4-AL, An Eco-Friendly Aluminum and Cane Stool

An inspiring project that provides a blueprint for sustainable furniture crafted from repurposed elements.

When it comes to sustainable design, talented creatives continuously push boundaries in the quest to discover new ways of making eco furniture. Some turn to unconventional materials, from mushroom mycelium to recycled paper or flax. Others, like Paul Matteo Wesser, look for ingenious methods to make eco-friendly products from existing, easily accessible and repurposed materials. Named 4-AL, this stool proposes a creative solution to produce more sustainable furniture.

Partly inspired by coastal architecture, the stool features rectangular aluminum panels that create a base with a symmetrical structure. A cross-shaped frame then provides support to the seat. Crafted from cane, the seat boasts a finely woven pattern that adds a beautiful texture as well as a warm accent to the silver-gray aluminum. Like the best kind of contemporary furniture, 4-AL adapts to different needs with ease, serving either as extra seating or as a side table.

Beyond its modern silhouette and inspired combination of materials, the stool impresses with its build. Paul Matteo Wesser specially chose easily accessible materials and components found at home improvement retailers. By using existing parts, he minimized waste and also made the manufacturing stage easier and more affordable. Additionally, 4-AL has a modular design that allows for easy repairs and ensures convenient recycling of the two materials. While currently a prototype, this stool offers a fantastic blueprint for eco furniture that reduces its carbon footprint, yet adds maximum impact to a home’s decor. Photography © Paul Matteo Wesser.