Can hazelnut bushes be used as a sustainable material in furniture design?

This project explores the potential of hazelnut bushes (Corylus avellana) as a sustainable material for furniture design, overlooked by industries. The plant is widely spread in Alto Adige and offers various processing possibilities that can be applied in furniture compositions. The project includes research on the plant’s local significance in terms of environmental, forestry, and traditional aspects. This is followed by practical research on how hazelnut bushes can be processed and integrated into furniture design.

As a result, the ”Nocciólo“ project presents a series of furniture pieces that demonstrate the potential of hazelnut rods through different processing techniques. The ”Nocciólo“ furniture combines hazelnut rods with aluminum profiles, creating a contrast that highlights the unconventional use of naturally grown elements in furniture making.

The project aims to draw attention to this overlooked material and to show the beauty of working with naturally grown resources.