seth Grizzle and Jonathan Junker (below left and right respectively) have found a way.
The pair were roommates at college in Ohio, moved to Seattle to pursue careers in architecture, and finally branched out to form their own design company, Graypants, now operating in both Seattle and Amsterdam.
Seth’s website bio tells his story:
“after many years of drafting, trapped behind a pixelated screen, he realized that his love of creating + crafting with his hands were not being utilized. he formed graypants with his best friend and partner in crime, jonathan, to explore the ideas of what was possible by literally thinking outside of an automotive parts box. after being given the unsolicited gift of extra time nearly one year ago (thank you economic climate!), he was finally able to pour his creativity + heart into what he truly believes in.
graypants is now responsible for making products + designs that challenge the idea of what is + can be possible. by simply using discarded corrugated cardboard boxes from local businesses in seattle, they have developed scraplights. scraplights breathe new life into once lifeless materials by giving a face lift to the idea of what a box is + can be. graypants now serves as an innovative model for what is possible when designers return to using their hands, think responsibly and craft outside the lines.”
Scraplights are made by laser cutting the salvaged cardboard boxes into concentric circles, and then assembling and gluing them together by hand. When I first saw the lights, I thought they had been woven, as their delicate patterns are reminiscent of wicker basketwork. Each has its own individual shading and texture, not dissimilar to wood grain, a result of the variations in colour and corrugation pattern of the cardboard. This, plus the handmade process, means that each light is unique. Collaborations are welcomed, and custom shades can be made to order.
The Quad, above, is made from a single panel of a repurposed cardboard box, making it their most efficient light yet.
The Drum series, pictured below, are the largest Scraplights fixtures to date, and incorporate materials that add real sophistication. Clear-coated steel frames support frosted glass diffusers, and a trio of bulbs (which can be incandescent or compact fluorescent) ensures that the Drum provides generous amounts of both up and down-lighting – perfect for both residential and commercial uses.
A short video about the Graypants creative process, and the making of Scraplights:
For more information, and to buy direct from Graypants visit www.graypants.com; Scraplights are also available to buy in-store in the London area from Chest of Drawers, and online at Amara Living.
Images: Graypants, Chest of Drawers, Dezeen
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