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Student Challenge Forbo Flooring x KADK

Creating a recyclable project with linoleum

  • Student Challengen cpp x KADK all products

The Student Challenge

Student Challenge Copenhagen: Forbo Flooring x KADK

Recently, Forbo Flooring Systems challenged students from the Royal Academy of Architecture in Copenhagen (KADK) to create a small interior product or piece of furniture using recyclable materials. The students were encouraged to incorporate Furniture Linoleum into their designs while ensuring practicality, versatility, and ease of mobility. The aim was to inspire sustainable solutions that would be useful in everyday life, with a maximum size restriction of 1 m3.

Student Challenge | Furniture linoleum
Student Challenge | the jury in Paustian | Forbo Flooring Systems

The evaluation

In total, eight talented students submitted their remarkable projects for evaluation. During the renowned 3daysofdesign event in Denmark, the projects were exhibited and evaluated by a jury comprised of Frantz Longhi, owner and Managing Director at Paustian House; renowned designer Hee Welling of Welling Studio; and senior designer Marijke Griffioen from the Forbo Flooring design team.

A celebratory event was organised in the showroom of Paustian, our partner in this student collaboration. In a panel presentation, the jury members discussed the eight contributions, highlighting the quality of the artefacts from various perspectives, including commercial value, design, and the use of linoleum. After that, a small ceremony was held to announce the three finalists.

The winning projects

The first prize was awarded to Jón for his 'Hoodie Lamp,' a unique lighting fixture that elegantly combined functionality and sustainability. Ulrikke secured the second prize for her innovative 'Multifunctional Stool,' which offered versatility and efficiency in compact living spaces. Jasper and Bruno received the third prize for their 'Puk,' a chair and stow-away furniture piece that cleverly combined practicality with a minimalist design aesthetic.

Discover all the students' projects in the tabs above.

First place: Hoodie Lamp by Jón | Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Forbo Flooring Systems

Jón

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Hoodie Lamp by Jon | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Hoodie Lamp by Jon | Forbo Flooring Systems

Hoodie Lamp

Jón is a promising young designer with roots in Iceland. For this Student Challenge, Jón contributed his 'Hoodie Lamp' in two colours of Furniture Linoleum—and won!

Jón: "This Student Challenge was a fantastic opportunity to get one of my projects out into the world. I was allowed to engage in dialogue with not only a highly qualified panel of judges but also a wide audience who passed by Paustian during the design festival."

Student Challenge KADK | Jón | Forbo Flooring Systems

Has this Student Challenge changed your view of linoleum as a material?

"It clearly has. Especially when it comes to durability. I am surprised at how few scratches are visible on Furniture Linoleum and how easily they disappear. While working, I scratched the surface with a knife to mark where I would later cut it. I found that it was quite difficult to find my mark again because the material heals itself. It was also a nice surprise that you can sand the surface, and then by applying a little beeswax, you can recall the original colour."

Do you plan on working with linoleum in the future?

"I would really like to. There are very few materials that can engage as many senses as linoleum can. It smells lovely, is nice to touch, and is available in some nice colours."


Project description

'Hoodie Lamp' is a portable LED lamp with an integrated tray at the bottom. Place it where you need it, and be sure that the Hoodie Lamp fits your belongings well. Regardless of whether it is your keys in the entrance hall, your clock by the bedside table, or random trinkets on the shelves. The light in the Hoodie Lamp is glare-free and dimmable.

Materials used:
Furniture Linoleum 4174 | conifer
Furniture Linoleum 4157 | pearl

The jury's assessment

"An original approach to designing a lamp. It looks balanced and contemporary. Multifunctional, also for storing small items. The product has strong commercial value, an easy-to-read design, and is well built with a push button integrated and hidden on top.

The Furniture Linoleum appears here almost like a skin. In this design, its tactile properties are emphasised. Nice to see colour variations."

Ulrikke

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Stool by Ulrikke | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Stool by Ulrikke | Forbo Flooring Systems

Stool / tray / table

Ulrikke sees Furniture Linoleum as a versatile material with possibilities of use for many purposes in the home. The furniture made of Douglas pine in combination with Furniture Linoleum serves several purposes: it can be a stool, a table for a child, or a tray.

Ulrike: "I am particularly interested in the fact that, despite its soft appearance, linoleum is actually so strong and can withstand so much. I wanted to explore that in my project."

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Ulrikke | Forbo Flooring Systems

Has this Student Challenge changed your view of linoleum as a material?

"Yes. It has created an understanding of the many possibilities that open up with linoleum. It is and can do a lot more than most people know."

Do you plan on working with linoleum in the future?

"I will definitely take my knowledge of linoleum and its properties with me further in my work. It is in many ways great material to work with."

Project description

At the centre of this piece of furniture is the interplay between linoleum and wood, as well as the additional detail that an extra seat cushion can be added when the piece of furniture serves as a stool. The cushion must support a contrast in the materials used.

