Originally, the Nest Cork Paper Bin was designed for the project Furnishing Utopia: Hands to Work, the third in a series of exhibitions exploring the design legacy of the Shakers. The exhibition was dedicated to the theme of chores and the objects we associate with them.
The cork paper bin was a take on the classic paper bin but was also intended to be in general use in the home as a magazine holder or for different kinds of everyday objects. The crumpled look resulted from the designer wanting the product to be flat-packed during shipping, and this practical design choice has resulted in one of the item’s most characteristic features. To better control the shape of the bin, splines were inserted in the top and bottom, giving it a perfectly round footprint.
Seen from the side, it has a softer and more textile character. Its double layer of ultra-fine cork fabric – hand sewn together – as well as steam bent wood handle define the object’s overall quality and rich detailing. In addition, they underline its two main functions: to be carried and to be folded.
The one chore I most frequently do is tidying the apartment by putting things back to where they belong – laundry, dishes, recycling items, etc. Having the proper tools like a dedicated paper bin in the office makes these chores so much more enjoyable. I was drawn to the cork fabric material because of its natural look and its properties. The handle is a reference to Shaker buckets and baskets
– Hallgeir Holmsvedt
