Mariann Hendrikson

Modular cushion system, 2025 

Material: 100% printed cotton remnants from Kenya. Filling: wool leftovers from Estonia

The cushions are inspired by Kenya’s vibrant culture, where people make use of whatever materials are available and easy to work with. Since the fabric comes from printing errors and textile offcuts, each cushion is unique, and combining them results in distinctive color compositions. The design also takes into account factory and worker capacity: the cut is simple, and the seams are straightforward.

Life in Kenya moves at a slower pace than in Estonia – people know how to rest and simply lounge. It is common to see people lying by the roadside. The Pillow Pack cushions can be arranged into an ottoman, a sofa, or even a mattress, depending on need. Each cushion has eight straps that can be tied together to connect the pieces or form handles for carrying. They are suitable for home, travel, or school, offering both seating and sleeping options. Depending on the filling, a 640 × 640 mm cushion weighs between 1.5 and 3 kg.

Various soft waste materials can be used as filling, from textiles to foam. At present, the cushions are filled with washed wool wastesourced from the Estonian leather industry. To ensure even distribution and structure, each cushion is divided into four sections by seams.