Triptiek consists of the design duo Veerle Tytgat & Sophie De Somere. Sophie is the driving force behind Onbetaalbaar vzw in Ghent, a studio that designs around discarded materials. Veerle is a textile designer. She experiments with natural dyeing, knitting and knotting techniques that result in creations with unique patterns and textures. She likes to link her creations to interior design.

Triptiek participates in TOP-atelier with discarded sofas. The leather is cut into strips and the back of the leather (suede) is used as a top. These strips are woven into the colour and pattern of Triptiek to form the ‘textile’ of chairs, a folding screen, a wardrobe, a stool, ….. .

• Design phase: Triptiek started with the design of products at the end of their life; the methodology was adapted to the residual material to be obtained. For example, the wearing parts of chairs were replaced using traditional weaving techniques. The weaving was done using discarded leather sofa backs and sides.
• Choice of material: Triptiek (Onbetaalbaar vzw) worked with the leather left over from the sofas.
• Influence of the technical criteria of the materials on the design: For the Triptiek creations, the designers chose leather pieces. These could at best measure 80 cm and not be deformed.
• Influence of the ‘circular design’ methodology: Triptiek looked at the end of life of their own design and chose materials that are easy to separate at the end of their life. They are also looking at other business models for their products: leasing, rental, … .