Lena Heinrich

The project begins with the straw bundle, drawing on traditional thatching techniques to explore its structural capacity when worked collectively rather than as individual fibres. Overlooked elements such as the basal ends and nodes are placed at the centre of the work, revealing both structural strength – where approximately 2,500 fibres safely carry a person’s weight – and beautiful natural material patterning. The restrained pine seat references vernacular farmhouse furniture where decades of use have worn and bent the wood into subtle curves. Using only rye straw, pine wood and fish glue in the making, it is completely compostable.

The work reflects on honest making, material responsibility, and how traditional craft knowledge can inform contemporary, responsible design.