Tag: material research

Design, Design & Technology, Sustainable Design

From the Tagus to the Tile

Portuguese tiles get a modern revamp with the innovative creations from design collaborative Fahrenheit 180. Using biomaterials from the Tagus river that runs through Portugal and Spain, co-founders Luca Carlisle and Jeremy Morris transform humble oyster shells and seaweed into functional surface alternatives. Initially sourcing spent oyster shells from seafood restaurants, the pair eventually approached oyster farms directly, obtaining consistently larger quantities and diverting the … Continue reading From the Tagus to the Tile

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Design, Design & Technology, Design Delights, Sustainable Design

Woodland Waste

Developing alternatives to wood-derived sheet materials like plywood and OSB, design and research studio Material Cultures has taken to the British woodlands for inspiration. Their research addresses the heavy reliance on coniferous trees in the production of building materials—a practice that promotes monoculture forestry, leaving large areas vulnerable to environmental damage and harming biodiversity. To move away from this unsustainable system, Material Cultures has been … Continue reading Woodland Waste

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Design & Technology, Sustainable Design

OTT Korean glaze

Recycling spent ceramics back into production is an important aim to increase the sustainability of mass produced tableware and tiles. Though we’ve covered the work of Hanneke de Leeuw of Fabrique Pu which makes use of discarded vases, mugs, and plates, today’s feature takes the process a step further. The unstable nature of glazed ceramics complicates recycling as the fired materials become impure. Finding a … Continue reading OTT Korean glaze

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Design & Technology, Sustainable Design

Urine Bricks

It doesn’t sound great at first, but these urine bricks could someday be an important building material. Attempting to find an alternative to relatively resource and energy intensive kiln fired bricks, engineering student Suzanne Lambert from Cape Town took to one of humanity’s most prolific creations. These bricks are made using urine, sand, and living bacteria and harden at room temperature, removing the need for … Continue reading Urine Bricks

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claything flexible clay textile hybrid
Art and Artists

Clay Cloth

Exploring new and unusual materials is a rare Tile Addict treat. Today there is something unexpected to see, the unlikely pairing of clay and textile. ‘Ceramics on the move’ is the tagline of aptly named CLAYTHING and the company’s desire is to take advantage of their knowledge of clay to break down the limited perceptions of this ancient material. Experimenting with shape, form, and movement, … Continue reading Clay Cloth

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