WAYST Pendant 01
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
Company Name:Alkaline
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Chelsea Makin
Other Contributor(s):Andrew Makin
Manufacturer Name:Alkaline
Distributors Name:Alkaline
Photo Credit:Chelsea Makin
Project Location:Howick, Midlands, KZN, South Africa
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Product Description:
WAYST Pendant 01 explores the transformation of demolition waste into a functional lighting object. The pendant is produced using discarded brick that is crushed and reconstituted into a terrazzo-like composite, allowing a familiar construction material to take on a new role within interior spaces. The form is informed by the proportions of a traditional rectangular brick — a simple building unit reduced to its most essential geometry. This rectilinear volume is softened by the introduction of a subtle dome, adding curvature to an otherwise rigid form and allowing light to diffuse gently from within. The contrast between sharp edges and curved interior reflects an interest in balancing mass and softness, structure and illumination. Fragments of brick remain visible within the cast surface, preserving the history of the material. As both a lighting object and a material study, WAYST Pendant 01 places storytelling, experimentation, and material honesty at the centre of the design, where the marks of making are embraced as part of the final form.
WAYST Pendant 01 explores the transformation of demolition waste into a functional lighting object. The pendant is produced using discarded brick that is crushed and reconstituted into a terrazzo-like composite, allowing a familiar construction material to take on a new role within interior spaces. The form is informed by the proportions of a traditional rectangular brick — a simple building unit reduced to its most essential geometry. This rectilinear volume is softened by the introduction of a subtle dome, adding curvature to an otherwise rigid form and allowing light to diffuse gently from within. The contrast between sharp edges and curved interior reflects an interest in balancing mass and softness, structure and illumination. Fragments of brick remain visible within the cast surface, preserving the history of the material. As both a lighting object and a material study, WAYST Pendant 01 places storytelling, experimentation, and material honesty at the centre of the design, where the marks of making are embraced as part of the final form.
Product Innovation / Specification:
WAYST Pendant 01 is produced using a composite material developed from reclaimed brick waste. Discarded bricks are crushed into graded aggregates and combined with a binder to create a terrazzo-like material that can be cast into lighting forms, transforming demolition waste into a durable composite while preserving the colour and texture of the brick fragments. The design process begins with digital modelling and 3D printing to develop the form, followed by mould making that allows the material to be cast with precision. Once cast, the surface is chemically etched to expose the embedded aggregates, creating a rough, tactile finish that reveals the internal structure of the material. The pendant integrates standard lighting components within the cast form, combining material experimentation with functional illumination. Materials Reclaimed brick aggregate, composite binder, electrical lighting components. Type Suspended pendant light.
WAYST Pendant 01 is produced using a composite material developed from reclaimed brick waste. Discarded bricks are crushed into graded aggregates and combined with a binder to create a terrazzo-like material that can be cast into lighting forms, transforming demolition waste into a durable composite while preserving the colour and texture of the brick fragments. The design process begins with digital modelling and 3D printing to develop the form, followed by mould making that allows the material to be cast with precision. Once cast, the surface is chemically etched to expose the embedded aggregates, creating a rough, tactile finish that reveals the internal structure of the material. The pendant integrates standard lighting components within the cast form, combining material experimentation with functional illumination. Materials Reclaimed brick aggregate, composite binder, electrical lighting components. Type Suspended pendant light.
Product Sustainability Approach:
WAYST Pendant 01 explores how demolition waste can be reintroduced into new design applications. The pendant is produced using reclaimed brick that is crushed and reconstituted into a composite material, giving a second life to a material typically discarded during construction and demolition processes. By transforming brick waste into a durable cast material, the project extends the lifecycle of an existing resource while reducing reliance on newly extracted aggregates. The fragments of brick remain visible within the surface, allowing the history of the material to remain present in the final object. Rather than concealing the origin of the material, the design highlights it, encouraging a shift in perception around construction waste and its potential as a valuable raw resource. Through this approach, the piece demonstrates how discarded building materials can be reimagined through thoughtful design and material experimentation.
WAYST Pendant 01 explores how demolition waste can be reintroduced into new design applications. The pendant is produced using reclaimed brick that is crushed and reconstituted into a composite material, giving a second life to a material typically discarded during construction and demolition processes. By transforming brick waste into a durable cast material, the project extends the lifecycle of an existing resource while reducing reliance on newly extracted aggregates. The fragments of brick remain visible within the surface, allowing the history of the material to remain present in the final object. Rather than concealing the origin of the material, the design highlights it, encouraging a shift in perception around construction waste and its potential as a valuable raw resource. Through this approach, the piece demonstrates how discarded building materials can be reimagined through thoughtful design and material experimentation.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
Construction waste is generated continuously in cities around the world and is increasingly being reconsidered as a valuable resource within design and material research. By transforming discarded brick into a functional lighting object, the project demonstrates how locally available demolition materials can be reintroduced into new production cycles. Through small-scale material experimentation and making, the work highlights the potential for common building materials to take on new roles beyond their original purpose. By retaining visible traces of the brick within the surface, the object also encourages a deeper awareness of the material histories embedded within the built environment.
Construction waste is generated continuously in cities around the world and is increasingly being reconsidered as a valuable resource within design and material research. By transforming discarded brick into a functional lighting object, the project demonstrates how locally available demolition materials can be reintroduced into new production cycles. Through small-scale material experimentation and making, the work highlights the potential for common building materials to take on new roles beyond their original purpose. By retaining visible traces of the brick within the surface, the object also encourages a deeper awareness of the material histories embedded within the built environment.
Company Name:Alkaline
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Chelsea Makin
