What it does
The project explores salt crystallization as a resource-efficient design method. Controlled crystal growth creates sculptural luminaires with reflective surfaces – combining material research, design, and sustainability.
Your inspiration
The project addresses the high energy and resource consumption in the production of design objects, especially in lighting. It seeks an energy-efficient alternative to traditional materials like glass or ceramics with similar visual properties. Salt is abundant, inexpensive, and crystallizes at low temperatures. Its reflective properties rival conventional materials. These luminaires make the potential of naturally forming structures both scalable and usable.
How it works
The production process begins with the crystallization of so-called seed crystals, grown in a saturated potassium alum solution. These seed crystals serve as starting points for later growth and are deliberately placed on the carrier, a transparent body made of acrylic glass. In the next step, a saturated potassium alum solution is heated to around 60 °C. Once the prepared carrier is immersed in the warm solution, the cooling phase begins. As the temperature gradually drops to room temperature, the solution becomes supersaturated and crystallization starts. The crystals grow layer by layer directly on the carrier and adhere to its surface. This process typically takes four to five days and requires no further energy input after the initial heating. The result is a complex, reflective crystal surface firmly bonded to the base.
Design process
In close collaboration with scientific institutes, a suitable formula for the salt solution was first developed to enable the fastest possible crystal growth. Based on this, numerous experimental samples were created to test various growth conditions and carrier shapes. A key step in the design process was the integration of seed crystals, allowing precise control of the crystal growth. This made it possible to gradually realize larger, cohesive surfaces. The final shape of the luminaire – measuring 30 to 40 cm in diameter – is inspired by melting ice cubes and crystalline structures, offering a combination of maximum reflective surface area and three-dimensionality in space. The growth process takes place under strictly controlled conditions: ideally with no more than 0.5 °C temperature differences, no light exposure, and no movement. The resulting crystal surface reflects ambient light even when unlit. After the growth process is complete, a replaceable LED light source is inserted to highlight the layered structure. The first prototypes were exhibited at the design fair „Passagen Cologne“, receiving positive feedback from the creative scene and initial press attention.
How it is different
While many sustainable design approaches focus on plant-based or organic materials such as biopolymers, cellulose, or mycelium, this project explores a largely overlooked field: the use of mineral resources. Salt is widely available, low-cost, and crystallizes at low temperatures – ideal for a resource-efficient production process. “Crystals, Baby!” transfers the principle of natural growth to durable lighting objects, expanding the scope of alternative material strategies in sustainable product design.
Future plans
“Crystals, Baby!” originated as part of my bachelor’s thesis and is currently being further developed with support from the EXIST-Women grant and a Kickstart funding program. The aim is to expand the potential of mineral crystallization as a sustainable design strategy. I plan to explore further applications in interior design and architecture and to develop market-ready products that translate natural growth processes into functional design.
Awards
-EXIST-Women grant for female founders -kickstart-grant by Technische Hochschule Köln
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