Coastal Bam Salt Jar for Collecting Brine by Liang Hou |
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| DESIGN NAME: Coastal Bam PRIMARY FUNCTION: Salt Jar for Collecting Brine INSPIRATION: Inspired by traditional fishermen in southeastern China, this design addresses the local practice of collecting brine from deliquescent coarse salt, which contains magnesium chloride impurities. To support this sustainable process, porous salt jars are crafted using regional bamboo weaving techniques. Bamboo, known for its flexibility and fast growth, is deeply rooted in the local culture and offers an eco-friendly solution for effective brine filtration. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: CoastalBam Jar is a salt container designed for Chinese coastal communities to collect brine from coarse salt used in tofu and soy product preparation. It integrates dual bamboo weaving filters with a metal vessel to improve durability and hygiene. Drawing from regional customs and Feng Shui principles, the design modernizes tradition while ensuring cultural relevance and everyday usability. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Step 1: The user places the coarse salt on top of the crystal funnel and uses their hand to scoop the salt for daily cooking. Step 2: In the humid coastal environment, the coarse salt gradually deliquesces, and the brine flows into the filter funnel, where impurities are further separated to yield clean brine. Step 3: The user uses the collected brine to make traditional soy products or season food. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: This project commenced in January 2024 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, and was completed in March 2024 in Xiangshan, a traditional fishing village in Zhejiang. Following its completion, the design received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in June 2024, recognizing its innovative approach and cultural significance. In October 2024, the project was showcased at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore. |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: CoastalBam Jar combines traditional handmade bamboo weaving with modern metal processing technology. The bamboo weaving part adopts hexagonal holes and cross weaving method, which not only enhances the air permeability and filtration effect, but also ensures the smooth flow of brine. The metal bottle body is closely integrated with the bamboo weaving part through precise CNC processing. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Overall Height: 12.00 cm Crystal Funnel Diameter: 16.00 cm Crystal Funnel Height: 2.50 cm Filter Funnel Diameter: 10.00 cm Filter Funnel Height: 8.00 cm Metal Bottle Opening Diameter: 10.00 cm Metal Bottle Bottom Diameter: 6.00 cm Metal Bottle Capacity: 300 ml Bamboo Weaving Filter Aperture: 2 mm (Crystal Funnel), 0.5 mm (Filter Funnel) Bamboo Weaving Funnel Material: Southeast Coastal Moso Bamboo Metal Bottle Material: Aluminum Alloy (Corrosion-resistant Treatment) Weight: Approx. 500 g Color: Natural Bamboo Color, Green (Plastic Ring) TAGS: Bamboo weaving, folklore, kitchenware, fishermen, salt pot RESEARCH ABSTRACT: This design research is an applied ethnographic study aimed at improving tools for coastal fishermen. The goal was to create a sustainable salt jar that aligns with traditional practices while solving issues like brine contamination. Through fieldwork and material testing, we identified challenges in fishermen’s cooking routines. The Brine Jar features an open-mouth design, inspired by fishermen’s habit of using their fingers to measure salt and the tradition of leaving coarse salt for Feng Shui purposes. We also explored bamboo weaving techniques to integrate them into the design. CHALLENGE: The most challenging aspect of this project was mastering the bamboo weaving techniques. As a beginner in this ancient intangible cultural heritage craft, I initially felt overwhelmed by the vastly different rules of each weaving method. Under the guidance of traditional artisans, I practiced tirelessly—from cross weaving to trapezoidal weaving, and finally to hexagonal weaving. My fingers were cut countless times during this process. Ultimately, I mastered each method and understood their unique characteristics, allowing me to seamlessly integrate this ancient craft into the design. ADDED DATE: 2024-11-29 01:56:55 TEAM MEMBERS (4) : Liang Hou, Wenqi Wu, Yichen Chen and Hanshu Shen IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. Image #2: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. Image #3: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. Image #4: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. Image #5: Creator LiangHou, CoastalBam Jar, 2024. PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Copyright © [LiangHou], [2024]. All rights reserved. |
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NAME: Zhejiang University PROFILE: Zhejiang University is one of the top universities in the People's Republic of China. It is currently ranked among the "QS World Top 100 Universities", "Times Higher Education World Top 100 Universities", "U.S. News & World Report World Top 100 Universities" and "Shanghai Ranking World Top 100 Universities". It ranks 27th in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities and 42nd in the 2023 QS World University Rankings. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Coastal Bam Salt Jar For Collecting Brine by Liang Hou is Winner in Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Category, 2024 - 2025.· Read the interview with designer Liang Hou for design Coastal Bam here.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Liang Hou. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Liang Hou. |
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