cultivated cellulose and layered ash shape series of horizon-inspired lighting
Cenit Turns Cultivated Cellulose into Suspended Light Objects
Following the release of Lapso, Polybion and Natural Urbano introduce Cenit, a new family of lighting objects exploring the relationship between cultivated materials, light, and contemporary interior design. The collection combines natural ash, stainless steel, and Celium
Manto, Polybion’s Premium Cultivated Cellulose, using its translucent surface to filter light into a warm, atmospheric glow. Inspired by golden horizons and the linear compositions of the 1970s, Cenit translates light into a suspended horizontal landscape. Its name refers to the highest point in the sky in relation to an observer, an idea expressed through the lamps as a horizontal line of light held within the space. While Lapso was conceived as a sculptural statement piece, Cenit extends the same material exploration into a more versatile family of lighting objects for contemporary interiors. The collection comprises pendant and table formats, allowing the use of Celium to be adapted to different scales and applications.
all images courtesy of Polybion and Natural Urbano
Natural Ash and Celium Manto Shape Cenit’s Layered Structure
Cenit marks the first collaboration between biotechnology company Polybion and design studio Natural Urbano to combine wood, stainless steel, and Celium Manto within a lighting piece. The structure is formed from a layered natural ash spine, assembled from thin sheets of ash that are pressed and nailed together. The Celium Manto shade is positioned between four ash layers on each side, eight layers in total, and secured using the same pressed and nailed construction method. The resulting frame supports the translucent cultivated cellulose while leaving its material qualities visible across the light-filtering surface.
Celium is cultivated by feeding bacteria with agro-industrial fruit waste. As the material is grown through a biological process rather than produced through conventional extraction methods, each sheet develops subtle variations in tone, density, and surface expression. These differences remain visible in the finished lamps, contributing to their visual and atmospheric qualities. The pendant version uses a horizontal composition that evokes a suspended horizon, while the table lamp translates the same layered material language into a smaller format. The table lamp is available in two material expressions: Celium Manto, which filters light through a translucent cultivated cellulose surface, and Celium Keros / Espumante, which introduces a denser and more textured appearance. Each Cenit lamp is produced to order, with an estimated delivery time of five weeks. The collection is available through Natural Urbano’s website and the Vibe Lab / Polybion Shopify.
Cenit explores the relationship between cultivated materials, light, and interior design
Cenit translates the idea of a horizon into a suspended line of light
pendant and table formats adapt Celium to different scales and uses
Cenit combines natural ash, stainless steel, and cultivated cellulose
natural ash, stainless steel, and Celium Manto define the Cenit collection
translucent Celium Manto filters light into a warm atmospheric glow
thin sheets of natural ash form the lamp’s layered structure
golden horizons and 1970s linear compositions inform Cenit’s visual language
the ash frame leaves the cultivated cellulose visible across the light-filtering surface
the collection brings cultivated cellulose into contemporary lighting through layered construction
biological cultivation creates subtle variations in the tone and density of each sheet
Celium is cultivated using bacteria fed with agro-industrial fruit waste
the collection extends Polybion and Natural Urbano’s material exploration
project info:
name: Cenit
designer: Polybion | @polybion × Natural Urbano | @natural_urbano
design team: Lorena Márquez and Sebastián Beltrán – Natural Urbano
collaborating team: Axel Gómez-Ortigoza and Alexis Gómez-Ortigoza – Polybion
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
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