Fossil Fuel Free Crib
2020
CMF Design
Materials Research
Supply Chain Management
Soft Engineering
Design for Manufacture
Client Facing
Team Leading
Built to industry standards without using a single gram of coal, oil or gas at any stage of manufacturing or transportation, the fossil fuel-free crib is the symbol of a commitment with renewable energy. An ordinary crib, and the first thing that the new generation of humans living in a fossil-free world will need: a place to sleep.
Core challenge
A traceability endeavour that involved dissecting and taking a close look at every part of the supply chain through the lens of fossil fuel usage. A constraint that’s very different from other sustainability-led approaches, such as CO2-neutral or recyclable. Plus a visual language to support the statement.
The crib, produced in renewable energy-powered facilities, relies on wood joints and natural glue for its integrity. A bio-composite made from potato starch and vegetable fibres lies below the mattress, for which Dutch islands sheep provided wool. The bed linen was made entirely by hand (spun and woven on a traditional loom) by talented artisans and for the blanket, locally bred Merino sheep and alpacas supplied more wool. Topping it all up, cold-pressed linseed oil and paint also made from chalk and potato starch were used for the finish. The very first piece of steel ever made without fossil fuels was also added to the crib, as a final touch.
A high-end, future-facing piece of furniture produced using new alongside centuries-old manufacturing techniques demanded a timeless aesthetic. The lightly coloured ash and visual lightness of the frame helped us get there — a nod to Scandinavian design and the company’s own origins.
The materials’ natural colours and the addition of soft, round CNC details invoke the calming atmosphere of a child’s bedroom. The tapered sides and split line between the base and the top add dynamism and sophistication, supporting the bold and hopeful message the product wants to send.
Without the option to use metal fasteners or synthetic glues, our design used wood joinery techniques and natural glue to uphold the integrity of the crib.
It was a giant traceability challenge which the design process was heavily influenced by and dependent on. It required the best of our efforts at all levels, as well as those of clients and suppliers. A product meant to inspire a world in which fossil free is the standard.
