Stone-Ideas.com 
They designed uses for natural stone leftover pieces: a doorstop and light switch
The Swedish Natural Stone Association’s (Sveriges Stenindustriförbund) design award is given explicitly for product design, i.e. for everyday objects. It is appreciated when leftover pieces from the natural stone sector are used. In 2024, the award went to Li Odén for a doorstop and to Louise Hagberg for light switches. They share the prize money of 10,000 Swedish kronor (around €870).
The award is presented in cooperation with Malmö University. The winners are students in their final year of the product design course. In a report in the Natural Stone Association’s magazine “Sten“ (3/2024), they note that it was the competition that first made them aware of the material’s possibilities.
Li Odén came up with her product idea as a new mother: “When you have a child in your arms, it is often difficult to lock a door.“ She adds: “And if there have children playing in the apartment, a doorstop can help prevent crushing.“
She also talks about the aesthetic qualities of stone: “There are so many types, not least local varieties. And in the end, every doorstop is unique.“
Only the backplate of Louise Hagberg’s switch is made of stone. The lever should be made of a different material, such as wood or metal. By using specially processed surfaces, she wants to give the process of switching on and off, which is unconscious in everyday life, a tactile component.
She sees market potential for natural stone in such everyday objects: “The black Bakelite switch has a very high price on the second-hand goods market today. In exactly this segment and with this target group, I see opportunities for a switch made of stone.“
Both design students have previously worked in other professions. Li Odén worked in the field of textile recycling, Louise Hagberg was a graphic designer.
Sveriges Stenindustriförbund (Swedish)
(20.11.2024, USA: 11.20.2024)