Architect and designer David Thulstrup has explored the possibility of eelgrass through a limited edition Momentum Collection comprising four designs – a Low Table, High Table, Podium and Screen. Encapsulating the essence of sense, each of the four designs is integrated with glass and steel with Sould’s eelgrass Acoustic Mats which are environmentally friendly.
To understand the material in-depth, Thulstrup visited Læsø. It was important for him to know the history of the place, which further helped him in the design process. By dissecting eelgrass, he learned its application in rooftops. “I realised that methods like layering, stacking and exposing the material would be an integral part of my designs,” he informs.
The highlight of the Momentum collection is Sould’s eelgrass Acoustic Mats. The material is invented by Sould with the simple aim of reducing environmental impacts of the building industry and enhancing healthy living spaces. Eelgrass has been used in construction since the 1600s. The settlers of Læsø island were known to have had used eelgrass to design a thick roof thatching for their seaweed houses. At present, Sould has reinvented this technique with state-of-the-art technology. With a decade of research and development, Sould today stands as a leading expert in eelgrass and is the first company to convert the material into CO2-storing building materials that combine high acoustic performance, safety and durability with sustainability and modern aesthetics. In addition, the collection marks the first use of the Danish material manufacturer’s eelgrass in furniture design.
Inducing warmth with a rustic organic softness, the Sould’s Acoustic Mats are made from an abundant local sea plant and store CO2, thereby enacting as a healthy building material. According to Thulstrup, “Working with eelgrass feels rewarding not only because of its truly unique characteristics but also the fact that it’s natural, sustainable and revolutionary. I especially love the surface of the eelgrass; its warm hue and the smell of salt.” He further tells us that the collection is the result of sensorial designs that improve acoustics within spaces in accordance to bridging the gap of modern interiors with nature.
Other than offering environmentally friendly properties, the mats improve acoustics, create healthier indoor air quality and offer thermal and moisture absorption. Additionally, eel is resistant to fire, mold and rot, and contains no toxic additives.
Project details
Project: Momentum
Client: Sould
Purpose: Create a new furniture collection and showcase its application on objects for the home
Completion date: September, 2021
Architect: David Thulstrup
Image credits: Irina Boersma
About the designer
David Thulstrup is an award-winning architect and designer whose refined and holistic approach to architecture, interiors and product design combines his Scandinavian heritage with a modern design language. David holds a Masters in Interior Architecture from the Danish Design School and is an Architect MAA and member of the Danish Association of Architects. As the founder and creative director of Studio David Thulstrup, David has completed an extensive portfolio worldwide ranging from residential architecture to restaurants, retail, hotels, furniture and lighting. His practice is grounded upon enduring Scandinavian values of honesty and humanism with a particular emphasis on materiality.