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CAMADA DAYBED
A design collaboration with Ash Fischer, founder of FISCH INC [2024]





Made from 100% recycled post consumer Australian plastic, the Camada is the first collaboration design between FISCH and ditto. The design was selected for the inaugural Carl Neilson Design Accelerator program from Powerhouse Museum and a US version was presented at the 2024 International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City. The piece is made to order in Marrickville Sydney and available for large scale commercial and low quantity residential projects.



Dimensions ~ 1900 L x 800 W x 400 D 

Materials ~ 100% Recycled HDPE plastic base

Ordering ~ Lead time 4-8 weeks









IN THE MAKING
Behind the design and assembly of the Camada daybed

As the first collaboration piece between Ash and myself, this project came to represent the balance that we found when working together. With Ash coming from an industrial design background and me coming from ecology and sustainability, we found that the challenges and difference turn out to make something neither of us could have achieved individually. I’m so proud to be able to share a bit about how this piece is made.

The Camada daybed starts it’s manufacturing journey at DEFY design in Marrickville, where selected plastic waste is collected and processed.Things like shampoo and milk bottles are dropped off, cleaned and shredded into smaller more manageable pellets.


Figure 1: Raw waste materials going through the shredding process.
Figure 1: Raw waste materials going through the shredding proccess.
Figure 1: Raw waste materials going through the shredding proccess.


Figure 2: Raw waste materials cleaned and ready to be shredded.
Figure 3: CNC bed with recycled plastic sheet in place.


The shredded plastic is then heated and pressed into large plastic sheets. At this stage of material forming, different ratios of pigmented plastic or dyes can be mixed in to form various colours and textures.

From these large plastic sheets we begin to cut out the pieces needed for final assembly using a CNC machine. The design and shape of the pieces allows for almost the entire sheet to be utilised. Through the CNC process all the sheet waste pieces are collected and reprocessed back into DEFY’s recycling system to be turned in to new sheets.


Figure 4: CNC machine used to cut the sheets.
Once all the pieces have been cut out, routed, sanded smooth and check over we begin assembling the piece. By design, the Camada design uses no screws, adhesives or nails in its assembly. Instead we developed a recycled plastic pinning system that uses the friction and compression forces of the structure to hold the piece together. This allows for not only easy repairs through its use, but also easy recycling and disassembly at the end of its life. 


Figure 5: Assembly process of the Camada
Figure 5: Assembly process of the Camada
Figure 5: Assembly process of the Camada


Once complete we then add in the cushion, made from select fabrics and foam, and then pack it up. The manufacturing process is hands on and requires time to complete so we give a lead time of 8 - 12 weeks. As we work to  move towards more regenerative ways of designing and manufacturing we also make a US version. This is made in Columbus Ohio from recycled fridge waste, bread tags and other discarded materials.

Figure 3: Final assembled piece.