‘the re-ply’ by dan goldsteinat best, a cardboard box is reused several times before being recycled. rarely, if ever, is it upcycled. san francisco-based designer dan goldstein has discovered a way to make cardboard, a plentiful, nearly free resource, strong enough for permanent furniture.

the re-ply uses a molding technique to shape 4 plys of cardboard (which can come from clean used boxes) into a comfortable, strong shell.

boxes are collected, stacked, cut, and laminated before attaching to a steel base with two bolts. these bolts also hold the fold in the chair, and allow it to rock – all in one movement. every element of the design emerges from multiple functions. the concept comes from thinking of the material as paper. the conception demonstrates a very low eco-footprint as well, as it is made primarily from up-cycled cardboard, uses minimal hardware and can be completely recycled.

the re-ply is currently seeking funding on kickstarter.

dan goldstein: the re ply rear view

dan goldstein: the re ply the triangular frame allows the chair to gently rock

dan goldstein: the re ply  the re-ply in plush faux fur

dan goldstein: the re ply  the re-ply in luxurious thick felt

dan goldstein: the re ply  the re-ply in usedan goldstein: the re ply the re-ply can be printed on with custom graphics

dan goldstein: the re ply no less than three materials and a dozen designs were tested for the base alone

dan goldstein: the re ply elevations

dan goldstein: the re ply the re-ply reclines to accommodate a range of activities

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