FMG’s technical ceramics, an astronaut, and a brave new world: watch the campaign

Raf Simons, the acclaimed Belgian fashion designer and co-creative director of Prada, in collaboration with Danish textile brand Kvadrat, has unveiled an innovative home storage system dubbed the Shaker System. This collaboration marks a significant departure from their previous endeavors, which primarily focused on upholstery fabrics. For their eighth year of partnership, Simons has ventured into product design, drawing inspiration from the practical and minimalist aesthetics of traditional Shaker homes. The Shaker System reimagines the classic wall-mounted peg rail, a staple in Shaker design, known for its functional approach to keeping common spaces orderly. Simons's fascination with Shaker furniture, which he describes as both pure and surprisingly futuristic, began during his tenure as chief creative officer at Calvin Klein in New York City. His updated version transforms the simple peg rail into an upholstered railing with discreetly hidden hooks. The system is available in Kvadrat’s Vidar 4 fabric, offered in a selection of colors: pink, dark green, black, and white. This design, while appearing minimal, incorporates a technical complexity to achieve its refined simplicity. The expansion into a new product category reflects Simons's desire to create something beyond conventional fabric collections or standalone furniture pieces. He aimed to develop a system that deeply integrates with domestic environments and influences how individuals interact with objects within their homes. Unlike art objects destined for galleries, Simons’s intention was to craft a functional and impactful product for everyday use. This shift is rooted in his background; prior to his fashion career, Simons studied industrial design at Genk’s Luca School of Arts. His design philosophy for the Shaker System is informed by a broad spectrum of influences, including 20th-century art and design figures like Joe Colombo, known for his adaptable domestic systems, and Jacques Adnet, recognized for his meticulous leatherwork. American minimalists such as Donald Judd and John McCracken also served as critical references, alongside the Shaker movement’s emphasis on intuitive functionalism and economic form. These inspirations coalesced into a system that is both aesthetically refined and highly practical. To complement the core Shaker System, Simons has designed a series of coordinating accessories tailored for different areas of the home. These include a magazine holder, wool throws, and matching pillows for living spaces, and a coordinated key holder, shopping bag, and slippers for entryways. The overarching goal behind these accessories is to enhance the system’s utility and integrate it seamlessly into daily life. Ultimately, Simons emphasizes that a truly significant object is one that is used consistently, highlighting the blend of design innovation and practicality at the heart of the Shaker System. #RafSimons #Kvadrat #ShakerSystem #HomeStorage #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #BelgianDesign #DanishDesign

The French manufacturer Focus is making it easier for architects and interior designers to specify eco-friendly fireplaces with its Ecodesign Ready label. This initiative aligns with the European Union's Ecodesign program, which aims to reduce emissions across Europe and will be implemented for wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves on January 1, 2022. The Ecodesign Ready characteristics include a reduction in particulate emissions and unburned gases, decreased energy consumption, increased energy efficiency, and control using EU-recognized measurement methods. Focus operates globally, with approximately 60 percent of its sales outside France. The company has adapted to stringent international requirements to maintain competitiveness. One notable innovation is the Slimfocus, a DEFRA-approved fire designed for urban areas where wood-burning restrictions are in place. The Slimfocus features a cylinder of flames, with options for a suspended, pivoting hearth or a fixed, base-supported unit. Its minimalist design makes it suitable for various placements within a room, showcasing a stylistically revolutionary approach. Focus has built its reputation on continuous research and development, and its product catalog now includes 17 gas models. These gas fires are designed to authentically mimic the appearance of real wood flames while eliminating the associated drawbacks. All gas fires are equipped with CE-certified gas burners compatible with natural gas or propane, ensuring ease of use and high performance through state-of-the-art combustion systems. The company has also adapted several leading models for outdoor use, reflecting a trend towards merging interior and exterior design schemes. The pivoting, suspended Gyrofocus, Ergofocus, and Emifocus models are now available with anti-corrosion coatings and a choice of resistant black paint or a rust finish that develops a natural patina over time. Gas fires come with remote control functionality, allowing for easy adjustments and simple operation. For wood fires, models with a thermal efficiency of 70 percent or more offer an excellent renewable energy solution. To enhance the customer experience, Focus provides an augmented reality app that enables clients to visualize a fireplace in their own home before purchase. With a presence in over 70 countries and a selection of 70 models, Focus fireplaces are distinguished by their unique designs, advanced technology, and energy efficiency. The range offers a suitable fireplace for diverse projects, from seaside retreats to snow lodges and sauna cabins, underscoring the brand's commitment to both aesthetics and sustainability. #FocusFireplaces #EcodesignReady #EcoFriendlyDesign #SustainableHeating #FireplaceDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #GasFires #WoodBurningStoves

