Husk Lighting Collection

Husk Collection responds to a market gap in high-end lighting that pairs aesthetics with genuine sustainability. The challenge was to design a product with circularity at its core—serviceable, low-impact, and built to last—using a new, largely untested material. The pendant is made from micropulp, a blend of waste paper and hemp, developed by Byron-based Zeoform. This required new design and production approaches. During forming, its clay-like behaviour and high water content created stresses, demanding precision and adaptability. The project also challenged the studio to balance artisan input, scalable fabrication, and sustainable sourcing while preserving refined form and function.

South Drawn approached the project by letting the material guide the design. Micropulp, formed like clay and machinable like timber, required extensive prototyping to manage the transition from wet to cured states. The team worked closely with Zeoform, whose refinement of the material was essential. Internally, South Drawn invested in CNC machining to improve detail and reduce dependencies. The result is a disassemblable product that is durable, refined and built for end-of-life recovery. It achieves long-term sustainability through careful construction. Layering micropulp and glass elements creates a balanced, tactile lighting experience.

The Husk Collection demonstrates how sustainable materials and small-scale local manufacturing can result in commercially viable, emotionally resonant design. It reinforces a growing shift toward circularity, material literacy, and product longevity. By investing in new capabilities and learning from material behaviour, South Drawn has advanced its practice while setting a strong example for design-led sustainability.

The Husk Collection features a disassemblable structure that allows individual components to be serviced, replaced, refurbished, or recycled—reducing waste and extending product lifespan. At its core is the groundbreaking micropulp material—a biodegradable cellulose composite made from Australian waste paper and hemp. It’s formed using a clay-like process, then cured and machined like timber, allowing for intricate finishing with minimal environmental impact. The micropulp shades are paired with local artisan-formed slumped glass diffusers. This intentional pairing elevates perceptions of recycled materials—balancing the new and innovative with a material deeply rooted in heritage and quality. Each component is layered to conceal fixings and highlight material texture. The LED modules are low-profile and long-lasting (75,000+ hours), maintaining a clean silhouette while ensuring performance. Reusable aluminium components and a focus on local fabrication help minimise the carbon footprint. Husk’s aesthetic is understated but detailed—an elegant fusion of tactile surfaces, warm diffusion, and refined geometry. While each light is designed for everyday use, the materials, build quality, and design approach elevate it beyond trend, into timeless utility.