Sustainable children's furniture design
BEAR OTTOMAN
Toy Box and Seat
The Bear Ottoman is a children’s seat with the added function of toy storage. Crafted from sustainably recycled plastics, it is engineered for a single-piece rotational molding process to reduce waste and energy consumption. Its playful form doubles as a storytelling element, highlighting the endangered polar bear to promote environmental awareness and sustainable action. The design draws inspiration from ecoBirdy’s furniture line, which shares a similar commitment to circular design principles.
Sustainable Efforts
I considered the entire lifecycle of the Bear Ottoman to ensure it met sustainable design goals. The product is intended to be made from recycled toys, which are shaved down and remelted into plastic before undergoing a single-piece rotational molding process. The molded form is then CNC-cut into two pieces, with openings created for the bear’s nose and additional handles on the base. Maximizing functionality while minimizing waste.
DFM, Manufacturing Method
Rotational molding
-
The ottoman begins as a single-piece form made through rotational molding using a three-part mold.
-
The hollow nature of rotational molding creates an internal cavity, which will later serve as the storage compartment.
CNC cutting and trimming
-
The molded piece is cut in half using CNC machining.
-
The rims of the two parts are precisely trimmed to ensure a clean fit between the top (lid) and bottom (storage base).
-
Additional openings are CNC-cut to form the bear’s nose and handles on the base for easier lifting and carrying.
Final Assembly
-
The hollow interior from the rotational molding process naturally becomes the storage space inside the ottoman.
-
The result is an efficient manufacturing method that minimizes waste and energy usage while integrating all functional and aesthetic details directly into the molded form.
Design Process
