Stone Waste is Bliss Ceramic Tiles

Stone Waste is Bliss Ceramic Tiles

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/u5i1737u51mjmwf5qjsbv/stone-waste-is-bliss_agne-kucerenkaite.mov?rlkey=zizo2w7iaonu7o7zb3cmnl86c&st=0wj53rhc&dl=0

The natural stone industry, as exemplified by the Lithuanian company Akmenstata, generates a substantial amount of waste (approximately 8m3 per month) in the form of edges, offcuts, and small pieces. While a portion is used for road fillers, the majority, deemed non-toxic, has the potential to be upcycled. Designer Agne Kucerenkaite, collaborating with Akmenstata, combines stone with ceramics, exploring innovative ways to connect them without traditional adhesives. This playful project not only considers the inherent properties of each stone, including chemical analysis and melting points, but also aims to transform waste into an eco-friendly surface collection.
The project's investigations reveal quartzite's and limestone's capacity to substitute conventional silica, and travertine's potential to replace calcium carbonate in ceramic glazes. Consequently, the project aims to recognize the stone post-firing by embedding it within ceramics. Granite and quartzite have demonstrated resilience in retaining their structure and form even under high temperatures. Of particular intrigue is granite, enriched with iron, its hue determining its content. Iron, a recognized ceramic colorant, can reduce the melting point in ceramics when present in higher concentrations. The outcome manifests as a scalable surface tile collection enhanced with quartzite and granite inclusions. Black granite undergoes a fascinating transformation in ceramics, forming intricate flower-shaped structures.

The Stone Waste is Bliss project originated from a mutual commitment to sustainability and efficient resource utilisation. Through methodical research, hands-on experimentation, and a comprehensive approach, the aim is to bridge the gap between discarded materials and functional, aesthetically pleasing pieces. The use of natural stone in interiors has a long and rich history. Stone has served as a building material for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilisations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Today, the use of natural stone in interiors continues to be popular, with a wide range of options available. Natural stone is valued for its durability, timeless appeal, and the unique character it can bring to a space. In the context of Stone Waste is Bliss, preserving historical significance within a modern framework holds great importance. The concept finds its foundation in the combination of practical craftsmanship, a commitment to environmental responsibility, and a vision to advance the principles of circular design. The project aims to set an example for other industries, advocating for healthier materials, reduced waste, and a more sustainable built environment.

For the Planet, the Stone Waste is Bliss project promotes resource conservation and waste reduction by repurposing granite and quartzite waste from the stone industry. This innovative use of by-products minimizes the need for harmful metal oxides, such as cobalt and chromium, commonly used in ceramics. By avoiding the extraction of these materials, the project significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with mining, including habitat destruction and soil erosion. Furthermore, by substituting conventional glaze materials with stone-derived alternatives, such as quartzite for silica and travertine for calcium carbonate, the project lowers the demand for virgin resources and reduces energy consumption in production, ultimately contributing to lower carbon emissions and a reduced ecological footprint.
For People, the Stone Waste is Bliss elevates the role of craftsmanship and supports local economies by collaborating with a Portuguese factory that has a rich tradition in handmade tile production. This partnership preserves artisanal skills and provides employment, ensuring that traditional knowledge is not lost in the face of industrialization. Additionally, the project’s focus on using non-toxic materials ensures that both workers and end-users are not exposed to harmful chemicals, creating a healthier working environment and safer products for consumers. This human-centric approach aligns with the broader goal of promoting social sustainability through responsible production.
For Profit, the project demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. By transforming waste into a valuable resource, Stone Waste is Bliss offers a cost-effective alternative to sourcing new materials, reducing raw material costs. The project is scaling beyond the prototype phase, proving that sustainable design is not just viable, but also economically feasible at an industrial level. The project’s aesthetic appeal and eco-friendly nature position it as a competitive, marketable product, attracting consumers and setting a new standard for sustainable ceramics in the industry. Initial prototypes have already been showcased at several exhibitions to assess interest from architects and interior designers. The feedback confirmed that the product is both unique and highly appealing, with many expressing interest in incorporating it into future interior projects.

