woojai lee is a korean-new zealander artist who explores paper recycling in more sustainable ways. indeed, this material is one of the most produced and discarded in the world. although it can be recycled, the process is not indefinite because the quality worsens after every cycle. therefore, the designer decided to extend its usability through his concept entitled ‘paperbricks’.

woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
detail of the product

 

 

 

woojai lee’s project consists of crafting objects using recycled newspapers, which are first turned into pulps and mixed with glue. the product is then shaped into bricks. the result is a marble-like surface with the same delicate texture of paper. however, the final structure is as solid as an actual brick. 

woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
close-up revealing the texture and shape

 

 

 

following his initial idea, the artist created the paperbricks pallet series to show how the bricks could be constructively transformed into furniture. his collection currently consists of a bench and two coffee tables. 

woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
paperbricks pallet series: coffee tables and bench

woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
the coffee tables are as stable as regular furniture 

woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
demonstrating how sturdy the bench is 

woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
the final outcome creates a marble-like color

woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
detail of the bench 

 woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
 black coffee table 

woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
blue coffee table 

 woojai lee paperbricks recycled furniture designboom
brick…or paperbrick?

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom