These slightly bonkers-looking objects may look like something you might find in a laboratory but they are all, in fact, fully functional re-interpretations of the humble kettle. Each design was dreamt up by young Korean designer Mars Hwasung Yoo and were made as part of his Master thesis project at Konstfack University in Sweden.

Mars has substituted all of the individual components of the kettle with other objects that fulfill the same basic function; a bunsen burner as a source of heat, an umbrella stem for a handle, a plastic bottle for the vessel. Although the usability of the object is maintained, (proof of this can be seen here) their appearance creates a strange jumble of associated memories and preconceived ideas about their function.

The kettles are currently on display as part of the Ung 8 exhibition at Designersblock during London Design Festival, 22 - 25 September 2011. Farmiloe Building, 34 St John Street, London EC1M 4AY

- A.Morris