German industrial designer Friedrich Gerlach has developed an innovative furniture piece that transforms discarded leather from the automotive and fashion industries into functional seating. The Lecrase Stool, which won Gerlach a 2025 Rising Talent Award, demonstrates how waste materials can be reimagined as valuable design resources through creative engineering and sustainable practices.
The stool's distinctive appearance might initially suggest traditional plywood construction, but it is entirely crafted from leather offcuts that would otherwise end up in landfills. Gerlach's design incorporates carefully planned folds that serve both aesthetic and structural purposes, giving the piece its unique flair while enabling the flexible material to support weight and maintain its shape without additional reinforcement.
Gerlach's philosophy centers on viewing waste as opportunity rather than burden. "In a world where increasing consumption generates more leftover materials, I see these not as waste, but as valuable resources," he explained at the MaisonObjet trade fair, a major international design exhibition. His approach reflects a growing movement among designers to work within circular economy principles, where materials maintain their value through multiple lifecycles.
The designer's methodology emphasizes working with existing materials rather than creating demand for new resources. "I find it exciting to work with what's already there – designing in a way that anticipates transformation, reuse, or even disappearance," Gerlach stated. This philosophy represents a shift from traditional design practices that often prioritize durability and permanence over adaptability and resource conservation.
The recognition through the Rising Talent Award highlights the design industry's increasing focus on sustainability and innovation. The award program identifies emerging designers who demonstrate exceptional creativity while addressing contemporary challenges such as waste reduction and environmental responsibility. Gerlach's success with the Lecrase Stool positions him among a new generation of designers who are redefining how products can be conceived, manufactured, and eventually disposed of in environmentally conscious ways.