#material #waste #ceramics

https://ignorance-bliss.com/about

https://www.instagram.com/makewastematter/

The Stone Waste is Bliss project redefines ceramic surface design by incorporating granite and quartzite inclusions directly into the clay body, minimizing the need for harmful metal-based pigments. Metal oxides like cobalt and chromium, often used to color ceramics, are not only toxic but also extracted through environmentally damaging mining processes. In contrast, the use of stone inclusions not only reduces the environmental impact but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, as granite inclusions undergo a natural crystallization process during firing, resulting in elegant, flower-like patterns. This discovery, the outcome of extensive experimentation, transforms industrial stone waste into a primary decorative element, significantly reducing the reliance on conventional colorants.
To achieve these results, natural firing clays, such as stoneware and porcelain, along with naturally colored clays like terracotta, are used. The stone pieces are embedded in the clay body itself, and a basic, transparent glaze—free of added pigments—preserves the material’s natural beauty. This minimalist approach reduces the use of raw materials while still offering a visually striking finish. Importantly, although natural stone is not a renewable resource, this process maximizes its lifespan by transforming waste into something functional and timeless.
Beyond aesthetics, the project advances industrial practices by finding alternatives to conventional glaze components. Substituting stone waste like quartzite for silica and travertine for calcium carbonate in ceramic glazes reduces dependency on nature resources. The project is moving beyond the prototype phase, with designer Agne Kucerenkaite collaborating closely with a Portuguese factory to scale production. This partnership demonstrates that a unique, high-quality product can be created with minimal environmental impact, using fewer materials while celebrating the natural properties of stone waste. By bridging design, science, and sustainability, Stone Waste is Bliss offers a viable, nature-positive alternative for the ceramics industry.

Stone Waste is Bliss contributes to the restoration and stabilization of natural ecosystems by fundamentally shifting how industrial by-products are perceived and utilized. The incorporation of granite and quartzite inclusions into ceramics addresses the pressing issue of waste from the stone industry, which often ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation. By actively repurposing these materials, the project not only reduces waste but also demonstrates a commitment to ecological responsibility.
The mining and processing of conventional materials can result in significant ecological harm. For example, the extraction of iron, while not classified as a heavy metal, leads to detrimental landscape changes, water quality issues, and disruption of local habitats. Open-pit mining techniques often result in long-term damage to ecosystems, and the associated waste, such as slag, frequently contaminates surrounding areas. By utilizing stone waste as a resource, Stone Waste is Bliss minimizes the need for new mining activities, thereby preserving natural landscapes and reducing the associated ecological footprint.
Furthermore, the project exemplifies a sustainable approach by substituting conventional glaze materials with stone-derived alternatives. By integrating quartzite and travertine into the production process, the project not only reduces reliance on nature's resources but also conserves water and energy. This innovative practice leads to decreased land disturbance and supports the stabilization of ecosystems by lessening the demand for harmful extraction processes.
By embracing a circular economy mindset, Stone Waste is Bliss advocates for a more sustainable future. The project promotes the idea that waste can be transformed into valuable resources, inspiring other industries to adopt similar practices. Ultimately, this initiative highlights the potential for design to foster environmental stewardship and create a positive impact on natural ecosystems, demonstrating that sustainability and aesthetics can coexist harmoniously.

Stone Waste is Bliss makes complex bio-economy concepts accessible and engaging by transforming technical ideas like circular design and sustainable material use into tangible, visually compelling products. The project simplifies the notion of waste valorization—turning discarded materials into valuable resources—by demonstrating how industrial stone by-products, like granite and quartzite, can be directly integrated into ceramics. This not only reduces waste but also transforms it into something functional and beautiful, making the concept of a circular economy easily understandable.
Through its design, the project communicates the environmental benefits of repurposing waste, such as minimizing the need for toxic pigments and virgin materials. Instead of relying on abstract explanations, Stone Waste is Bliss uses visual storytelling to showcase how something as overlooked as stone waste can create intricate patterns in ceramics, highlighting the natural crystallization of granite during the firing process.
In addition to demonstrating sustainable practices, Stone Waste is Bliss emphasizes the importance of supporting traditional craftsmanship by collaborating with a Portuguese factory renowned for its historical expertise in handmade tile production. This partnership not only ensures high-quality craftsmanship but also preserves the artisanal techniques that have been passed down through generations. By showcasing the skilled artisans behind the creation of these unique ceramic pieces, the project tells a compelling story of human creativity and heritage intertwined with sustainable design.
Highlighting this craftsmanship fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricate processes involved in tile making, reinforcing the narrative that sustainable practices can coexist with traditional skills. As audiences engage with the project, they gain insight into how sustainable design not only transforms materials but also honors the cultural significance of craftsmanship, therefore making the bio-economy concepts even more relatable and engaging.
Educationally, the project serves as a hands-on demonstration of how bio-economy practices can be implemented on a practical scale. Collaborating with the tile factory to bring the project from prototype to production illustrates the scalability of sustainable solutions.