Materials used:
Furniture Linoleum 4183 | pistachio

The jury's assessment

"Though this contribution is less innovative, it showcases a well-considered choice of wood in comparison to Furniture Linoleum. It effectively strikes a harmonious balance between the natural grain patterns of the wood and the soft texture of Furniture Linoleum. The design presented here is straightforward and uncomplicated, with several thoughtful additions that help to refine the furniture's identity."

Jasper & Bruno

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | PUK by Kasper & Bruno | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge KADK Denmark | PUK by Kasper & Bruno | Forbo Flooring Systems

PUK

An effortless combination of form and function, thus demonstrating the versatility of Furniture Linoleum as a material. That was the final goal of the designer duo behind the 'Puk' stool, Jasper and Bruno. The fully assembled chair forms a robust seating area with a seat that can be flipped out with a textile hinge.

Bruno: "The Students' Challenge has given us the opportunity to work on an actual project at school, while completing our internship. At the same time, it has been exciting to test the wings on a technically challenging task. We believe we have achieved a good result."

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Jasper & Bruno | Forbo Flooring Systems

Has this Student Challenge changed your view of linoleum as a material?

"We had a very modest knowledge of linoleum beforehand. What we know now, we have learned through trial and error. We have found that linoleum is both robust and vulnerable, depending on how you treat it. Our result is a stool with great strength and flexibility, with the possibility of storage. It is actually quite impressive for a material that is otherwise mostly used for tabletops."

Do you plan on working with linoleum in the future?

"The possibilities are great. But this assumes that the manufacturers are ready to use linoleum for something other than table tops and floors. We have already talked about many projects we would like to do in linoleum that are less challenging than 'Puk'. Linoleum has great potential if you know how to use it."

Project description

A piece of furniture that serves both for storage as a box and for a sitting break as a stool. Furniture as a material is used to the maximum, only supplemented by a few accessories. 'Puk' uses Furniture Linoleum, also as a supporting structure. Seams are in organic and degradable yarns.

Material used:
Furniture Linoleum 4174 | conifer

The jury's assessment

"The project breaks new ground with the use of sewing, which can, however, possibly constitute a complex process. Sewing can be explored as an alternative to traditional assembly. The decorative effect of the stitching is significant, with a friendly and humanistic expression.

The craftsmanship presents Furniture Linoleum as a material of high quality and value, with a clear reference to leather. The project is technically well executed."

Simoneé

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Moulded Chair by Simoneé | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Moulded Chair by Simoneé | Forbo Flooring Systems

Moulded Chair

Simoneé's goal was to explore linoleum as a material for a piece of furniture without using glue for assembly. The aim was to preserve the material intact in its natural form for immediate reuse. Moulded Chair is therefore also designed so that the parts of the chair can be quickly separated for easy transport.

Moulded Chair is made with Forbo Bulletin Board and utilises the material's ability to follow the curved shape.

Simoneé: "The Student Challenge has created an opportunity to investigate and explore a new material with its qualities and limitations. I particularly enjoy when a dogma is established, as in this case, the use of linoleum, as such a dogma also creates a significant challenge and opens up new possibilities."



Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Simoneé | Forbo Flooring Systems

Has this Student Challenge changed your view of linoleum as a material?

"The Student Challenge has been a supporting element for the exposure of linoleum and has therefore also given me a greater insight into the material."

Do you plan on working with linoleum in the future?

"After acquiring knowledge of the material, not only about its production but also its physical capabilities, I have developed a fondness for linoleum. My design language was based on the warm, supple, and flexible structure of linoleum, which in its entirety creates its own expression. Therefore, there is a high probability that I will end up using linoleum again in new contexts."



Student Challenge KAD Denmark | Simonee | Forbo Flooring Systems

Project description

Respecting the strengths and limitations of Forbo Flooring's Bulletin Board, the chair's design exhibits a flexible and organic form. The surface has a soft, warm, and pliable character that reminds us of clothing. The result is an optimal utilisation of the material's flexibility.

Material used:
Bulletin Board 2182 | potato skin

Maria

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Dressed in Linoleum by Maria | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Dressed in Linoleum by Maria | Forbo Flooring Systems

Dressed in Linoleum

The stool 'Dressed in linoleum' will show how linoleum can be used as a splash of colour in a small piece of furniture. The use of linoleum as a new surface changes the entire expression of the stool, as it goes from wood to the soft and deep linoleum texture.

Maria: "The collaboration with Forbo Flooring has been really good. The opportunity to exhibit during 3daysofdesign has also been of great importance to me. It is an honour to exhibit in Paustian and an occasion to come into contact with a relevant market."

Student Challenge CpH Maria Holmegaard Hansen

Has this Student Challenge changed your view of linoleum as a material?

"Yes. My view of linoleum has definitely changed. The Student Challenge has been an eye-opener. I have, among other things, tested laser cutting and milling in linoleum, and the material can withstand a lot and almost calls to be manipulated and challenged."

Do you plan on working with linoleum in the future?

