Related Post: Wood Embedded in Resin / Flowers Embedded in Resin / Wood Veneer Craftsmanship
The Ricino collection presents a series of luminaires characterized by a seemingly incorporeal appearance, utilizing plant-based castor oil resin as the primary material. The design accentuates the inherent aesthetic qualities of the material, offering an innovative application distinct from its conventional technical uses. This initiative originated from the studio’s ongoing investigation into natural resins, a research trajectory established in 2018. The specific castor polymer derived from the Ricinus Communis processing was selected due to its thermal stability and desirable transparent amber visual properties, which collectively informed the collection’s design.
Developed by the University of São Paulo, this castor-derived polymer is primarily utilized in civil construction as a sustainable waterproofing agent or varnish. Its exceptional physicochemical stability, elasticity, and adhesion to porous surfaces make it a highly efficient alternative to petroleum-based derivatives. Beyond its technical utility, the material reveals a warm, ethereal orange glow when backlit. This aesthetic discovery prompted a detailed study of the resin’s limits and behavior, ultimately enabling the casting of large-scale masses for the Ricino collection—a series of floor, wall, and table lamps featuring resin filters supported by aluminum.
The Rícino lamp production prioritizes environmental responsibility. The material is cold-pressed using low power consumption and a water-free process. The formulation is 100% solid, free from solvents and heavy metals, making the final product non-toxic, biodegradable, and compostable. Technically, it is a stable, bi-component resin that forms a monolithic, waterproof membrane. The final design leverages its inherent physical-chemical stability, elasticity, and strong adherence properties, with precise 3D modeling used to optimize volume and create unique color gradients within the finished parts.
