Low-carbon furniture that brings people back to the table
Co-Balance is an inclusive furniture collection created for meaningful conversations, collaboration and shared experiences. Made from Strumber® – an innovative hemp-based biocomposite – it combines sustainable material innovation with human-centred design. Developed together with wheelchair users and people with visual impairments.
Prototype project · In development for Dutch Design Week 2026
Co-Balance Collection
At the centre is a round interaction table with open access from every side. Two seating variants support different postures and levels of mobility, while freestanding acoustic screens help define a calmer micro-space without permanent changes to the interior.
Together, the elements create a shared setting for conversation, learning and collaboration. An interactive balance tray introduces a simple cooperative activity that encourages attention, coordination and play.
Material: Strumber produced by The True Green
Design: Husarska Design Studio – Jadwiga Husarska-Sobina, Stefan Hamiga, Joanna Rudzińska, Paulina Zdybał
Photo: Panopticon Films – Andrzej Sobina
Three principles behind Co-Balance
Carbon-Negative Sustainable Material
For every prototype, we distinguish the biogenic carbon stored in Strumber from the emissions generated by processing, manufacturing, finishes and prototype transport. The calculation scope, data sources and verification status are shown alongside each number.
Inclusive Design Without Stigma (Design for All)
Wheelchair users and people with visual impairments take part in workshops, full-scale mock-ups and usability tests. Their feedback shapes clearances, reach zones, tactile orientation cues, armrests and surface finishes.
Architecture of Connection & Digital Detox
Sensory overload destroys creativity. Organic forms, acoustics lowering noise, and balance trays encouraging device-free time restore authentic communication in an offline era.
Strumber: the plant-based material behind Co‑Balance
Strumber® is an innovative biocomposite made from agricultural hemp straw. Instead of becoming waste, this rapidly renewable resource is transformed into durable furniture with a significantly lower environmental impact than many conventional materials.
The collection works with the material’s own character: warm natural tones, expressive edges and a tactile surface that reveals how it was made. Because Strumber behaves differently from solid wood, plywood or standard furniture boards, every component must be designed around its specific properties. Geometry, thicknesses, connections, machining and finishes are developed specifically for the material rather than copied from an existing wooden product.
The Co-Balance Series
A furniture collection designed to encourage conversation, accessibility and shared experiences. Every element works independently, yet together they create a calm, inclusive environment for meetings, learning and collaboration.
Co-Balance Table
Designed to bring people closer.
Geometric elimination of hierarchy. Includes a tactile orientation notch for visually impaired users. A round table with a single central base leaves the perimeter open for wheelchair access from every side. A tactile orientation mark supports navigation by touch, while the shared balance tray creates a small cooperative task at the centre of the meeting.
Central leg wheelchair-adaptability
Visual orientation haptic notch
Accessible from every side
Shared balance tray
Round, non-hierarchical layout
Designed for meetings, workshops and collaborative spaces
Co-Balance Armchair
Comfort that supports independence.
The Co-Balance Armchair is designed to make sitting down and standing up easier while providing comfort during longer conversations, meetings and shared activities. Its gently sloping armrests offer secure support when changing position, while the ergonomically shaped seat and backrest encourage a natural sitting posture.
Ergonomic support
Sit-to-stand assistance
Co-Balance Acoustic Panels
Quiet spaces without permanent alterations.
The acoustic panels create calmer areas for conversation, focused work and informal meetings. Made from the Strumber® biocomposite, they combine modular flexibility with the natural sound-absorbing properties of plant fibres. The freestanding construction allows spaces to be reorganised whenever needed—without rebuilding interiors or installing permanent partitions.
Modular freestanding system
Natural acoustic performance
Organic forms inspired by nature
No permanent installation
Plant-based material
Flexible workspace zoning
Designed for shared spaces
The best conversations rarely happen by accident. They need a space that feels welcoming, comfortable and free from distractions. Co-Balance creates that space - bringing together inclusive design, sustainable materials and thoughtful details that encourage people to slow down, connect and collaborate.
Subsidies
Project Title:
ReHemptation: Meeting furniture collection with a low carbon footprint
Description:
The ReHemptation project is a pioneering office furniture collection centered around Strumber – a sustainable, hemp-based biocomposite. Our mission is to redefine professional meeting spaces by blending cutting-edge design with a profound commitment to environmental responsibility. Built on the principles of inclusive design, the collection is developed in close collaboration with experts with visual impairments to ensure exceptional sensory accessibility and ergonomic excellence for all users.
Grant Information:
The project is implemented as part of the Development of Creative Sectors 2026 program. Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland.
Implementing Agency:
Creative Industries Institute (IPK).
Beneficiary:
Husarska sp. z o.o.
Grant amount:
179 176 zł
Total project cost:
253 926 zł
Date of signing the agreement:
Maj 2026
Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the funds of the Creative Industries Institute’s own program: Development of Creative Sectors
