Aga Blonska Studio presents a revolutionary lighting fixture: Nuevo Alta (New Dawn). This 3D-printed light object, made from an innovative bio-based material derived from microbes, is fully biodegradable under all conditions—even on a compost heap. The fixture was developed and printed by the Dutch innovator 3D Makers Zone which played a crucial role in the technical realization of this sustainable masterpiece. The launch of Nuevo Alta at Euroluce highlights the unique combination of cutting-edge technology, sustainability and visionary design that defines this project.

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A Circular Revolution in 3D Printing

Nuevo Alta is crafted from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA’s), a family of biopolymers produced by microorganisms through the fermentation of sugars or lipids. Unlike other bio-based materials such as PLA, which degrade only under specific conditions, PHA is fully compostable in any natural environment. This positions the material as a significant step forward in the transition to a circular economy. Haarlem based 3D Makers Zone is the first to print with a 100% PHA in this refined shape and size.

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Fermentation as a Cycle of Life

Nuevo Alta’s design is inspired by fermentation as a source of new energy and life. In nature, leftover food from a final meal remains on the table, providing sustenance for microorganisms. These microorganisms enrich the soil or create new materials like PHA. The lighting piece symbolizes this cycle of life and reuse, challenging visitors to rethink our relationship with natural processes. The project explores the meaning of the cycle of life and reuse, inspired by the saying, “Nothing in nature dies.” What remains after a final meal offers energy and nourishment to nature, completing the circle of life. In this context, Nuevo Alta poses a thought-provoking question: Who is the "Last Supper" truly for—humankind or nature?​

 

The Key Roles

Amsterdam-based Aga Blonska, known for her innovative use of materials and aesthetic approach, is the designer behind Nuevo Alta. Her work reflects a profound understanding of circular processes, which she translates into an elegant and meaningful design. Studio Simone van Es, based in Rotterdam, served as the connector, developer and primary investor of the project. Simone brought the right parties together, oversaw the process and ensured the translation of a sustainable vision into a tangible reality. Her studio bridges the gap between design, technology and sustainable innovation.

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With New Dawn, Aga Blonska and Simone van Es present not only a world-first in sustainable design but also a powerful story about the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, technology and tradition.