By Lorrin Windahl.

Swiss product designer Beat Karrer, has developed a new material called FluidSolids. The material came out of a desire to make design the driving force, rather than having to adapt the design to suit the material. Not only did a new material emerge however, but a new company as well.

FluidSolids comes in a range of colours and textures. Image from FluidSolids.

FluidSolids, the material, is a biocomposite that resulted from endless experiments with various cheap and affordable waste products. According to the FluidSolids website, the final product is made up of fibre, filling materials and a binding agent. These are all waste materials from the processing of renewable raw materials so no agricultural land is used in its production. The material is biologically degradable and compostable.

FS Bowl made from FluidSolids. Image from FluidSolids.

As a means of illustrating the material in use, Karrer and his team designed a stool and bowl, which also highlight the range of colours and finishes that the material can be produced in. Perhaps though, the genius behind the material is the fact that the legs of the stool were inserted into the mould causing the material to seep into the timber grooves and adhere. So, no glue or mechanical fixings were required.

FS Stool with timber legs inserted into mould. Image from FluidSolids.

To find out more visit the FluidSolids website.

Further reading:
http://materia.nl/article/fluid-solid-designs/
http://www.architonic.com/ntsht/the-shapeshifter-material-innovation-fluid-solids/7000803