Sand Cast Bench

Introduction

This commissioned research project aims to develop a system for creating bespoke, recyclable street furniture that embodies and reflects a desert landscape. The design repurposes construction waste aluminium, enabling 100% recyclability through a waste-free mould-making process. The goal is to establish an adaptable, easily replicable local fabrication method that leverages regional resources, promoting sustainable craft and fabrication while producing unique, aesthetically striking pieces.

Utilising the abundant sand from the site, the project proposes casting aluminium directly into a negative mould carved into the sand, shaped as desired—in this case, an irregular ring. The top surface is polished to form an elegant, shimmering piece of “liquid” furniture that rises from the ground, with the sand’s texture imprinted along the sides of the metaL