recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks

fractured geometries and asymmetrical silhouettes define the forms of the ‘fragment’ vessels.

donatas edited by christina vergopoulou August 10, 2026 3 min

Recycled Paper Composite Shapes FRAGMENT’s Geological Forms

Lithuanian designer Donatas Žukauskas presents FRAGMENT, a collection of sculptural vessels that explores the relationship between architecture, geology, and object design. The series reinterprets the traditional vase as a sculptural form, using fractured geometries, asymmetrical silhouettes, and textured surfaces to create objects that resemble fragments of volcanic rock or weathered concrete.

Each piece is handmade from a proprietary composite developed by Žukauskas using recycled paper pulp, natural cement, mineral pigments, and binders. Although the surface resembles stone, volcanic rock, or aged concrete, the material is lightweight, durable, and slightly elastic, with properties closer to aged wood than stone.

The collection currently comprises four vessels in two color variations: FRAGMENT Ochre I & II and FRAGMENT Terracotta I & II. Each pair follows the same architectural language while developing a distinct material character. The forms are deliberately asymmetrical, with angular planes and irregular surfaces that respond differently to light throughout the day. Presented individually or together, the vessels function as independent sculptural objects rather than as a uniform set.

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 1 — all images ©Donatas Žukauskas

Handcrafted Imperfections Shape the Character of the Vessels

The production process preserves variations within the composite, allowing small cracks, surface irregularities, and changes in texture to remain visible in the finished objects. These characteristics form part of the material expression of the collection and reflect an approach in which imperfections are incorporated into the design rather than concealed.

Through its combination of recycled paper pulp, mineral-based components, and handcrafted fabrication, FRAGMENT positions the vessel between functional object, sculptural form, and material study. The collection, developed by designer Donatas Žukauskas, explores how an alternative composite material can produce surfaces and geometries associated with geological and architectural fragments while remaining suitable for contemporary interiors.

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 2 — FRAGMENT reinterprets the traditional vase as a sculptural object

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 3 — fractured geometries define the forms of the FRAGMENT vessels

recycled-paper-composite-sculptural-vessels-volcanic-rock-fragment-donatas-zukauskas-designboom-1800-2 — asymmetrical silhouettes reference geological and architectural fragments

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 4 — textured surfaces give the vessels the appearance of weathered concrete

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 5 — irregular surfaces give each vessel an individual appearance

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 6 — the collection comprises four vessels in two color variations

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 7 — FRAGMENT Ochre I and II share a common architectural language

recycled-paper-composite-sculptural-vessels-volcanic-rock-fragment-donatas-zukauskas-designboom-1800-3 — FRAGMENT Terracotta I and II develop a warmer material character

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 8 — recycled paper pulp forms the basis of the lightweight composite

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 9 — the composite surface recalls volcanic rock and aged concrete

recycled paper composite forms sculptural vessels that evoke volcanic rocks - 10 — small cracks and surface variations remain visible after fabrication

project info:

name: FRAGMENT – Sculptural Vessel Collection
designer: Donatas Žukauskas

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