"I will try to use Furniture Linoleum in future projects where I need a material that can be shaped and bent. Because Furniture Linoleum almost demands that you want to work with it, so this is not the last time I create designs based on linoleum!"

Student Challenge cph Marie Holmeggard Hansen product 3

Project description

The stool shows how linoleum, like a textile, can be used as a 'cover' with a colourful expression on a small piece of furniture. The use of linoleum as a new surface changes the entire expression of the stool, as it goes from wood to the soft and deep linoleum texture.

Material used:
Furniture Linoleum 4183 | pistachio

Andreas & René

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Twist by Andreas & Rene | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Twist by Andreas & Rene | Forbo Flooring Systems

Twist

Twist examines the strength of Furniture Linoleum as a stand-alone material. The furniture is easy to take apart and quickly put back together. With its construction, the chair has the strength and stability to be included as a functional piece of furniture in everyday life.

Andreas and René: "It was great to know that the furniture got a life right away. It has been a good motivator throughout the process. And then it was exciting to see all the other projects and solutions."

Student Challenge Cph Andreas Rønne & René bloch

Has this Student Challenge changed your view of linoleum as a material?

"It has been super fun to challenge a material we have not worked with before. We knew it mostly as a surface material, which is why we think it was interesting to also try to use it as a supporting material."

Do you plan on working with linoleum in the future?

"After working with linoleum in this competition and gaining a greater knowledge of its qualities, linoleum will naturally also be in our minds when we have to choose materials for various projects in the future."

Student Challenge Cph Twist by Andreas Rønne & René Bloch

Project description

The conical shape is made of two flat, double-layered pieces of linoleum sewn together and held in place by the seat, base, and tension. The shape, together with the properties of the linoleum, provides sufficient strength and stability for a fully functional seating area.

It is possible to renew a single part if necessary and reuse the broken one, as most parts are held together by a string. Furthermore, when flat-packed, it requires minimal space in transport, which minimises the environmental impact.

Materials used:
Furniture Linoleum 4174 | conifer
Furniture Linoleum 4183 | pistachio

Christian

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Roll Up by Christian | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Roll Up by Christian | Forbo Flooring Systems

Roll Up

The 'Roll Up' table got its name because it can not only be 'rolled' out of a flat package, but is also part of a circular process; all materials can be separated and recycled. The mindset guides the design of the future and the dependence on being able to reuse and recycle.

Christian: "It has been both an educational and exciting experience to make a small piece of furniture in linoleum."

Student Challenge Cph Christian Hansen

Has this Student Challenge changed your view of linoleum as a material?

"Yes! There is great potential for the development of new products when the linoleum is flexible and has a surface like leather. It can be used both constructively and as soft-touch surfaces."

Do you plan on working with linoleum in the future?

"My project 'Roll Up' has given a look at how you can use the softness of linoleum to create soft surfaces. I would like to investigate this even more in the future in new projects."


Student Challenge Cph roll up 3Christian Hansen

Project description

Roll Up is a small side table that utilises the natural flexibility and bending ability of Furniture Linoleum. The collection is made with rivets. The furniture consists entirely of Furniture Linoleum and steel rivets; it can be rolled out and in for flat packing and shipping. The top can be removed and used as a tray.

Materials used:
Furniture Linoleum 4177 | vapor
Furniture Linoleum 4184 | olive

Kasper

Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Multi-functional stool by Kasper | Forbo Flooring Systems
Student Challenge KADK Denmark | Multi-functional stool by Kasper | Forbo Flooring Systems

Multi-functional stool

With his solution, Kasper aims to turn his multi-functional chair into a collection set. Pin joints and magnets open up optimal flexibility with multiple seating heights and the possibility of use as both a table and a bench. The removable seat can be used as a table or tray and is covered with Furniture on both sides. It is the chair to read on or, for children, to play on.

Kasper: "It has been exciting and very inspiring to participate in the Student Challenge. It has been my first participation in a competition aimed at furniture and interior design, so it has been a great challenge."

Student Challenge Kasper Blohm portræt

Has this Student Challenge changed your view of linoleum as a material?

"I have been surprised by the potential of linoleum in terms of strength. When several layers of linoleum are glued together, great rigidity and strength can be achieved. My linoleum wedges, for example, hold the entire construction of my stool together. That it achieved comparable strength to a traditional wooden wedge was a pleasant surprise!"

Do you plan on working with linoleum in the future?

"I will definitely continue to work with Furniture Linoleum. I have actually considered whether the entire stool could be constructed from linoleum, as in sheets of laminated Furniture Linoleum, instead of plywood."

Student Challenge cph Kasper Blohm

Project description

The chair is made as a kit from plywood. Pin joints throughout the construction mean that brackets and glue are avoided. The body is held together by two laminated Furniture Linoleum wedges, which lock the tenons in the extruded holes on the sides and thus secure the construction. All components can be individually replaced, reused, or recycled. The chair can easily be made of wood instead of plywood to avoid the plywood's glue.

Material used:
Furniture Linoleum 4154 | burgundy