Solar-powered torches consistently suffer from one glaring problem: They’re ugly as hell. But that’s nothing that a multidisciplinary creative collective from Japan can’t solve.
Enter Graf. This Osaka-based team is made up of a range of experts, from an architect to a chef to a furniture designer. The collective designed an LED torch for the MoMA Store that’s not only absolutely gorgeous but also rather sophisticated in terms of technological prowess.
The so-called Sphelar Solar Flashlight is powered by a collection of eco-friendly, spherical solar cells embedded in the handle. The shape of the cells ensure that they collect the sun’s rays on all sides instead of just on the surface. A full charge will provide up to four hours of LED brightness, and the torch comes with a handsome wooden dock that keeps the spherical solar cells exposed.
The Sphelar will set you back $US150, but think of it this way: You’ll never have to buy batteries again. [MoMA Store via bltd]
