wevolve labs creates a series of lanterns inspired by plant + animal biologies

the bionest lanterns at the 2021 creek show in austin 

gallery installation view highlighting wooden structure | image © alli draper

a bio-friendly process that borrows indigenous technology

debruyne and his team developed the bio-material of each lantern by mixing water, seaweed powder, glycerin, and other ingredients, with heat. everything is then cast into molds before drying. ‘the use of raw materials from renewable biomass sources offers a petroleum-free alternative to plastic that harms our natural ecosystems,’ explains debruyne. meanwhile, the lanterns’ grid-shell frameworks were made by steaming strips of oak and weaving them together, resulting in a lightweight and robust structure. wevolve labs developed this technique through dedicated research into indigenous technology, specifically traditional basketry and skin-on-frame boats. combining those inspirations together, the final installation creates —  when night falls — a mesmerizing and ever-changing display that celebrates nature. 

image © alli draper

close-up of participant interaction | image © lauren slusher

image © lauren slusher

detail view of the glowing BioNest

BioNest lanterns in context at waterloo park

close-up of bio-material after casting

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project info:

name: BioNest lanterns 

year: 2021

location: austin, texas

design: wevolve labs

structure: oak strips
composition: 5 lanterns, 1.8 m – 6.7 m tall  

bio-material: mainly water, seaweed powder, and glycerin

photography: alli draper, lauren slusher, wevolve labs

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