ARCHISOURCE | NATURE SQUARED

2024 TROPHIES

MARKING FIVE YEARS OF THE AWARDS

OUR DESIGN COLLABORATION

The trophies for the Drawing of the Year Awards 2024 were designed in collaboration by Archisource and Swiss-based ethical design brand Nature Squared.

The striking sculptural forms originate from the exploration of natural fractures, contrasts in nature, and harmony of architectural forms. The trophies were designed to be a pair with the form being derived from extrusions of natural fracture typologies. The underpinning idea was to explore how fractured objects reveal inner beauties within nature, whilst also showcasing Nature Squared’s artisan craft and the abilities of inlaid natural finishes to create dynamic and captivating applications. 

Designed to be split and reveal unique inner surfaces like those found in nature, the pair of trophies cast from waste eggshells join perfectly as one to create a seemingly solid form. Upon separation, the iridescent double curved surfaces are revealed which have been inlaid with waste dark pen seashell. The contrasting materiality is emphasized through the trophies’ form, with the curved inner surfaces symbolizing organic forms in nature juxtaposed to the seemingly disparate geometric elements of the main bodies of the trophies.

Trophies will be awarded to the winners of each award category, with smaller commendations also being awarded to selected standout works.

THE DESIGN & MAKING PROCESS

The Drawing of the Year trophies are made of waste eggshell responsibly sourced from local commercial kitchens, and waste dark pen shell discarded by subsistence fishing communities in the Philippines. The trophies use two of the transformation techniques, cast & inlay, and combined them into one piece. 

The eggshell is first cleaned, and then crushed and dyed using natural indigo, before being hand moulded into the sculptural form and baked. The dark pen shell is cleaned and cut into fine veneers to maximize its natural tactile and iridescent surface, before being inlaid by hand into the organically shaped inner surface.

In Nature Squared’s atelier in the Philippines, a team of design, engineering, and technical experts have worked closely with their craftspeople, combining heritage artisan skills and innovative technical solutions to craft this original, striking architectural trophy drawn from the concept of natural fractures developed in collaboration with the Archisource Team.

Two worlds converging into one, united by the idea of natural fractures. The result is a set of sculptural forms that relate to the world of architecture.

“This year’s design collaboration with Nature Squared has been a very special journey of sustainability and artisanal craft. Nature Squared holds sustainability and responsibly sourced materials in the highest regard which has underpinned the design of this year’s Drawing of the Year trophies.

We are inspired by Nature Squared approach and ethos; it’s incredible to see the transformation of natural materials that would normally be considered as waste into beautiful and such unique designs. 2024 marks the fifth year celebration of the Awards and we are very excited to reveal the incredible craftsmanship and innovative material design of this year’s trophies and to award the outstanding winners with such captivating and meaningful trophies.”

Design Team, Archisource Studio

"We have transformed concept into form with imagination and innovation through the artistry of our craftspeople.  This mirrors the achievements of the very talented entrants for this Award.  We honour the Award winners and highlight the power of sustainable design for ongoing impact. Together, we have crafted a tribute that embodies the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and artistic brilliance."

Lay Koon Tan, Co-founder of Nature Squared

ABOUT NATURE SQUARED

Nature Squared is a Swiss-based ethical design brand renowned for transforming natural waste materials including, eggshells, fruit waste and feathers into luxurious finishes, furnishings and accessories.

Founded in 2000 by Paul Hoeve and Lay Koon Tan, Nature Squared is a pioneering, Swiss-based, ethical design brand that uses material innovation and artisanal skills to transform abundant natural materials that would normally be considered waste into bespoke, handcrafted and sustainable products and surfaces for yachts, hotels and homes.

Nature Squared has always been a front runner in the use of eco-friendly and responsibly sourced natural waste materials such as eggshells, seashells and feathers, employing heritage artisan skills and original technical solutions to create exquisite, handmade, bespoke surfaces for leading architects and designers. Nature Squared’s materials and products are made by hand in the Philippines and sold worldwide to architects, designers and stylists looking to add a distinctive touch to their projects, which range from residences to hotels to yachts to private jets, while meeting the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. Exclusive design collaborations include Rolls-Royce, Montblanc and Dornbracht.

To us, sustainability means environmental and social responsibility and the two are inextricably linked. We design around organic waste streams that we divert from landfill thus averting methane production. Every sale we make adds directly and completely to our carbon negativity. We are Swiss-based but undertake all our production in the Philippines, the most vulnerable country in the world to climate change. It suffers biodiversity under threat, vulnerability to natural disasters and a constant brain drain. We employ and train artisans, chemists, engineers, draftsmen and project managers for a total workforce of 200. We enhance their heritage artisan skills with innovative and cutting-edge European technology and solutions, resulting in ground-breaking product. Providing fair wages and job security is of prime importance to Nature Squared, as is the long-term support of craft heritage in the Philippines.

Nature Squared’s materials and products are sold worldwide to architects, designers, and stylists looking to add a distinctive touch to their projects, which range from residences to hotels, and yachts to private jets, while meeting the high standards of environment and social responsibility.

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