WHAT
At the waste site of wood there is a significant amount of construction
timber from the building industry destined for burning to generate heat. The building sector contributes to approximately 40% of Norway's CO2 emissions. The materials show signs of use and come in various lengths. By rethinking materials and viewing waste as a resource, lifespan can be extended towards a more circular usage. Most of the wood waste used in this project has been short lengths of spruce construction timber, which still has many possibilities for use. The limitations have opened opportunities for methodical exploration and experimentation, and together with an aesthetic approach, they offer the potential to create durable products.

How to develop aesthetic and functional wall solutions for indoor
environments by reusing wood through an exploratory and
experimental process?

Why
Research on the use of wood indicates that it has a beneficial health effect on people in indoor environments. Therefore, this project focuses on creating aesthetic and sensory qualities in various wall solutions, such as panels or standing walls. Short lengths of wood invite for creating patterns and structures, it also encourages the creation of surfaces that invite touch or provide opportunities to create a variety of depths and heights, enhancing the acoustic experience in a room. The natural grain in the wood connects us more closely to nature through visual experiences.

How
The process has opened new directions and iterations in all parts of the
project, proving valuable as a method for developing new ideas, products, and concepts. The panels and wall solutions can be site-specific for appropriate use. This approach can be applied to other materials and challenges. With experience in spatial projects through art, lighting, interior design, and communication, I incorporate this interdisciplinary expertise into my work as a designer.
The final wall solution is made as an example of a two-sided standing
structure, functions as a room divider, where structure and joining are
solved regarding acoustics, with a variation of depth and angles as a
diffuser of sound. Iterations of the concept are developed as wall structures from floor to ceiling, to add tactility, diffusion, or visual contrast to other material use, to divide space, create passages, or secluded areas. Iterations related to visual experience, as an open wall structure with light entry will create connections and interest for the space behind while also providing privacy. The theme for the exploration came after internship and work for Omtre in Hønefoss, which works with the reuse of wood, as well as from the subject.

Aesthetic of Materiality with exploration in materials. Parts of the materials for use in the project are taken from the waste heaps at Follum in
Hønefoss.
Collaboration partners and contacts throughout the project have been
Omtre for the reuse of wood, acoustic consulting for the use of wood in
acoustic solutions by Brekke & Strand Akustikk AS, visits and conversations with wall companies working with visual, tactile, and acoustic wall
solutions.