Developed by Lithuanian designer Donatas Žukauskas, the FRAGMENT collection brings together lightweight, durable, sculptural vases made from recycled paper pulp and natural cement, featuring the appearance of volcanic rock or weathered concrete. Bridging architecture and geology, these handmade objects reinterpret the traditional vase form through fractured geometries and asymmetrical silhouettes.
Material Innovation and Characteristics
At the core of the series is a proprietary composite material specially developed by the designer. Formulated from a blend of recycled paper pulp, natural cement, mineral pigments, and binders, the mixture creates the visual impression of heavy stone or volcanic rock from afar, yet physically behaves more like aged wood than stone. Offering a lightweight, durable, and slightly flexible structure, the material ensures easy portability and handling in modern interiors.
The collection currently comprises a total of four vases across two color variations: FRAGMENT Ochre (I and II) and FRAGMENT Terracotta (I and II). Each piece is handcrafted to highlight intentionally left surface flaws, micro-cracks, and irregular lines. As a result, each object becomes an independent sculpture that showcases distinct plays of shadow and texture depending on the angle of daylight.
Industry Implications
Recent trends in sustainable material research and ecological design approaches are paving the way for innovative alternatives to traditional raw materials in the industrial design world. Such hybrid composites, born from the combination of recycled paper and mineral components, grant designers the flexibility to both create aesthetically sculptural forms and reduce environmental impact during production processes. Material-focused works of this kind are expected to find broader application areas in the interior and furniture sectors in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the FRAGMENT vases made from heavy materials, or are they easy to move?
Although their exterior appearance resembles volcanic rock or concrete, because they are manufactured from recycled paper pulp and special binders, they are remarkably lightweight, durable, and flexible in structure.
Are the products in this collection mass-produced or handmade?
Each piece in the collection is handmade, and natural surface imperfections and minor cracks occurring during the production process are preserved as an authentic part of the design.
*This news article was prepared based on data published by Designboom.
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