Lowpoly’s digitally crafted coffee grounds-based furniture sets a new standard for sustainability in specialty coffee through innovative circular design.
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In the heart of Barcelona, within the historic Casa Calvet designed by Antoni Gaudí, a new coffee shop blends tradition, innovation, and circular design. This unique space features custom furniture like counters, lamps, and stools created by Gianluca Pugliese from LOWPOLY, resulting in an environmentally friendly and distinctive design masterpiece.
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The material used for the counters is a testament to the core innovation of this project.
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Gianluca and his team at Lowpoly developed LOWIMPACT®, a masterbatch made from recycled PLA and coffee grounds. This biodegradable, petroleum-free material contains 98% organic content and can be combined with various polymers to achieve different color tones.
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The unique amber textures of this material, when backlit, create mesmerizing light effects that enhance the counters’ forms, turning imperfections and irregularities into distinctive features and strengths.
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“The use of recycled coffee grounds in design carries significant environmental implications,” says Gianluca. “Coffee is the second most consumed beverage globally, with 110 to 120 million 60-kg bags consumed annually, translating to approximately 2.25 billion cups daily. This consumption generates around 60 million tons of spent coffee grounds (SCG) each year, most of which end up in landfills. Projects like D·Origen Coffee demonstrates how SCG can be sustainably repurposed, transforming waste into innovative materials for design and construction.”
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The architectural vision for the counters was inspired by the fluidity and richness of coffee, translating tactile and gustatory sensations into tangible forms.
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For the design, Lowpoly led a partnership with designer Arturo Tedeschi, who used artificial intelligence and parametric design to translate taste into an almost synesthetic process, creating an experience that goes beyond the visual by turning these sensations into tangible forms. The lamps, geometrically coherent with the counters, complete the harmonious design of the space.
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Finally, the production involved cutting-edge 3D printing techniques. Lowpoly utilized large-format 3D printers with modified extruders, capable of handling materials with high organic content. The use of industrial robotic arms ensured precision and facilitated the creation of five bespoke pieces.
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D·Origen Coffee’s new coffee shop in Barcelona is more than just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee; it is a showcase of circular design innovation, setting a new standard for sustainability in the world of specialty coffee.
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Facts & Credits
Project title: The Circular Design of D·Origen Coffee Shop
Typology: Interior, Store design
Location: Barcelona
Architecture: LOWPOLY Design Studio (Gianluca Pugliese, Arturo Tedeschi, Ilaria Marzano)
Text: provided by the architects
LOWPOLY Design Studio
LOWPOLY is a Madrid-based company dedicated to robotics and large-scale 3D printing to convert waste into products.
Founded in 2018, LOWPOLY offers a comprehensive design service specializing in innovation and digital manufacturing, all adapted to the needs of our clients.
From rapid prototyping, design for industrial applications, 3D ceramic printing, 3D scanning to the development of innovative and sustainable projects, all done with the latest technology.
Companies and institutions such as Fundación La Caixa, Acciona, Adidas, Armani, LVMH and many more have trusted us for our high-quality products and services.
Gianluca Pugliese
Gianluca Pugliese: A pioneer in sustainable design and 3D printing
Gianluca Pugliese is an Italian designer at the forefront of innovation, recognized for his expertise in 3D printing and his commitment to sustainable practices. In 2018, he made a significant mark in the industry by founding LOWPOLY in Madrid, a company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing at scale and prioritizing sustainability.
Specializing in retail, decoration and interior design projects, Pugliese has collaborated on projects with prestigious international brands such as Armani, Chanel and Adidas, among others. His designs seamlessly combine aesthetics and functionality, creating immersive and sustainable environments that reflect the ethos of the brands he works with.
In addition to his contributions to the design world, Gianluca Pugliese is a respected educator. He is a professor of innovation and digital craftsmanship at prestigious institutions such as IED Madrid, LCI Barcelona and IE Business School. His passion for sharing knowledge extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his role as an advisor to UNESCO in 2018.
Pugliese’s influence extends to the literary realm, as he co-authored the book “Advanced 3D Printing with Grasshopper” with Diego Cuevas in 2020. This publication is a testament to his dedication to advancing the field and sharing knowledge about the intricate intersection of technology and design.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Italian design, Gianluca Pugliese was named Ambassador of Italian Design in 2022, cementing his status as a pioneer and ambassador of sustainable and cutting-edge design practices worldwide. His multi-faceted career demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, technology and sustainability, making him a true leader in the world of 3D printing and design.
Arturo Tedeschi
Arturo Tedeschi is a computational design specialist with fifteen years of experience in the avant-garde segment of architecture and industrial design (architecture, music stage design, furniture, automotive, installations, products, footwear). He works as a consultant for leading companies, providing services and training related to algorithmic modeling, complex geometry, digital fabrication, artificial intelligence, data driven design. His longtime research on algorithmic design and parametric modeling culminated with the publication of the best selling books “AAD Algorithms-Aided Design” and “Parametric Architecture with Grasshopper”. His personal work has been featured in international magazines and exhibited worldwide. He taught and was an invited speaker at Politecnico di Milano, IUAV (Venice), Parsons The New School (New York), The University of Sydney, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, University of Edinburgh, AA School (London), Universidad Europea (Madrid), Istituto Marangoni (Milano). In 2019 he was appointed Italian Ambassador for Design by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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