Nuclée

核心

Sustainable mood lamps.

Nuclée was born from a meeting combining culture, know-how and experimental approach.

Settled near Hualien, on the east coast of Taiwan, the Kavalan aboriginal tribe is expert in the use of banana fiber : they make it their traditional clothing. We had the chance to meet them, to share their way of life and to learn from their elders the ancestral techniques of using this plant.

The banana tree is one of the most cultivated plants in the world. After each harvest of bananas bunches, the “trunks” must be cut to facilitate the growth of shoots. Thus, tons of banana trees are still waiting to be revalued.

Banana flesh, a considerable waste unexploited by the Kavalan, reveals a fascinating graphic in the light. By a particular refining technique, this plant tissue is stabilized in a color range from white to dark brown. This “new” material is sublimated here in walnut shapes, inspired by the banana tree structure.

Singulart Awards nomination (Paris, 2023)

Le French Design 100 winner (Paris, 2022)

One&twenty Finest Design shortlist (Frankfurt, 2022)

Green Product Award nomination (Berlin, 2021)

Best of Year Award winner (New York, 2020)

Project presented at "Materialized" (Milan Design Week, 2021), "Sustainability" (Paris Design Week, 2019) and "Métissage" exhibitions (Taiwan Craft Design Museum, 2019)