Nucleus of Kraft
Nok embodies holistic solutions where unique and fresh design is at the core of aesthetically encompassed products.
Nok provides a platform for manufacturers, artisans and designers to work together in collaboration. All products are handmade and embody the philosophy of African craft, but with a contemporary view
The following products where used.
- Girly Cabinet
- Krafthaus
- Wallpaper
Girly Cabinet
Girly, the elegant and charming little cocktail cabinet, created for NOK by Gilles Pretorius, has got more to it than just its beauty. The NOK team promotes sustainability with the use of environmentally friendly materials, waste management and local labour and skills development. Considering this mission Girly can truly be seen as a green product.
Mao bamboo, the laminate sheet Girly is constructed from, grows in commercially managed forests using sustainable practices. After a rapid four year harvest cycle the mature stems are processed while the rest of the plant is left to regenerate. Compared to hardwoods and laminates, bamboo processing leaves a considerably smaller carbon footprint.
Computer numerical control (CNC) routing, the manufacturing process used, reduces waste of material in that the material usage is mathematically optimised. CNC Routdesign, a company that forms part of the NOK collaboration, gave Gilles the opportunity to develop his skills in designing for the routing process as well as providing him with a platform to realise his career as a designer in South Africa.
Girly is his first commercial product for NOK and has thus far received much positive critique from the public.
Krafthaus
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What is the final product made of?
It has been made with merino wool, felted and dyed. It has been made locally in somerset west, western cape.
He wool is from merino sheep that are mainly farmed in the karoo and eastern cape. The inner cushion is made by grannygoose, paarl, south africa see www.grannygoose.com
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Describe the transport journey of the parts or ‘ingredients’ of the product to you.
All south african wool is sent to port elizabeth for sorting, grading and cleaning and then bought on auctions by distributors. I buy my tops (cleaned and combed wool) from one of these buyers posted to me by bulk.
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What is the life of the product?
When well looked after and kept away from moths the product could last for 2 to 3 generations
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Is the final product recyclable?
Yes. Cut up or pulled apart, combed, twisted, twined, balled etc. Makes into something new.
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If it is, will the new recycled product have a low carbon footprint?
Yes. This product is made by hand and no mechanical equipment is used except forehand sewing by using converted foor pedal antique sewing machines
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If not recyclable, how can the product be safely disposed of? Describe the human/environmentally friendly/sustainable attributes of the product.
There is very little waste. It is a natural bio-degradable product
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Describe the human/environmentally friendly/sustainable attributes of the product
Felt is hand felted in a home environment and home sourced. It is a multi purpose fabric
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Does the product contain any VOC’s? Etc., Any regulations and standards?
No. No volatile compounds present
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Does your company or factory have any energy saving programs running at the moment?
Very little electrical energy is required.Felting in done with physical body strength. Pedal sewing machines and hand stitching is used.
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Does your company or factory have any water saving programs in place.
Water is recycled continuously during the felting or matting process and rinsing water is run off into a vegetable garden
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Do your company have any future plans on improving the sustainability and environmentally friendly quality of the products?
Bulk water storage is to be addressed
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Describe your companies’ employee policies and any training or education programs you have in place?
At this stage we outsource stages of production and as orders increase more training and delegation of work will be offered to eventually have a “work at home” in place. Finishing and of the products are in house
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Are you involved in any community upliftment, charities or social development programs?
Team of designers and manufactures have collaboratedwith nok, the acronym for nucleusofkraft whereby 15% is earned on goods sold and the funds used to further training and specialisation.
Stephanie Bentum (owner of krafthaus interior and fashion products)
15 Reservoir Road, Parel Valleij, Somerset West, 7130,
Tel :021 852 6147,
Email: info@krafthaus.co.za
www.krafthaus.co.za
Wall Paper
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What is the final product made of?
The Wall paper is a paper based product with a vinyl backing.
The base material is imported and the graphics applied using large format ink Jet printing. Both these services are outsourced.
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Describe the transport journey of the parts or ‘ingredients’ of the product to you.
The client requests custom setup of graphics or length of wallpaper from the Nuclear Summer Range. This is then prepared by Hanno & Arno and supplied to the printing firm. All processes and materials are provided by them. The finished wallpaper is delivered to the Nok headquarters where it is distributed back to the client.
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Is the final product recyclable?
No
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Does the product contain any VOC’s? Etc., Any regulations and standards?
No
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Does your company or factory have any energy saving programs running at the moment?
Very little electrical energy is required.Felting in done with physical body strength. Pedal sewing machines and hand stitching is used.
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Does your company or factory have any water saving programs in place.
No. All our work is done digitally using one desktop Mac and one PC.
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Do your company have any future plans on improving the sustainability and environmentally friendly quality of the products?
Yes, as a small and young enterprise we intend to stay aware of the effects of our production as it grows in the future.
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Describe your companies’ employee policies and any training or education programs you have in place?
Our company consists only of the two founding members Hanno van Zyl and Arno Krüger.
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Are you involved in any community upliftment, charities or social development programs?
No, but will always be aware of these issues as our company grows.