Building for the future: creating furniture from V&A packing crates
As part of the V&A Museum’s commitment to sustainability it has developed two exciting furniture upcycling initiatives using surplus stock of its exhibition pack crates. These initiatives demonstrate how waste materials can be given a meaningful life beyond a limited purpose.
In one initiative, nine designers were partnered with clients from the 999 Club, a homelessness charity in London, to co-create a piece of furniture that can be taken into temporary accommodation. The other gathered designers to create tables and chairs, also using the waste packing crates, for a Food Waste Feast that was held at the Day of Design event.
Throughout the project Festool power tools were used. James Wilson, Marketing Manager at Festool UK said “We are delighted that Festool products were part of this sustainability initiative, that has enabled expert designers/makers to share skills with people who have experienced homelessness enabling them to create unique pieces of furniture.”
The project had a five-week turnaround time from design and creation to exhibiting at the Day of Design Festival that was part of the London Design Festival. The short time around time for the project meant that the power tools used needed to be sturdy, reliable and deliver accurate results, fast.
Furniture designer and maker, Tom Olesen (@tomtedesign) joined the project to mentor one of the 999 Club’s clients. “It is the small innovative features of Festool tools that make life easier. For example, on the router OF 1010 the spindle stop means that changing cutters is simple, so we can get the job done quickly” Tom explained.
Zoë Louizos, Sustainability Co-ordinator, V&A said: “We are thrilled to have been able to use Festool products. This project makes valuable use of our surplus materials and showcases creative solutions to waste and provides a platform to support a diverse community of designers and makers, demonstrating design solutions to environmental and social issues we currently face.”
Festool is a manufacturer of premium power tools for professional tradespeople. To discover more about Festool please visit www.festool.co.uk and for more on the project please visit
