How often is furniture simply abandoned when people move? There’s no practical way, given that large, heavy pieces are difficult to transport. Furthermore, years of repeated use can cause materials and functionality to deteriorate, diminishing both the item’s value and the emotional attachment to it. Disassembling furniture can lead to loose screws or broken parts, meaning it may never return to its original state even if reassembled. Ultimately, disposal places a burden on the environment.
Characteristics of MINIRISM design
MINIRISM pursues mechanisms that are lightweight and allow for repeated assembly and disassembly. We actively incorporate hemp twine, enabling assembly and disassembly without the need for tools. Hemp is an exceptionally durable natural material.
MINIRISM items are uniquely designed based on a philosophy of simplicity and sustainability. A key feature is the extensive use of bamboo, an eco-friendly material.
An Amazing Material: Bamboo
In Japan, bamboo native to the region has traditionally been utilised in a wide range of applications, including architecture, household goods, martial arts and toys.
Bamboo grows upward at a rate more than 100 times faster than ordinary trees and can be harvested in just about 3 years, less than one-tenth the time required for timber. Even after the bamboo is cut, the underground rhizome remains healthy, allowing new shoots to emerge continuously. Bamboo also absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide, sequestering the carbon within itself, and helps improve soil quality. In short, bamboo is a highly sustainable plant.
Depending on how it is used, bamboo can achieve strength comparable to metal or concrete while also possessing flexibility and elasticity. Its tubular, hollow structure makes it lightweight. This hollow structure provides thermal insulation, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The glossy outer skin of bamboo is rich in a glass-like substance such as silica (silicon) and is hard, therefore, it feels cool to the touch and has a texture similar to tile. The surface resists the adhesion of dirt and water, making it easy to maintain. It also possesses natural antibacterial and deodorising properties. In Japan, bamboo charcoal has long been utilised for various purposes, including humidity regulation, deodorisation, soil improvement, water purification, mineral enrichment for drinking water, and enhancing the cooking of rice through far-infrared effects.
Bamboo shoots are delicious and nutritious. On the other hand, bamboo itself is incredibly prolific, possessing enough vigour to sometimes overrun homes and fields. Incorporating bamboo into our daily lives and utilising it effectively is therefore highly meaningful, as it helps maintain bamboo groves and fosters an environment where humans and bamboo can coexist.
Original Bamboo Items
Focusing on the potential of bamboo as a material, MINIRISM carefully explores methods and designs that highlight its inherent characteristics to invent original items.
Note: The cords are consumable parts subject to wear and tear. Damage resulting from normal wear and tear or improper use is not covered by the warranty. While we may include a spare cord, please obtain replacements yourself if needed.
Note: Products requiring assembly are generally intended to be assembled by the user. A separate fee applies if assembly assistance is provided.
