Multifunctional interior design furniture has been created through this project for use in active and intelligent housing spaces, giving customers the option of rapidly changing living spaces to suit their changing needs, all in matching designs.
- 23 August 2011
Projects such as this are helping the EU to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy by 2020, as set out in the EU 2020 growth strategy. The EU is facing some tough challenges, including an ageing population, an insufficiently qualified workforce, the need for greater innovation, striking a balance between economic growth and environmental degradation, and ensuring secure, clean energy supplies. Regional policy projects across the EU are playing an active role in dealing with these and many other challenges, by undertaking projects designed to generate employment, raise educational achievement, develop renewable energy sources, boost productivity and give all citizens access to opportunities. The projects and the regions play a pivotal role in this, as they generate real results that contribute to achieving the strategy’s key goals.
The environment-friendly, innovative and high-quality products are increasing the competitive advantage of local furniture business in both the EU and markets worldwide, with value added per employee predicted to increase 27.9% by 2014.
Experts resolve complex design issues
Due to the complexity of the R&D and production involved in this project, the leading partner BREST called on other local R&D experts to contribute. Knowledge and research institutions specialising in wood processing, textile technology, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, information technology and electronics and automation were soon involved. R&D and expertise were exchanged between all partners during the project, which saw the development of even more ideas and concepts for later use. In terms of employment, 2011 should see 17 new jobs created through the project, another 27 by 2013.
Flexible, lasting furniture
The result of the combined efforts is a usable, new generation of furniture in touch with the residential homes of today and tomorrow. The technological advances made ensure that the quality produced lasts, providing long-term use in demanding conditions, structural strength and resistance to mechanical damage. New construction-design solutions provide multifunctionality and flexibility for the complex products created, enabling living areas to be rapidly changed with minimal effort. A total of four registered designs and two patents have resulted; by 2016 a total of 15 innovations and patents are expected.
Eco-components for the future
The intelligent processes used produced superior quality surfaces, an attractive look and resistance to external factors, primarily moisture, UV radiation and pathogens. In touch with the concerns of the modern world, notably regarding water management, energy savings, waste recycling and sustainable development, the designs feature several eco-components, including the basic element in the product, a natural polymer – wood, which in combination with other elements contributes to an eco-friendly living environment for users.