Rebloom Modularized Outdoor Frame

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Due to humidity, typhoons, and earthquakes, Taiwan's power distribution relies on costly crossarm components regularly exchanged every decade.
reBloom extends the lifecycle of these decommissioned components by transforming them into sturdy and weather resistant outdoor frames, with little processing or additional parts. reBloom's modular design also means it is highly adaptable, extendable, and allows for easy part replacement - all of which further maximize component life before recycling.

Dimensions & Packaging

The inherent dimensions and features of the decommissioned utility crossarm components were integrated to reduce additional processing and material consumption.
Specs of the original crossarm components used in a reBloom set (mm): (a) 2.5 crossarms, hollow square beam 1800 x 750 x 750 (THK 2.5), (b) 8 crossarm braces, 800 x 400 (THK 6), and (c) 12 sets of square nuts and square head bolts, 25 x 25 x 100.
Dimensions of a reBloom section (mm): 825.5 (each section adds 737.5) x 1223.5 x 800 x 75mm.

Tags

circular economy, modular, decommissioned materials, joinery, fence, outdoor, frame, galvanized steel, product life, material lifespan

Production Technology

The crossarm components that reBloom utilizes are made from hollow, hot-dip galvanized steel beams, and have standardized dimensions and holes (punched via mass-production CNC machines). Little further processing is required to produce a reBloom set beyond some welding, bolt shortening, and assembly - especially when the reBloom design is incorporated during initial crossarm production (adding a few new holes). The standardized and modular design means it is easy to combine the decommissioned components into new forms, such as a fence, furniture structure, etc.

Design Challenge

The hardest design challenge overcome in reBloom was the integration of the square head bolts.
Small and uncommon, it would be wasteful to create a single-use tool for their tightening. The final design includes a simple 'n'-shaped piece that doubles to help users with the last few twists as well as to lock the structure. Additionally challenging was calculating the position of the crossarms' original holes such that the crossarm braces can be evenly spaced and require the least processing.

Project Duration

The project started in September 2020 and finished in January 2021 in Tainan, Taiwan. Afterwards, a physical exhibition and presentation was held in Taipei in May 2021 and Kaohsiung in March 2022.

Operation Flow

Due to the rarity of square head bolts nowadays, most people would lack the tools needed to install reBloom. This issue was solved with the inclusion of an 'n'-shaped piece that functions as an easily-held wrench during installation, and lastly integrates into the final structure as a lock between each reBloom frame segment. This design makes it easy for any person to build reBloom.

Research

We sought to design a second life for utility crossarm components, which are regularly decommissioned decades before degradation due to regulations.
Consulted factories told us that the material doesn't easily bend and that welding nullifies its weather resistance. We observed that mass production also required modularization and using existing specs. After brainstorming, we tested different joinery methods. The final design was praised by the utility company and showcased in several exhibits.

Inspiration

While on a visit to a utility company's waste stockpiles, we were struck by the prevalence of square head bolts, which are rarely seen in daily life. We wondered if making the format more accessible would give these discarded parts a chance to be reborn. This led us to create reBloom, a modular and adaptable design that extends the lifespan of various decommissioned components. Within reBloom, an ‘n’-shaped piece was designed to be both a wrench for the square head bolts and play an integral part of the final structure.

Image Credits

Image #1: Craig Bossley, Scenario, 2021.
Image #2: Victor Wu, Prototyping, 2020.
Image #3: Craig Bossley, Joint Closeup, 2021.
Image #4: Willy Chao, Setup, 2021.
Image #5: Victor Wu, Scenario Closeup, 2021.

Patents

Copyrights belong to Victor Wu, 2020.

Colors of Rebloom Modularized Outdoor Frame