Nuclée

核心

Sustainable mood lamps.

Nuclée was born from a meeting combining culture, know-how and experimental approach. Settled near Hualien, on the east coast of Taiwan, the Kavalan aboriginal tribe is expert in the use of banana fiber : they make it their traditional clothing. We had the chance to share their way of life and to learn from their elders the ancestral techniques of using this plant.

The banana tree is one of the most cultivated plants in the world. After each harvest of bananas bunches, the stems must be cut to facilitate the growth of shoots. Thus, tons of banana trees are still waiting to be revalued.

Banana flesh, a considerable waste unexploited by the Kavalan, reveals a fascinating graphic in the light. By a particular refining technique, this plant tissue is stabilized in a color range from white to dark brown. This new material is highlighted in walnut shapes, inspired by the banana tree structure.

🤝 Public acquisition by the Mobilier National

🏆 Best of Year Award winner by Interior Design (New York 2020)
🏆 Green Product Award nomination (Berlin 2021)
🏆 One & Twenty Finest Design finalist by the German Design Council (Frankfurt 2021)
🏆 Le French Design 100 winner (Paris 2022)
🏆 Singulart Awards nomination (Paris 2023)

🖼️ Métissage exhibitions at the Taiwan Craft Design Museum (Caotun 2019), Sustainability for Paris Design Week (Paris 2019) and Materialized for Milan Design Week (Milan 2021)