HEMPLA: 3D printed meditation furniture

Sustainability is at the forefront of HEMPLA and hemp fibre is the unifying thread that binds together Sofia Hagen and Studio Marmi’s collaborative vision. HEMPLA consists of a handmade hemp and wool rug, and a selection of seats: HEMPLA I in 3D printed hemp and sugar – and HEMPLA II in 3D printed sugar and integrated lighting by Studio Waldemeyer, programmed in line with the user’s circadian rhythm. HEMPLA seamlessly blends digital and traditional artistry while symbolizing interconnectedness with nature and is structured around the Zen garden principles: simplicity, harmony, tranquillity.

Following a 2year R&D process, each material has been carefully selected for its durability and minimal environmental footprint, reflecting our dedication to mindful design. Hemp fibre was chosen because of its low impact on the environment. Hemp, a rapidly renewable resource, serves as the foundation for HEMPLA, boasting exceptional CO2-to-biomass conversion rates. Its resilience against ultraviolet light and mold ensures longevity, aligning with the ethos of durability. Incorporating sugarcane fiber into furniture design helps minimize waste by repurposing agricultural by-products. This aligns with circular economy principles, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, maximizing their value and minimizing waste generation. To produce the meditation bench, organic hemp has been turned into 3D printing pellets bound with bio-PLA from fermented sugar cane. 3D printing is one of the most energy efficient fabrication methods, creating zero waste as no formwork or additional structures are needed. The rug is handwoven HEMPLA with un-dyed recycled hemp fibers and natural Turkish wool by artisans in Usak, Turkiye.

By prioritizing zero-waste principles, HEMPLA acknowledges the importance of minimizing environmental impact.

This holistic design philosophy not only benefits the environment but also enhances the user experience. The Hempla seat is designed to support the natural curvature of the spine, helping users maintain proper posture without strain. The seat design has been refined through multiple iterations and has been tested to gather feedback from people with a wide range of body types for creating a seat wide and deep enough to comfortably support users regardless of height.

Hempla aesthetics is inspired by zen shapes and focuses on simplicity, balance and mindfulness. Its minimalistic and neutral design, along with its usage of natural materials strives to evoke a sense of calm and tranquillity, reducing cognitive load while promoting emotional well-being.

Dimensions & Weight:
Seat: 65cm x 30cm x 30/35cm; 25.6” x 11.8” x 11.8/13”; 22lbs
Rug: 80cm x 80cm; 31.5” x 31.5”; 2.2lbs

Materials:
HEMPLA I: 3D printed hemp seat & handwoven hemp and wool rug
HEMPLA II: 3D printed sugar seat & handwoven hemp and wool rug
*Note: HEMPLA II possible with integrated lighting

• HEMPLA is designed by Sofia Hagen (London) and Studio Marmi (Los Angeles, Istanbul)
• HEMPLA is fully sustainable : combining 3d printed hemp and sugar with hand woven hemp and wool
• HEMPLA is available with additional programmed lighting by Studio Waldemeyer (London)
• Photography: Sirin Aysan
• Social tags are #hempla #studiomarmi #sofiahagen

Sofia Hagen leads an award-winning creative practice working at the intersection of art, design and tech to create 3D-printed sculptural products and installations. The practice has built a reputation for blending high-end design with cutting-edge technology and advanced biomaterial research. Prior to launching her own studio, Sofia Hagen was co-founder of HagenHinderdael, a practice that received critical attention for its use of cutting-edge technology and advanced material research to create high-end design products. She led the creative conception and design development of the practice’s 3D-printed products and installations, working closely with digital fabrication specialists and material scientists globally.

A highly versatile practitioner with keen business acumen, she worked from product design to interior and large-scale architectural developments at some of the leading names in the industry, including Zaha Hadid Architects, Heatherwick Studios, Design Haus Liberty, Acme Space, David Collins Studio, Bompas and Parr, and Make.

Austrian-Polish, Sofia trained in architectural design under the aegis of Zaha Hadid at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, where she graduated with a Masters in Architecture in 2008, followed by a traineeship as interior designer at Odile Decq Architects, Paris.

Founded by Asli Smith & Sirin Aysan through a mutual love and appreciation of individually crafted and handwoven rugs, the Marmi brand was born out of the founders’ desire to work with artisans in their native land, Turkey and to create unique collections that expressed rug design as an art form.

Asli Smith is an artist and multi-disciplinary designer based in New York. Her textile work, informed by traditional Anatolian textile and weaving techniques, seeks to create contemporary poetic expressions inspired by the myths, art and history of the cultures of Asia Minor. Her woven paintings were on view at the 5th Istanbul Design Biennial as part of the New Civic Rituals Section in 2020. Kozmos Rug Collection, which she designed for Atlas Harran, was selected as winner of Floor Coverings Category of the Edida Awards (2021) by Elle Decoration.

Sirin Aysan is a documentary filmmaker and creative executive based in Los Angeles. She’s is the entrepreneur and business woman behind Studio Marmi with her fascination of traditional crafts and love of textiles.

Studio Waldemeyer is an international creative studio run by Moritz Waldemeyer and Nazanin Farahbod. Their work occupies a diverse range of creative spaces, from art and product design through to fashion and entertainment.

In 2004 the studio made its debut into the design world with an interactive chandelier for Swarovski and Ron Arad. Following their early collaborative work for the likes of Ingo Maurer and Zaha Hadid, the studio soon established itself as a creative force. After their first gallery exhibitions in 2006 and 2007, they participated in MoMA’s Design & the Elastic Mind exhibition in 2008. In 2013 their lighting product ‘My New Flame’ was unveiled as part of MoMA’s permanent collection.

Studio Waldemeyer, founded in 2004, was built on a philosophy of playful experimentation by forging links between technology, art, fashion and design. This approach has resulted in a number of bespoke installations for clients such as Audi, Rinascente and Bicester Village, as well as light-studded costumes for the likes of U2, Rihanna, Jamiroquai and the London Olympics Handover Ceremony.

In 2019 the studio joined the Bentley design team to illuminate the EXP100GT in celebration of the brand’s 100 years anniversary. Moritz and Nazanin act as head creatives in the studio’s projects, crafting their signature aesthetic into each piece.