BAST
"Create a new material from a waste or bio-based source"
Bast is a stool made out of banana stalk bast fiber and corn starch bio plastic. Bast gives a second life to bio-based waste products and draws inspiration from nature, featuring multiple expressions of the same material, from the base of the stool to the cushion.
Developing raw banana bast fiber + cornstarch bioplastic into a biodegradable composite
After initially researching waste sources and existing solutions, Banex, a start-up in Portland developing fiber from banana plant stalks into textiles, was intriguing. After reaching out, they gave me some raw bast fiber to experiment with.
To bind the banana fiber into a composite, it was important not to hinder the fiber's ability to decompose. After many trials, a cornstarch-based bioplastic proved to be the most effective.
Banana bast fiber comes from banana plant stalks which are usually left to rot or burned after harvest. One billion tons of banana plant stems are discarded annually. I wanted to find a way to leverage this material's strengths and use this bio-based source to its fullest potential
Material experimentation, documentation, and process refinement
A final material recipe was found through extensive testing of ratios, materials, and processes. The material was tested in multiple different expressions including composites, felting, and braiding.
Design process - integrating the unique properties of this newly developed material into a design that maximizes its inherent strengths and characteristics
During the process of designing the stool, considerations were taken regarding the inherent characteristics of the material to accommodate the natural imperfections and texture of the composite. The design draws inspiration from nature, featuring soft curves and rounded edges to complement the material qualities and evoke a narrative between the end product and the material's origin.
