Rotterdam Studio The New Raw 3D Prints Harbor Waste into Buoy Stools
Rotterdam-based design studio The New Raw has transformed salvaged marine rope from local harbors into functional 3D-printed public seating. As Dezeen reports, the project, titled Buoy, utilizes recycled polypropylene to create rocking stools that mimic the movement of floating maritime markers, earning a shortlisting for the 2026 Dezeen Awards in the sustainable design category.
Context from Industry Pulse
The Buoy project reflects a shifting priority in industrial design toward localized circular economies. By sourcing materials directly from the Rotterdam harbor, The New Raw minimizes the carbon footprint associated with raw material transport while addressing the specific pollution challenges of maritime cities. The technical achievement lies in the mechanical recycling of contaminated polypropylene ropes, which are typically considered low-value waste. This initiative aligns with a broader industry movement toward material honesty, where the final product's color and texture are determined by the source waste rather than synthetic additives, a trend also seen in other 2026 Dezeen Award nominees using organic and industrial refuse.
According to Dezeen, the production process begins with the collection of discarded plastic ropes from the Rotterdam waterfront. These materials, which were previously utilized for boat management, are transported to Maastricht for mechanical recycling. The ropes undergo a cleaning and shredding process to be converted into plastic pellets. Once returned to the studio, these pellets are melted and extruded through a 3D printer, building the furniture layer by layer without the need for external binding agents.
Selecting the appropriate waste material is a critical phase of the project. The New Raw founder Foteini Setaki informed Dezeen that marine ropes are historically difficult to recycle due to a mixture of various materials and accumulated environmental residues. The studio focuses on sourcing ropes with high polypropylene content to ensure the structural integrity of the final product. While the stools contain no virgin plastic, a small amount of UV-protectant additives is included to ensure the furniture can withstand long-term outdoor exposure.
The final aesthetic of each stool is dictated by the original color of the salvaged rope. As Dezeen explains, the studio avoids additional pigments or coatings, resulting in a color palette that directly reflects the specific batch of waste collected. Each stool features a unique engraved production number and a pointed base inspired by spinning tops. This design allows the seats to rock gently when occupied, providing a tactile connection to the maritime environment.
The Buoy project serves as a localized model for circular design. By utilizing surplus resources from the immediate vicinity of the studio, the designers aim to strengthen the link between urban spaces and industrial harbors. This methodology is intended to be scalable, offering a template for other port cities to repurpose their own specific waste streams into functional civic infrastructure.
In the broader context of the 2026 Dezeen Awards, this project stands alongside other innovations in material reuse. Other shortlisted entries include architectural components made from waste date pits and lighting solutions crafted from defective publishing materials, highlighting a growing industry focus on unconventional recycled resources.
The Industry Pulse Bottom Line
The New Raw demonstrates that 3D-printing technology can effectively bridge the gap between complex industrial waste streams and high-end public furniture, turning site-specific harbor debris into functional, durable urban assets.