Case Study - Sustainable Set Design
The Brief
Islamic College of Melbourne approached Cardboard Mill with a familiar challenge, how to stage a captivating school production without resorting to wasteful, single-use materials. This teacher-led performance of Murder on the Nile was created for their secondary students, but they needed a solution that was creative, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.
The Concept
The production, Murder on the Nile, called for a bold and adaptable set that could bring drama and sophistication to the school stage — without the environmental impact of traditional materials.
The Cardboard Mill Solution
We designed and built a full stage set using 80% recycled cardboard, printed with organic inks, and assembled with biodegradable adhesives. The set was backed by our lifecycle custodianship approach to ensure minimal environmental impact. Key steps included:
- Briefing and budget alignment
- Structural and aesthetic design development
- Three rounds of design revisions
- Efficient bump-in and bump-out
- Planning for reuse and upcycling
All materials were either recyclable or compostable — no landfill required.
Collaboration
The school’s teachers provided artwork and visual direction, and we transformed those ideas into a modular, theatre-ready set that was lightweight, easy to install, and visually dynamic.
Results
The production was a huge success, with teachers, students, and the school community responding enthusiastically. In fact, the response was so strong that the school has decided to restage the show for their primary students. Cardboard Mill will be reinstalling the set in four weeks' time, making minor touch-ups to bring it back to life for a second run, a testament to the sustainability of our designs.