Toward a Circular Future: Autex Acoustics® x Jeremy Evison: Reformed Objects

Product and colour

We set out to push the boundaries of circular products like ReForm™, exploring new possibilities by reimagining them into distinct standalone objects and forms.

Autex Acoustics® x Jeremy Evison: Reformed Objects

Collaborating with Jeremy Evison, we developed six unique pieces that reflect a harmonious blend of Jeremy’s expertise in product and furniture design, seamlessly balancing material innovation and sculptural aesthetics.

Jeremy is an established local designer engaging in projects that span product, furniture, exhibition and spatial design. Jeremy collaborates with companies, brands, and individuals to create meaningful experiences through thoughtfully designed products and environments. His studio is dedicated to fostering positive and sustainable contributions to the wider design landscape.

Rethinking Waste: Turning Challenges into Opportunities in New Zealand’s Building Industry

In New Zealand, up to 50% of landfill waste comes from the construction and demolition sectors, significantly contributing to climate change through the production of greenhouse gases. This underscores the urgent need for the building industry to rethink its approach to waste. Beyond reducing waste, there’s a growing emphasis on considering what happens to products and materials at the end of their life cycles. Traditionally, discarded products are treated as waste, but forward-thinking companies like Autex Acoustics and local furniture designer Jeremy Evison view this as an opportunity to reclaim and recycle materials.

Autex Acoustics has embraced this challenge by developing ReForm, a circular product created from reclaimed textile material, including PET from manufacturing offcuts and end-of-life Autex products. Similarly, Jeremy Evison integrates sustainable practices into his designs and the materials he uses. These innovations demonstrate how building and furniture materials can have multiple life cycles, reducing waste and reintroducing valuable resources into the economy.

What Does the Collaboration Process Look Like?

1. Ideation

We started by walking through the material possibilities with Jeremy and brainstorming some possible manufacturing techniques we could utilise.

2. Contextual exploration

Jeremy began by sketching and modelling rough concepts for each of the six objects. We tested and experimented with the material by creating small-scale prototypes to explore how the material behaved in different forms.

3. Iterative design development

We refined the designs of the objects and tested different manufacturing techniques to determine which methods best aligned with the material properties and Jeremy’s design goals. Then we developed full-scale prototypes.

4. Final objects

The final designs showcase ReForm’s versatile and unique properties as a material and Jeremy Evison’s ability to bring concepts to life through elegant sculpting.

Collective Action for a Greener Future

Autex Acoustic’s design philosophy is a reminder that positive change in the construction industry can be achieved when designers, builders, and manufacturers work together to reduce waste and embrace innovation. By thinking beyond the traditional lifecycle of a product and considering what it was yesterday and what it might become tomorrow, Autex’s practice is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future in New Zealand’s built environment.

In the face of an overwhelming waste problem, Autex sees an opportunity. Working with designers like Jeremy Evison challenges the system, creating a model of what the future of sustainable design can be.

Keep an eye out for our interview with Jeremy Evison to learn more about this sustainably driven collaboration.

Products

Documents

View Download