Studio NRG's Lilium Chair crafted from recycled car rims

Colombian designer Nicolas Riano Guerrero, founder of Los Angeles-based Studio NRG, has unveiled the Lilium chair, a limited-edition piece made from recycled aluminium salvaged from car rims. The chair's petal-inspired form aims to transform industrial metal into an inviting, comfortable object. Guerrero studied petal geometry and sitting positions to design the backrest for a slight recline. The aluminium was diverted from landfill, melted down, and cast at the South Gate foundry in Los Angeles using sand casting, a handcrafted process that introduces imperfections and variations. Guerrero chose to produce the Lilium Chair as collectible design, noting the recycled material is less expensive than standard aluminium, allowing competitive pricing. The project reflects a broader trend of upcycling industrial materials into furniture, such as Montreal students' conversion of Olympic Stadium roof Kevlar into objects. Photography by Sophia Maguire.