Material Innovations: Five Innovative Materials Redefining Contemporary Furniture Design
Materials and their transformations are at the heart of our work – whether that’s understanding their natural properties and making these stand out in the design phase of our pieces, or searching for the confluence of nature and technology, in new, unexpected materials.
Two material qualities are of the utmost importance for every piece leaving our workshop – their durability and sustainability. And whilst the luxury sector has had a complicated relationship with the environment, we can no longer ignore the obvious – we have to find, develop and prioritise materials that come from abundant, renewable sources or are thoughtfully engineered alternatives.
Whilst our research and development into new material solutions is ongoing, we wanted to share five materials that embody both innovation and environmental conscience and are particularly suitable to the design and craft of contemporary furniture.
Honeycomb straw
Honeycomb straw is a breakthrough development of our R&D studio – it incorporates organic, renewable materials with low-VOC, plant-based resins. The material sees naturally dyed straw cast in a biodegradable cacti resin. The straw, locally sourced to reduce carbon footprint, is carefully selected for its integrity before being set in resin, a process that ensures a unique, translucent surface with each application. This method not only enhances the visual appeal of the final product but also contributes to its structural strength, making the honeycomb straw a durable finish for furniture pieces that have to be both resilient and visually impactful.
2. Karuun™
Karuun™ sees the rattan palm stem transformed into a pioneering material, developed for high-performance applications. The process of creating this material begins with the careful selection of mature rattan palms, ensuring a balance between strength and flexibility. The stems undergo processes to enhance their natural cell structure, resulting in increased durability and resistance to stress. With a composition that includes natural silica, Karuun™ has inherent flame-resistant properties, is recyclable, and the renewable nature of rattan palms aligns with circular economy principles.
3. Flax fibre
Flax fibre is a material that embraces the robust qualities of flax, a plant that's been a staple in textile manufacturing for centuries, now reimagined for modern use. The linseed-derived fibre is celebrated for its exceptional strength, rivaling that of carbon fibre, making it ideal for structural components in furniture where durability is paramount. The process of converting linseed into usable flax fibre involves retting and softening techniques, which prepare the fibres while preserving their natural luster and mechanical properties. The fibre is then spun, resulting in a thread that is both lightweight and exceptionally sturdy. In addition to its structural properties, through natural dyeing techniques, the fibres can be transformed into decorative finishes.
4. BeLEAF™
BeLEAF™ is a new material developed by Nova Kaeru in direct response to the demand for sustainable leather alternatives. Extracted from the broad leaves of the Alocasia Macrorrhiza, commonly known as 'Elephant Ear', beLEAF™ mimics the tactile feel of animal leather with none of the environmental drawbacks. The tanning process, devoid of heavy metals, ensures a clean, safe material, while the use of 100% reclaimed water and organic fertilizers during cultivation contributes to waste reduction. The result is a supple, durable, and waterproof material that can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining the sought-after aesthetic of traditional leather.
5. PineSkin
Image Copyright: Studio Sarmīte
Another vegan leather innovation is PineSkin from Sarmite Polakova. This innovative material is crafted from the bark of pine trees, sourced from responsibly managed forests. The transformation process involves natural, non-toxic softening agents that render the bark pliable and conducive to further treatment. The bark is then expertly treated to enhance its natural patterns and textures, creating a material that is beautiful and capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.
In our design process, nature serves as a constant source of inspiration, offering solutions and innovations that continually shape our approach to material selection. It's a welcome challenge to integrate these new materials into our contemporary furniture designs, and in doing so, we are reminded of the delicate balance between form and function.
Transforming natural materials into innovative, resilient finishes is an endeavor that both venerates the inherent ingenuity of nature and aligns with the fundamental human desire to create, all while conscientiously minimizing environmental impact.
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