Kawara Bench

The Kawara bench is designed to salvage Japanese rooftop tiles that would otherwise be discarded; their glaze is cracked or the edges are not smooth. Ceramic waste products are difficult to recycle so they often end up being smashed and used in road construction. But Tsuyoshi Hayashi has come up with a design that preserves the wonderful properties of these tiles, such as their smooth curve, unique texture and their durability and suitability for outdoor use. By mounting them inside a wooden construction they become the seat of a bench, rendering them useful once again.