What the Flax is a material research project that explores the potential of inflating flax composites into shape using sustainable materials and binders. By creating a biobased composite, which can be sewn, hung, and blown up, tailor-made solutions become feasible, offering strength and stability dependent on shape and cross sections. Unlike traditional methods, this technique avoids the need for expensive moulds and non-recyclable binders.

Inspired by the memory of an elderly mountain farmer who used flax for nearly everything, the project challenges conventional textiles, aiming for a new aesthetic marked by confusion and innovation. 

Additionally, it seeks to reconnect the material with the soil and its farmers, demonstrating new possibilities for flax cultivation in the Alpine region, where it has not been economically viable for many years.

2024
Location: Alps region
Supervision: Karola Dierichs, Lucy Norris

Material: Flax, protein binder

Project developed at KHB as Master thesis.

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