Leather upholstery, though luxurious, is not animal-friendly yet other options including wool and specific cover fabrics may not be so “green” either. Regitze and Patrick Kerti have imagined a new and surprising alternative: bicycle inner tubes. Kerti Sofa is a chaise lounge that is wholly upholstered by the black, rubber tubes. The tubes are cut into strips, and then sewn together to form a larger fabric that is both sturdy and waterproof. This fabrication technique, in conjunction with the narrowness of each strip, generates a striated, variegated look to the upholstery. Repurposing the bicycle inner tubes effectively lengthens the usage life of a difficult-to-recycle material, and delivers a unique but familiar tactile experience. Of course, the variations in the source material make each Kerti Sofa one-of-a-kind. With its structure composed of reclaimed wooden floorboards, the custom-built piece remains entirely faithful to its message of environmental awareness. The sofa is modular in design, with generous seating area and a backrest flanking one side. The combination of the matte black upholstery atop the warm, earthy wood enhances the piece’s versatility, and makes it a fun addition to any living room arrangement. Other design projects by Kerti include its Patchwork Coffee Table and IO Shelves, both of which make use of reclaimed floorboards.
