Just in time for Earth Day, Morlen Sinoway will be featuring a limited-edition eco-conscious puzzle tray, created by Chicago-based husband and wife duo, Bruce and Stephanie Tharp of Materious.   

 

The piece, made from walnut certified by Forest Stewardship Council, is the latest design commissioned for Newton Vineyard’s "Eco-Chic” project. The Napa Valley company began collaborating with designers four years ago as part of the its mission to promote sustainability within the wine industry.

 

The 112 hand-crafted trays are designed to combine the natural layout of the vineyard plots with multiple uses. The individual puzzle pieces can be removed from the surface of the tray to serve as coasters for other dishes, and a special “hidden cave” below the upper right block reveals a Newton-engraved corkscrew.

 

The Tharp’s design company, Materious, focuses on creating new ways for humans to interact with objects. Past projects include a tassel-pull that turns on your television to a Marxist Fruit bowl that requires scaling a ladder to reach. The Tharps have exhibited their works in Milan, Paris, Frankfurt and New York and are nominated for the Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards this year.

 

Morlen Sinoway will host a launch party, open to the public, on Tuesday, April 17th, at 5:30. The trays are priced at $499 and can be purchased at the showroom or through the Newton Vineyard website while supplies last.