Italian ceramics company FMG has launched its Max Fine collection of large-scale tiles, designed for versatile application across floors, walls, and furnishings. These tiles, despite their substantial size, maintain a lightweight profile and a reduced thickness of six millimeters, facilitating their integration into diverse interior spaces. The design intent allows interior designers to utilize them on a wide array of surfaces, offering both aesthetic flexibility and practical application. The Max Fine tiles are crafted from porcelain, yet their surfaces are engineered to meticulously replicate the appearance of various natural materials, including different types of stone, marble, and metal. This hyper-realistic mimicry enables the creation of cohesive, mono-material interior designs when applied uniformly across both floors and walls. Alternatively, designers can strategically contrast different surface finishes within the collection to emphasize specific sections of a space, introducing visual interest and defining distinct areas within an environment. Beyond traditional floor and wall applications, the collection extends its utility to act as cladding for specific decor items. This includes furniture pieces such as dining tables, washbasins, and storage cabinets, allowing for a unified material aesthetic across multiple elements within a room. The tiles can also be used to highlight more substantial fixtures, such as shower cubicles and staircase balustrades, or to form textural panels in room dividers and partition walls, thereby expanding the creative possibilities for interior segmentation and detailing. FMG highlights the collection's ability to foster cohesion and uniformity while simultaneously allowing for selective emphasis through contrasting appearances. This versatility empowers architects and interior designers to explore innovative concepts and push creative boundaries, redefining conventional understandings of architectural and furnishing surfaces. The company emphasizes that the Max Fine collection breaks down the traditional barriers between materials used for structural architecture and those used for interior furnishing, offering a singular, adaptable material solution. Comprising 74 distinct colors and finishes, the Max Fine collection is organized into several sub-ranges. These include 'Marmi,' which emulates the veiny patterns of marble; 'Agata,' designed to mimic surfaces inlaid with chunky aggregate; and 'Iron,' which presents a slightly worn, metallic aesthetic. For those preferring more understated options, classic, plain-color choices are available within the 'Limestone' and 'Walk On' ranges, catering to a broad spectrum of design preferences. Durability is a key feature of the Max Fine tiles, as FMG has engineered each tile to be highly resistant to scratches, mold, staining, chemical exposure, and UV radiation, ensuring their longevity and performance in various environments. The imitation surfaces also contribute to their low-maintenance nature, making them easy to clean. FMG states that these large-format tiles introduce a distinctive look to ceramic surfaces, enhancing any domestic, commercial, or public space while promoting comfort and well-being. Established in 1998 by Romano Minozzi, FMG, or Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, is headquartered in Modena, Italy, and has a global presence, providing flooring solutions for residential, hospitality, and civic projects worldwide. #TileDesign #InteriorDesign #MaterialInnovation #SurfaceFinishes #PorcelainTiles #HomeDecoration #ArchitecturalMaterials #ItalianDesign

Fireclay Tile, a West Coast tile specialist, has announced the launch of a new product category named Fireclay Bath, set to be available in November. This new line features customizable American-made bath fittings, developed in collaboration with a domestic foundry. The collection is designed to offer a wide range of aesthetic and functional choices for bathroom interiors. The Fireclay Bath line is comprehensive, encompassing various components from faucets and showers to ceramic knobs. The fittings include sculpted metal faucets and shower fixtures, which are produced with an emphasis on craftsmanship and design. A unique aspect of the collection is its ceramic knobs, which are molded from a wheel-thrown form, highlighting the brand's expertise in ceramic artistry and traditional manufacturing techniques. This approach ensures that each knob possesses a distinct, handcrafted quality. Customers will have extensive customization options, as the Fireclay Bath line is structured into four distinct series. Within these series, there are nine different spout designs available, allowing for varied aesthetic preferences and functional requirements. Additionally, the line offers 10 handle styles, providing further personalization for faucets and other fixtures. The metal components are available in 16 different finishes, ranging from classic to contemporary, enabling seamless integration with diverse bathroom design schemes. True to Fireclay Tile's core competency in tile glazing, the colors featured in the bath fittings collection are rich and deeply layered. This expertise is particularly evident in the ceramic knobs, which are presented in a vibrant palette. Examples of these colors include Thistle, Kalamata, Chaparral, Sweet Pea, Garnet, and Tiger’s Eye. These colors are chosen to offer both subtlety and striking contrast, allowing designers and homeowners to create visually appealing and harmonious bathroom environments. The emphasis on color and finish reflects a holistic approach to bathroom design, where every element contributes to the overall aesthetic and tactile experience. The collaboration with a domestic foundry for the production of metal fittings underscores Fireclay Tile's commitment to local manufacturing and quality control. This partnership ensures that the metal components meet high standards of durability and finish, complementing the handcrafted ceramic elements. The overall offering aims to provide a sophisticated and highly customizable solution for modern bathroom design, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design flexibility. #FireclayTile #BathFittings #CustomizableDesign #CeramicKnobs #MetalFinishes #AmericanMade #InteriorDesign #BathroomRemodel

