MaterialDistrict

26/09/2025

All rivers in England are now rated in “bad” ecological condition. In Kent, heavy sewage discharges have damaged local shellfish waters. Designer Jacob Tucker responds to this crisis with Precrete, a new material made from oyster shells.

Read more at https://materialdistrict.com/article/precrete-sustainable-concrete-from-oyster-shells/

26/09/2025

An exploration into the potential uses of pre-consumer wool waste, for the creation of mycelium-based composites intended for architectural applications. Lana wool mycelium composite by Caterina Plenzick https://materialdistrict.com/material/lana-wool-mycelium-composite/

26/09/2025

.ETH Zürich, one of Europe’s leading universities in science and technology, is exploring alternatives to reduce the climate impact of construction. Concrete and steel dominate the building sector, but their production releases large amounts of CO₂. Researchers and architects at ETH are turning back to natural resources such as earth, straw, and timber. Their work focuses on updating these materials with modern techniques to make them fit for contemporary use.

Read more at https://materialdistrict.com/article/rediscovering-traditional-building-materials-for-a-sustainable-future/

25/09/2025

As part of the Copenhagen Architecture Biennial 2025, architectural designer Tom Svilans and London-based THISS Studio present Barn Again. The pavilion reinterprets the traditional Norwegian barn through the expressive use of reclaimed timber.

The project responds directly to the biennial’s theme of “Slow Down”. It invites reflection on material life cycles and the pace of construction. By salvaging timber from a disused barn—weathered wood that has already served a purpose—the designers extend the value of these materials. As a result, they demonstrate how architectural heritage can be reconfigured for a new and contemporary role.

Read more at https://materialdistrict.com/article/barn-again-reimagining-the-barn-with-reclaimed-timber/

Barn Again reimagines the barn with reclaimed timber, showcasing circular design and sustainable innovation in Copenhagen.

25/09/2025

The rugs are woven traditionally and with a natural color palette by a Tunisian artisan workshop. Fair trade handwoven rug by Fair Fabrics https://materialdistrict.com/material/fair-trade-handwoven-wool-rug/

25/09/2025

Researchers at QUT (Queensland University of Technology) have turned seafood waste into flexible films for wearable health devices. This breakthrough may lead to a new generation of sustainable biosensors that are safe for the body and gentle on the environment.

Read more at https://materialdistrict.com/article/from-seafood-waste-to-sustainable-wearable-health-sensors/

24/09/2025

At the Copenhagen Architecture Biennial 2025, the Danish architecture duo Slaatto Morsbøl presents two projects: Hands On and Inside Out, Downside Up. Both explore new ways of working with discarded materials in architecture and show how waste can gain fresh value through design.

Read more at https://materialdistrict.com/article/unveiling-the-hidden-value-of-construction-waste/

24/09/2025

The bark of different species is preserved by covering them with an innovative bio-sourced transparent resin, functional declination of the tree’s natural process. Phellem collection by Alcarol https://materialdistrict.com/material/phellem-collection/

24/09/2025

Growing regulation and consumer demand are increasing the need for alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. Finnish company Fiberdom has introduced Duranova, a material made entirely from FSC-certified wood fibres. The material is plastic-free, recyclable, and home-compostable, designed to meet performance requirements in packaging while reducing environmental impact.

Read more at https://materialdistrict.com/article/fibre-based-material-duranova-developed-for-packaging-applications/

23/09/2025

GROWinK is a material research project developed by Peerasin Punxh Hutaphaet during the MA Material Futures programme at Central Saint Martins. The project explores how fungi and bacteria can be combined with CMYK inkjet technology to create self-decomposing, regenerative prints. Applications range from posters and packaging to textiles, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of conventional printing.

Read more at https://materialdistrict.com/article/growink-living-ink-that-regenerates/

23/09/2025

A biodegradable, customisable and non-toxic material made of organic side-streams of different local industries. Reclaim by Caracara Collective https://materialdistrict.com/material/reclaim/

23/09/2025

📣 Calling all college/university student innovators: in a world full of problems, be part of the solution!
2026 is more than another student design competition—it’s an in-depth learning experience that will transform the way you work with others, solve problems, and grow ideas.

Participating in Wege Prize is your chance to:
✅ Collaborate with other passionate young people from all over the world
✅ Build a diverse team that blends fields of knowledge and expands perspective
✅ Design bold new products, services, businesses, and other solutions for the
✅ Receive in-depth feedback from industry experts
✅ Compete for seed funding to turn your ideas into reality

⭐ Team applications for Wege Prize 2026 are being accepted now through October 5 at wegeprize.org⭐
👉 https://www.wegeprize.org/?utm_source=materialdistrict&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=2026_app_promo&utm_id=material-district-09.2025