In Conversation with Betül Karaca at Factory of Us
1. Can you share the story behind your very first 3D-printed furniture piece for a hotel? What lessons did you take from that experience?
Our first 3D printed hotel piece was the Manas Lounge, created specifically for poolside relaxation. We wanted it to have a balanced, upright structure, ergonomic yet sculptural, and even suitable for children’s pools. In the early stage, we used a PLA based material, but we soon noticed that under strong sunlight, it slightly softened and lost form. That experience taught us a lot about the limits of biodegradable materials. We then moved to an ABS based formula reinforced with coffee waste, which gave us much higher durability and thermal resistance. It performed beautifully outdoors, and our clients were very pleased.
2. Durability is crucial in high-traffic hotel environments. How do you ensure your pieces can withstand daily use while staying eco-friendly?
We use high performance biocomposite, the same materials used in wind panels, which makes our furniture extremely resilient. Combined with thick layer 3D printing, the result is a structure that can endure years of use without losing its integrity. Our design approach also plays a role: the curved, organic forms naturally distribute pressure, increasing strength while maintaining a soft, fluid aesthetic. Through continuous R&D, we’ve built a balance between sustainability, durability, and timeless form.
3. Customisation is often key for hotel branding. How do you work with designers and hoteliers to adapt your pieces to specific interior concepts?
Every project begins with a dialogue. We work closely with interior designers and hoteliers to understand the space, the brand identity, and the feeling they want to evoke. Then we design custom pieces that reflect that story; furniture that blends into its surroundings but still carries a distinct character. Each piece becomes part of the space’s DNA, impossible to replicate elsewhere.
4. Looking ahead, how do you see large scale 3D printing transforming furniture design in the hospitality sector over the next 5–10 years?
Large scale 3D printing allows us to combine technology with nature in a way traditional methods never could. It enables the use of 100% recyclable, bio-based materials while opening endless design possibilities. Within the next decade, we believe this approach will reshape how hotels source and personalise their interiors faster, cleaner, and with far less environmental impact.
The future of furniture will come not from cutting trees, but from transforming agricultural waste into beautiful, lasting forms.
That’s the direction we’re building toward.
