DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Lena Heinrich – Taxonomy of a straw bundle

by Lena Heinrich

The start of this project was the idea to create objects out of a ‘straw bundle’. Exploring possible material options, the work entailed an in depth review of different straw fibres, their value chains and setting within global environmental and social dynamics. The main piece of this work is a research book based on literature reviews, field trips, and expert interviews. It uncovers truths about traditional practices, highlights shortcomings in current material use, and proposes new ways of exploring straw as a viable material. The practical part of this project focused on experimentation with rye straw and testing techniques within the limits of working with a ‘straw bundle’, leading to the development of prototypes demonstrating the material’s potential in contemporary design.