The name “Soft Solids” perfectly captures the essence of the sustainable lighting project by Copenhagen-based studio Daydreaming Objects, led by lighting designer Ruta Palionyte and architect Ieva Baranauskaite. Unlike traditional lampshades made from glass or hard plastics, this project uses a soft, unique material – natural wax – combined with upcycled parts. Each lamp is a modular structure made from hand-shaped wax units that offers a creative alternative to mass-produced lighting.
The project team has developed a special wax blend that is heat-resistant and strong, but can retain its soft, translucent look. This innovation transformed wax from a fragile material into a tough one that works well with LED lighting. The lights use LED technology because they produce very little heat, which prevents the wax from melting or changing shape.
The wax used in the Soft Solids project is renewable and can be reshaped multiple times throughout its life to support sustainability. The lighting components sourced from older lamps from Sweden, Italy, and former Czechoslovakia are housed in metal or glass casings. The warm, soft glow of the wax creates a calming atmosphere and a natural connection in everyday spaces.
The Stem lamps feature a stack of cylindrical wax units that can be easily removed and rearranged to suit different spaces. The semi-translucent wax, made from a blend of plant-based materials, reveals its internal texture when illuminated.
Similarly, the Scoop lamps are small, rounded light sculptures made from repurposed wax mixed with various plant fibers that create unique surface patterns. Each Scoop lamp contains a small LED light inside that highlights these patterns. The uneven surface of the lamps is reminiscent of Tom Dixon’s Melt lamps.
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By upcycling vintage lighting and using renewable wax, the Soft Solids project cuts down on waste and brings calming light into everyday spaces. It encourages eco-friendly choices for homes while expanding sustainable design into furniture, interiors, and larger environments. Daydreaming Objects studio won the recent Seoul Design Award 2025 for this project.
Via: designboom
