My design for Decorex 2009 was to show that sustainable design can be sleek and urban and prove that well designed products do not have to cost a fortune. Inspiration came from the vibrancy of Johannesburg, which reflects a cultural diversity as varied as its inhabitants. In the design, simple, elegant lines fuse with a flow of organic shapes while the space depicts everyday life, rather than over-prepared “flair without flash” displays. The entire stand was designed by re-using items to create new, practical, eco-friendly pieces.

The table was a collaboration piece by Adaptations Décor and Black Chilli Design. The table top used to be an artwork by Adaptations, and the idea to turn it into a table was formed during informal discussions. Black Chilli designed the legs and glass panel system, which was recycled from old shop fitting doors that were going to be thrown out by the contractors. Students at Greenside Design Centre designed the two cardboard chairs and with Black Chilli input were taken from concept to working prototype. Mia Jordon’s floral chair was inspired by a flower and spider web while Jacques Eybers’ chair with red tubes explored a newer construction method.

The other six chairs were crates made from recycled plastic, the idea for which came from Joburg CBD hawkers who use the crates for a variety of purposes. In the design, they serve as dining chairs, with alternative uses as storage or stools.

The crockery was hand blown from recycled glass by South African glass blower Mike Hyam and each piece is unique, while the vase, formed from old fashion magazines, was designed by Lori, a second-year student at Greenside. She uses a plastic core in the centre. The crate and wall cushions, designed and manufactured by Adaptations, are filled with a material made from recycled plastic bottles and covered in 100% polyester with a fused print. Custom orders are possible.

Black Chilli custom made the Joburg skyline artwork by using off-cuts of white vinyl from a signage company. The concept was to showcase the city through art.