union 18
Union18 is a design studio founded by the husband and wife team of Todd and Meg van der Kruik. Their focus is on creating sustainable art and interior products through the reuse of discarded and renewable source material. Sadly, up to 800 million square yards of carpet are added to landfills every year. They require 20,000 BTU of energy per pound to produce and will lay in waste for 50,000 years. The revolutionary design of "RAW" is a leap towards change. Each carpet remnant is carefully chosen and pieced together, allowing the varying colors and textures to find a visual rhythm of their own. In some ways they remind one of Tibetan rugs with their quiet, hand¬made elegance. No two will ever be exactly alike, as each element must be found rather than created. Through "RAW" they have found a way to sustain the longevity of that virgin material, conserving energy and protecting the environment in an innovative way.