MATERIALS

Well Proven Chair By: James Shaw & Marjan Van Aubel By incorporating waste shavings into design using bio-resin, a curious chemical reaction occurs. When it is mixed with the shavings causing it to expand it into a foamed structure, a lightweight and mouldable material is created, reinforced by the fibres in the hardwood shavings.

bioMASON developed a technology that uses bacteria to form a natural cement that binds aggregate into durable bricks.

Israeli designer and TED Fellow Adital Ela of S-Sense design also received a BIO 23 Honorable Mention Award for her Terra Stools (2012). These earthen and natural fiber volumes were made by a unique compression process that references ancient building and indigenous techniques. The designer saw herself as a hunter-gatherer of sorts while collecting waste materials from the natural environment and local construction sites. She credits folks such as Daphna Yalon, Tal Bashan, Um Ajaj, and her own grandmother for teaching her this biodegradable, craft-based technique.

OMD continually updates the ShowHouse with the latest eco-friendly materials, including nontoxic birch veneer Koskipanels and Durapalm flooring, which is a secondary product of coconut palms.

ECOR's durable E-Home construction panels are made from discarded paper, cardboard, agricultural fibers, and other so-called cellulose waste fiber, much of which would end up taking up valuable real estate in landfills.

One of the most effective ways to conserve resources is to keep your home warm without overly relying on heating mechanisms. A smart way to prevent heat loss is to incorporate eco-friendly insulation materials made with natural fibers such as cork, wood fiber, or sheep’s wool. Though this change may be a little more inconvenient and costly that the others, it will certainly help you save on heating bills in the long run.

LIQUIDICE is one of the latest innovations from ICA Group. It is a monocomponent coating that creates an aesthetic effect similar to ice crystals.

Bioleather: This leather substitute is made by feeding bacteria a sugary solution.

Berlin-based product designers Anastasiya Koshcheeva and Oya-Meryem Yanik teamed up on a project that is a study in materials. Chester is a new, innovative material that looks at molded wood in a completely new way. After much research, they created a new surface material that’s held together with seams, and not the typical glue, giving the wood a quilted look.

Suntan Pattern by Nendo Nendo exploits leather's characteristics by using tanning oil or sunscreen to place an invisible pattern on the surface of the leather.

BAUX Acoustic Panels - An environment-friendly, recyclable material made from wood wool, cement and water. The natural components together provide many functional characteristics. BAUX Acoustic Panels is available in 5 patterns; Quilted, Check, Stripes, Lines and Diagonal, all designed to be combined into infinity.

Air Ink by Graviky Labs ​The first ink made out of recycled air pollution. " Over the last 150 years, mankind has depended on burning fossil fuels directly or indirectly for their energy needs. Soot is the major byproduct of the burning of fossil fuels. Research has shown that many premature deaths are directly related to soot in the environment. Particle exposure leads to around 20,000 premature deaths in America each year. Many of these deaths were caused by soot-related diseases. Data also shows that soot annually causes almost 300,000 asthma attacks and 2 million lost workdays due to respiratory problems."

Mathieu Lehanneur "Liquid Marble" The 7.5-metre-long patch has been created from a single section of hand-polished green marble, and was designed using 3D software.The material has been carved into realistic waves that replicate water that has been "gently ruffled" by the wind. The piece reflects on the hidden presence of the Loire river, which flows beneath the courtyard of the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire Centre D'Arts et de Nature, where the installation is presented.