Don Kwaning

Department: Man and Well being

MEDULLA

WHAT
An exploration into the soft rush plant for use in a wide range of materials, from paper to textiles, foam, cardboard, rope and even furniture.

WHY
The soft rush is primarily known from the woven Japanese tatami mats, wherein the whole plant is processed. But separating the inner core, or pith, from the outer stalk creates a wealth of possible new applications.

HOW
The pith is a natural foam. With its lightweight, shock-resistant and insulating properties it is suitable as ecological packaging material. It can also be compressed into a foam block without the need for extra bonding additives. Compressing it further creates a lightweight sheet material strong enough to make into furniture. There are countless possibilities for further development.

QUOTE
The pith of the soft rush is normally not used, despite its great potential.