Tsuyoshi Hayashi’s Roof Tile Chairs

Japanese roof tiles are fired at more than 1200 degrees Celsius, making them harder than most European ceramics. Yet, they are often chipped in the process, and more than 65,000 damaged tiles are thrown into landfills each year. Most of the cracked tiles are still functional, however, when applied to a different use. Repurposing roof tiles as the seats of chairs, designer Tsuyoshi Hayashi cut away the chipped parts and fixed the newly polished tiles inside wooden frames. The gentle slope of the tiles invites one to sit, and, while the seats may appear small, each supports up to 120 kilograms (or 265 pounds) of weight. Made in a variety of colors, just like the roof tiles found in landfills, the chairs range from earthy to bright in hue and can be used as freestanding seats or mosaic benches.