The New Raw on sculpting Stratum.

Rotterdam-based design studio, The New Raw has sculpted the multifunctional entrance furniture, Stratum.

Pioneered through digital printing technology and re-defining plastic waste, Stratum transforms the entrance space of a cutting-edge, new online food shopping company in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Led by architects, Panos Sakkas and Foteini Setaki, the recently unveiled 18 metre long 3D printed construction curves and folds around its occupying space in varying heights to accommodate seating areas, a reception, planters, as well as high working desk spaces and leaning tables.

The largest monolithic piece designed by the creative duo to date, they skilfully transform 880 kg of plastic waste into a new type of “stone”, simulating rock formations through a sophisticated layer-to-layer 3D sculpture technique.

Just as natural layers of fossil sediment are compacted and lithified over time, in Stratum, a new layer begins to deposit on top of the previous one until it hardens its final massive conformation. Some strata are deformed into curves due to subsequent movement while the sediments were still soft.

Playing on the metaphor of the geological process, the rounded silhouette is the outcome of a tentative trial-and-error aesthetic that combines design, robotics and craftsmanship, bringing artisan quality to the piece. Brushes of grey on an off-white are added in randomly planned intervals of the print and in constantly different orientations. The resulting colour is inspired by supermarket stacking crates, subtly referencing its client.

In addition to its solid shape, the piece triggers tactile exploration with its meandering printed lines. Co-founders, Panos Sakkas and Foteini Setaki comment: “Play and interaction with Stratum stimulates the senses and encourages engagement with others. Materiality is an important factor in our research as it plays an important role in our mental, visual, and physical perception of a space. In this case, Stratum enhances the character and the functionalities of an ordinary entrance hall, whilst it also instils a sense of familiarity - putting arriving visitors at ease,”

Maximising on its functions and high adaptability to a multitude of commercial settings, Stratum is a custom-designed piece that serves office settings, receptions, waiting rooms, or even recreational spaces; like bars, cafés and restaurants - calling for intuitive exploration of its placed interior landscape.

For more information on Stratum by The New Raw, click here