ecoBirdy, known for its innovative approach to sustainable design, introduces HEY, a one-of-a-kind bookshelf collection crafted from reclaimed wood. Co-founder Vanessa Yuan brings her commitment to mindful consumption and environmental responsibility to this project, aiming to elevate the narrative of reclaimed wood and its vital role in sustainable living.
The bookshelves challenge conventional displays, transforming your reads into conversation pieces and initiating meaningful dialogue—not only about the stories hidden within the books but also about the materials that make up the shelves. HEY debuts at the FOR THE NOW exhibition as part of the 'bînomes' project by Flanders DC, a Belgian government organisation that supports and unites local entrepreneurs and designers.
Since its founding in 2018, ecoBirdy has transformed discarded plastic into high-quality furniture for both children and grown-ups, raising awareness about plastic waste. With HEY, in collaboration with Belgian illustrator Eva Lynen, Vanessa made a conscious choice to focus on wood—another material that demands greater respect and careful reuse. “Wood is a precious resource shaped by nature. While it is a biodegradable and renewable material, it deserves to be repurposed in a way that honours its heritage and extends its purpose,” says Vanessa. “HEY demonstrates that reclaimed wood can be used to create premium furniture pieces that are sculptural, sophisticated, refined and exceed the idea of a single-use lifecycle.”
The ‘bînomes’ program was established to promote diversity in the design industry, encouraging collaboration between creatives with various identities and professional backgrounds. Vanessa, the designer, and Eva, the illustrator, defined “encouraging conversation and social interaction” as a key functional principle in their design process. They merged their unique approaches, blending functionality with playfulness to create designs that invite engagement and connection.
Wood’s storytelling power
Reclaimed wood was chosen as the medium of communication, with materials carefully hand-picked from the circular wood workshop ‘Buurman’ in Antwerp, that focuses on preserving the historical and geographical significance of reclaimed wood. The non-profit workshop collects and recovers wooden materials from local buildings undergoing renovation or demolition, as well as from museums updating their exhibitions and from old wooden structures found in harbours. Furthermore, it salvages wood from trees cut down in the city due to illness or urban development. By repurposing these resources, wooden waste materials are transformed into products with a sustainable, circular purpose.
“By repurposing existing wood, we preserve forests and reduce the carbon footprint tied to the manufacturing process, making reclaimed wood a durable and environmentally responsible choice”, says Vanessa. Every product made from reclaimed wood helps reduce the demand for virgin timber, contributing to forest preservation. Forests play a vital role in our planet’s ecosystem, generating oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, which helps combat climate change.
Additionally, using reclaimed wood avoids the significant CO2 emissions associated with producing new industrial wood. For example, the production of 1 tonne of new wood emits an average of 500 kg of CO2. By repurposing existing wood, we preserve forests and reduce the carbon footprint tied to the manufacturing process, making reclaimed wood a durable and environmentally responsible choice.
Redefining the art of display
In a world where reading often takes a backseat due to digital distractions, the HEY bookshelf reimagines the way we interact with our books. It’s common to display beloved books throughout a home and for many, it has become a part of their interior decoration, but how often do people discuss the content of a book?
The HEY collection features both “book shelving unit” and “book stand” forms, each designed with unique functions and aesthetics. The shelving unit challenges traditional book arrangements by offering unconventional compartments that encourage a mindful placement of books, balancing the visual appearance and the personal meaning of the content. Each element of the shelves preserves the original characteristics of reclaimed wood, allowing the natural veins, textures, and worm marks to narrate the material's unique story.
ecoBirdy proudly unveils HEY, a novel bookshelf collection crafted from reclaimed wood. In this collaborative project, co-founder Vanessa Yuan infuses her dedication to sustainability into collectible designs. Aiming to transform the perception of reclaimed wood and highlight its essential role in eco-friendly slow living. With HEY, Vanessa invites users to engage with the beauty and history of the materials, fostering a deeper connection to sustainable design.
HEY will be presented and exhibited at FOR THE NOW on 16 and 17 November 2024 in Tour & Taxis, Brussels.
Featured pictures by Arne Jennard.
