The Opentap project

An open-source laboratory in Colombia aims to create a platform for the creation and sale of low-cost furniture.

Dosuno Design are behind the ambitious new Opentap project, an opensource laboratory in Colombia dedicated to the development of sustainable furniture.

The aim of the project is to offer a platform for people with limited financial resources to not only buy furniture of high quality at low cost, but also to be able to make their own. Dosuno want to "give back" to the community by pushing forward furniture development, whilst establishing it as an open forum which they claim no ownership to, striving to make the project as accessible as possible even down to the availability world-wide of the materials and tools required to manufacture the products.

In order to secure this easy access, not only will the project focus around using locally source-able materials and simple mechanical processes, but will also ensure highly efficient solutions that can last a lifetime and be reutilised and modified indefinitely. The key material in achieving these goals is a somewhat unexpected one, in the form of galvanised piping, which lasts around 70 years under regular conditions (exposed to water, heat and pressure) so will easily stand the test of time as the frame of domestic furniture. As a standard construction material all over the world, it is already widely available through an established distribution network with its standardisation ensuring quality, compatibility and low cost.

The meagre amount of piping required to construct a single piece of furniture only serves to lower the unitary production cost further, a rare case as the opposite usually applies, but one that will still allow room for further reductions in cost in the case of larger scale productions, potentially offering "extreme affordability". On top of this, the longevity, quality, structural capabilities and recyclability of the product ensure a minimal environmental impact with Dosuno setting out to use no glues or adhesives in the production process.
Dosuno Design, <em>the Opentap project</em>,  ET01 bookshelf
Dosuno Design, the Opentap project, ET01 bookshelf
Dosuno have created a table (the MT 01), a bookshelf (the ET 01) and a chair (the ST 03), to outline some of the possibilities that the project's manifesto allows, with the MT 01 assembled without screws or adhesives due the angled cuts in the surface and the 45 degree angle of the legs. The structure of the table also gives a very definite aesthetic identity while the solution of the 45 degree fitting at the bottom allows for an easy conversion of height that allows the easy transition from coffee table to dining table.
Dosuno Design, <em>the Opentap project</em>,  MT01 table
Dosuno Design, the Opentap project, MT01 table
The ET 01 shelf model is easily scalable in all directions for an easy adaptation to multiple needs and spaces due to its symmetrical design and construction method. The perforations in the pipes allow the relocation of the shelves themselves. Since the system is kept up by weight and friction while leaning against a wall, it requires no complex or permanent installation allowing for easy furniture relocation.
Dosuno Design, <em>the Opentap project</em>,  ST03 chair
Dosuno Design, the Opentap project, ST03 chair
The ST 03 chair model is based on a popular weaving technique widely used in most regions of Colombia and thus, its construction requires no technical skills or specialized tools. This solution also generates a multitude of customisation options (due to the existence of an ample colour catalogue in the woven materials) that could suit the personal tastes of users.
Dosuno Design, <em>the Opentap project</em>,  detail of the tube joint
Dosuno Design, the Opentap project, detail of the tube joint

Latest on News

Latest on Domus

China Germany India Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Sri Lanka Korea icon-camera close icon-comments icon-down-sm icon-download icon-facebook icon-heart icon-heart icon-next-sm icon-next icon-pinterest icon-play icon-plus icon-prev-sm icon-prev Search icon-twitter icon-views icon-instagram