
Studio newtab-22
Born: 1990
Hometown: Seoul
Based in: Seoul & London
Born: 1990
Hometown: Seoul
Based in: Seoul & London
Hyein Choi and Jihee Moon are Studio newtab-22, a designer duo based in Seoul and London, started from Royal College of Art 2019.
We are interested in natural, new or overlooked materials. We seek the beneficial and intriguing properties of the materials, trying to bring them into modern life with our design. We aim to critically bring sustainability into society with the outcome of our work.
We suggest the possibilities for today and tomorrow, facilitating innovative experiments while following the aesthetically pleasing aspect of natural itself.
We collect discarded seashells from seafood industries, and then shells are processed, ground and mixed with various natural binders to become 'Sea Stone'. We intend to integrate Sea Stone to the connection from the debris state to the beautiful home interior objects so that you can see the discarded shells had done their long journey. Each piece is handmade and unique.
What inspires you?
We are interested in natural, new or overlooked materials. We seek the beneficial and intriguing properties of the materials, trying to bring them into modern life with our design.
Describe your creative process.
Every year, 7 million tons of seashells are discarded by the seafood industry and aquaculture. We see the shells are materials with high potential, which consist of over 90% calcium carbonate, containing similar to the one of what calcium carbonate in the limestone contains and seen as a valuable biomaterial. Project ‘Sea Stone’ proposes the use of discarded seashells to create environmentally and economically sustainable material. The method is currently carried out manually to avoid the use of heat, electricity and chemical treatments and ensure the process is as sustainable and affordable as possible.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Innovative, Sustainable, Natural beauty.
3 Collections
Design Collectibles to Spruce Up Your Home Office
45 Artists, 49 Products
Last updated: November 15, 2021
Awards
Dezeen Awards Longlisted, Sustainable Design
2020
Material Preis of Raumprobe
2020
Green Product Award
2020
Exhibitions
Dezeen x Ventura Future
United Kingdom, 2020
Architect@Work
United Kingdom, 2020
Dutch Design Week
Netherlands, 2019
Potential Fair
Austria, 2019
Milan Design Week
Italy, 2019
Interzum Fair
Germany, 2019
Venice Design Week
Italy, 2019
London Design Festival
United Kingdom, 2019
Milan Design Week
Italy, 2018