Multifunctional Furniture for Tiny Houses–Design, Quality, Innovation and Sustainability in Advanced Materials

M. J. Félix (), G. Santos, J. C. Sá, S. Dias and M. Saraiva ()
Additional contact information
M. J. Félix: Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Design School
G. Santos: Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Design School
J. C. Sá: Enginering School, Polytechnic of Porto
S. Dias: Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Design School
M. Saraiva: Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Design School

A chapter in Quality Innovation and Sustainability, 2023, pp 309-321 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the innovative and most recent composite technology, developed by the R&D Wood Based Products Technology Group. The technology uses a combination of wild thistle (Cynara cardunculus) particles and polyurethane foam, proposed for the conception of lighter and mechanically resistant furniture, which competes with other existing materials on the market and is used in the construction of several types of furniture. Many studies point out that tiny houses are a sensible and innovative way of increasing urban density and improving affordability. The main goal of this work is the contribution of knowledge based on the demonstration and application of more conscious choices by design professionals, on the selection of advanced materials, and on the design and development of a multifunctional furniture line that is sustainable and lightweight in the concept of circular economy. In the methodology, a theoretical argumentation was carried out, supported by bibliographical analysis, where the answer to the development of new innovative products was studied, which fits in with the trends and desires of our society, the research methodologies guide the project and use methods that clarify its application. The result was the development of a line of multifunctional furniture based on an innovative material that offers greater lightness in the components, demonstrating it to be a viable and beneficial alternative for design projects, opening the way for future designers to be more aware of their choices regarding the materials used in furniture projects. In conclusion, it was intended to demonstrate the profound challenges of achieving a successful and sustainable consumer transition and it is hoped that the project will culminate in the design and development strategies of sustainable and lighter multifunctional furniture products carried out in partnership with industry and in line with the expectations of all those involved in this process.

Keywords: Multifunctional Furniture; Advanced Materials; Tiny Houses; Sustainability; Significant Experiences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-031-12914-8_24

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783031129148

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12914-8_24

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().