This article explores the growing acceptance and diverse applications of composite building materials in home design, highlighting their advantages over natural materials in terms of durability, low maintenance, and sustainability. These high-technology processed materials, while some have been in the market for decades, are now offering increased customization and sustainable solutions, driven by a post-pandemic shift towards home-centric living and a desire for convenient, long-lasting products. The article discusses wood-plastic composite (WPC) products, such as those offered by Everwood, which are primarily used for outdoor applications like facades, railings, and fins. WPC materials mimic the aesthetic of wood but offer superior weatherproofing and termite resistance, requiring minimal maintenance. Floor Sketch, a brand founded by Rajesh M. in 2019, has seen a resurgence in demand for pergolas and gazebos made from WPC, offering custom designs that can withstand harsh climates and come with material life warranties. The brand also uses Stone Polymer Composite (SPC), a limestone-based material for interlocking floors, which gained popularity before the pandemic due to its termite-proof and waterproof properties, enabling quick installations, such as an overnight floor replacement in a Chennai apartment. Floor Sketch emphasizes its green certifications for various indoor and outdoor products. Aluminium composite panels (ACP), in use for over 50 years, have seen increased demand in India, particularly with the growth of the IT sector. Brands like Eurobond, Alucobond, and Aludecor provide ACPs for architectural applications, allowing for extensive customization in color and design. Siddharth A. Shah of Eurobond notes the desire for unique building aesthetics, offering 380 designs and colors, with custom branding options for large orders. ACPs, originally developed for their long life, low maintenance, UV resistance, and fire safety in external curtain walls, are now widely used for fascia cladding. Eurobond has also introduced 32 new shades and offers a 100% recyclable ACP with an aluminum honeycomb structure, valued for its lightness, strength, and rigidity. The article also notes a trend of residential clients adopting ACPs for false ceilings, a use traditionally reserved for commercial buildings. The discussion then shifts to wood-alternative composites. Reliance's RelWood produces Natural Fiber Polymer Composite (NFPC) boards using patented German technology, offering a waterproof, low-maintenance, termite-proof, and recyclable alternative that can also be thermoformed for furniture. Indowud, founded by the Benganis after exiting the plywood industry, focuses on sustainable, 'zero wood' boards. After two years of research, they developed Indowud NFC (Natural Fibre Composite) by incorporating over 110 kg of agricultural husk for every 100 kg of resin, challenging standard WPC products that use less wood fiber. This high fiber content results in strong and durable boards, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly, and GreenPro certified alternative to plywood and MDF. Indowud NFC boards, available in different densities, are competitively priced with high-quality plywood and are suitable for wardrobes, kitchens, furniture, and exterior facades. Their complete resistance to termites, water, corrosion, decay, molding, and fungus, along with their ability to be thermoformed into non-standard curved elements, offers architects and designers significant flexibility for customized interior and exterior applications. #CompositeMaterials #SustainableBuilding #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ExteriorCladding #WPCProducts #SPCFlooring #ACPPanels #ZeroWoodSolutions

