The Basalt 模块化回收箱 by Teming Kang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 铁奖 in 家具设计 Competition Category.

铁家具· 2025

The Basalt 模块化回收箱

by Teming Kang

Client: Oshujian

A' Design Award 铁奖 Winner in 家具 Category

12,172

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #169446

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About The Basalt 模块化回收箱

该模块化回收系统将玄武岩的天然柱状结构转化为公共废物管理单元。磁性连接器实现免工具重组，可灵活部署于交通枢纽、企业空间和城市环境，在保持结构完整性的同时消除可见紧固件。旋转盖配备标准化图标，跨越语言障碍清晰标识投放分类。模块化架构支持水平扩展以适应空间限制，单一组件可更换的特性有效降低维护中断。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 铁奖

The Basalt 模块化回收箱是 A' Design Award 铁奖得主，这是授予满足人们对设计精良的创作所期待的专业与工业要求的优良设计的声望认可。铁奖得主展现出其创作者的高超技艺、高度专业化、专家级的理解力和创造能力。预计The Basalt 模块化回收箱将成为一件备受推崇、令人钦佩且被珍爱的创作，既实用又创新。这件赢得 A' Design Award 铁奖的设计整合了行业最佳实践，并拥有与专业知识和才华相结合的称职技术特性。The Basalt 模块化回收箱因其严谨而受到尊重，旨在提供有助于让世界变得更美好的生活品质改善。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The shape of this design is derived from geometric principles and designed to be infinitely repeatable, allowing it to adapt to different environmental spaces and recycling needs. Another feature is that each module of the recycle bin is connected using invisible magnet, which is a departure from traditional connection methods. This design preserves the integrity and aesthetics of the entire structure to the greatest extent. These unique design elements add a perfect blend of natural and modern aesthetics to The Basalt.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimension: Width 360mm * Depth 240mm * Height 710mm
Tags: Modular Design, Recycle, Recycling Bin, Public Space, Configuration, Magnet, Airport
Production Technology: The body and lid of the recycling bin are formed using aluminum alloy bending, followed by polishing and powder coating. The inner compartment and label cover are made using plastic injection molding. During assembly, self-tapping screws are used to attach the inner compartment's collar, and then the entire inner compartment is inserted into the bin body to complete the assembly.
Design Challenge: The most challenging aspect was finding an aesthetically pleasing solution for the combination of different modules. Using hardware or connectors would require drilling holes into the bin body, which becomes cumbersome with multiple configurations, resulting in numerous holes. Ultimately, the issue was addressed by integrating magnets into the design, eliminating the need for drilling and maintaining the visual integrity of the recycle bin.
Research: Type of Research: The research was exploratory and applied, focusing on understanding the needs for flexible, adaptable waste management solutions in public spaces.

Research Objectives: The primary goal was to design a modular system that can be customized for different environments, improving the functionality and aesthetic integration of trash bins in public spaces.

Data Collection and Research Tools: Data was collected through surveys, interviews with waste management professionals, and analysis of existing trash bin designs. Tools used included 3D modeling software and material testing methods.

Participants or Experiments: The study involved interviews with airport facility managers, urban planners, and users to gather insights into waste sorting needs and spatial constraints in public areas.

Results: The research identified a clear demand for flexible, modular systems that can adapt to different waste categories and spatial layouts. The design’s use of magnets for easy assembly and reconfiguration was particularly well-received.

Insights and Impacts: The study revealed that modular designs could increase efficiency in waste management, improve user experience, and reduce operational costs. It also highlighted the importance of aesthetic and functional integration in public space design.

Effect of the Research in Real-Life Phenomena: The research has the potential to influence how public spaces approach waste management, offering more adaptable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of modern urban environments. This could lead to more sustainable and user-friendly designs in public infrastructure, impacting both business operations and society’s approach to waste.
Inspiration: The design inspiration for The Basalt comes from the columnar jointing structure of natural basalt. Its unique geometric shape makes it particularly suitable for today’s diverse and ever changing public spaces. Through the clever combination of modular design and geometric patterns, it is not only simple and stylish in appearance, but also highly flexible. It can be freely combined and customized to meet the waste recycling and sorting needs of different environments.
Project Duration: The project started in September 2024 in Guangzhou, China, and was completed in February 2025.
Operation Flow: The operation of the modular recycling bin is straightforward. First, determine the desired combination configuration. Once the configuration is decided, place the magnets at the corresponding positions on the inner compartment. Afterward, insert the inner compartment into the main body of the bin and arrange the modules according to the chosen configuration.