calma is a reconfigurable desk organiser developed as my final master’s project, continuing my research into new materials rooted in the canary islands that began with trust in trash. the project explores the material potential of arundo donax (giant reed), an invasive plant species, combined with volcanic ash from the 2021 eruption of cumbre vieja in la palma, transforming environmental excess into a meaningful design object.

the product was conceived as a functional and decorative piece that goes beyond aesthetics, symbolising renewal after a natural catastrophe. calma places the volcanic event on the desk not as a reminder of destruction, but as an opportunity to rethink materials, processes, and everyday objects. the design draws inspiration from modular construction games and geometric interlocking systems, using pencils as the common connectors between pieces.

the organiser consists of ten modular elements derived from a single base unit, allowing users to build, divide, and reconfigure the system according to their needs. additional tray pieces accommodate small desk items such as clips or pins. the act of rearranging the organiser becomes a moment of pause and reflection, giving space for calm during moments of frustration or creative blockage, an idea directly connected to the project’s name, which merges “calm” with “palma”, referencing both the island and the plant material used.

my role covered the entire development process, from material research and conceptual design to prototyping, testing, and final production. the project evolved through physical mock-ups, a wooden prototype, and a final 3d-printed version using recycled wood filament, allowing precise adjustments based on real user interaction. a dedicated visual identity and packaging system were also designed to reinforce the project’s territorial, sustainable, and emotional values.