The increasing scrutiny on environmental impact has led designers to innovate, creating solutions that combine creativity with sustainability. This movement is spearheaded by both established and emerging talents who are developing projects ranging from microalgae-powered items to furniture made from paper pulp and fully compostable seating, all while maintaining high aesthetic standards. Fango, founded by Colombian designer Francisco Jaramillo, addresses deforestation by utilizing Yaré, a fast-growing natural fiber, in his 'Ibuju' furniture collection. This project collaborates with local weavers in Colombia, highlighting the relationship between artisans, sustainable materials, and contemporary design through pieces that respect indigenous traditions and environmental needs. Prowl Studio, comprising Baillie Mishler and Lauryn Menard, introduced the 'Peel' chair at Milan Design Week 2023. Developed with M4 Factory, this chair is made from a hemp-based bioplastic derived from industrial hemp waste and biopolymers. The chair's frame composts within six months in an industrial facility, while its hemp foam cushion, upholstered in hemp bio-leather, decomposes as quickly as an orange peel and can be composted at home. Creative director Menard emphasizes a design philosophy that considers the entire lifecycle of materials and products. German designer Stefan Diez, inspired by Japanese bamboo furniture, partnered with Norwegian aluminum manufacturer Hydro to create the 'Boa' table for Hay. This table uses 75% recycled, post-consumer aluminum scrap, employing a unique folding technique reminiscent of traditional bamboo artistry. Its lightweight, flat-packed design and production facility powered by hydropower significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Buyers can customize the tabletop with various finishes or source it locally to fit their style. Alted Materials, founded by Berta Julià Sala, aims to disrupt the building industry by offering architectural products based on circular economy principles. Their 'Alted H01' collection features decorative wall panels made from 'Honext,' a material derived from cellulose waste from the paper industry. These waste-based, plant-based, non-toxic, and recyclable panels come with a take-back scheme, ensuring materials are recycled back into the production loop at the end of their life. Patricia Urquiola, Cassina's art director, designed the 'Moncloud' sofa with a strong focus on sustainability. The sofa features a metal frame wrapped in recycled PET wadding, and the use of polyurethane is minimized by incorporating Circularrefoam, a foam made with recycled polyols. The design allows for complete disassembly, making individual material recycling and recovery easier. Federico Peri collaborated with Bentley to create furniture using Paper Factor, an innovative paper-pulp surface material developed by Riccardo Cavaciocchi. This material, crafted by hand, offers a luxury aesthetic similar to marble, with organic coloring and intricate veining, but with significantly reduced waste and water usage during production. This initiative is part of Bentley's broader sustainability efforts, emphasizing the durability of the material when treated. Chinese designer Fengfan Yang's 'Light on Lives' project explores plant-powered electricity generation using microalgae contained in the lamp's base. While producing minimal power, it is sufficient for a night light, requiring regular water changes. Yang aims to integrate existing technology with everyday products to demonstrate the potential of plant power, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for future applications. Yuma Kano, a Japanese designer, created 'ForestBank' after being inspired by the Hida region's forgotten forest elements. This material combines organic waste such as small branches, leaves, and nuts with resin, showcasing the beauty and unique characteristics of these natural resources. Each design is distinct due to the organic variations and can be applied to various forms like tabletops. Estudio Rain, founded by Mariana Ramos and Ricardo Innecco, developed the 'Rícino' lighting collection from a plant-based castor oil resin. This project, which began in 2018, offers translucent amber fixtures as an ecological alternative to petroleum-based resins. The material is cold-pressed and manufactured without water consumption, indicating a significant step towards sustainable material innovation in design. Honoka Design Lab, a collective of Japanese designers, presented the 'Tatami Refab Project,' a furniture series made from discarded Tatami mats combined with bioplastic to form a green resin-like substance. By transforming Igusa grass mats into striking furniture and lighting with the help of 3D-printing experts ExtraBold Inc, the project seeks to reintroduce the beauty of traditional Tatami to younger Japanese homeowners influenced by Western design trends. #SustainableDesign #EcoMaterials #CircularEconomy #BioplasticFurniture #RecycledMaterials #PlantPoweredDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #InnovationInDesign #GreenArchitecture

Material Kitchen, an AAPI-founded brand previously known for its knife sets and recycled plastic cutting boards, has expanded its product line to include tableware, specifically glassware and linens. This expansion aligns with a design aesthetic often featured by Domino, characterized by delicate glassware and natural linen textiles. The newly introduced glassware collection features two distinct designs: the Full Glasses and the Half Glasses. The Full Glasses, priced at $65 for a set of four, are notable for their sculptural form, which includes a small inverted cup base. These glasses are crafted from borosilicate glass, available in malachite, clear, and haze colors. Despite their delicate appearance, they are designed for everyday use, being both stackable and dishwasher-safe. The Half Glass design offers a shorter alternative, available for $50 per set. Complementing the glassware, Material Kitchen has also launched a line of 100% flax, stonewashed table linens. This collection includes reversible placemats, which are designed to offer versatility and can be matched with various dinnerware styles. An example highlighted is the sienna and mocha color combination for the placemats. The linens are presented as a luxurious yet practical addition to a table setting. As part of the launch, Material Kitchen provided a promotional offer, allowing customers to receive a 20% discount on both glassware and linens by using the code SETTHETABLE. This offer was valid for a limited time, through November 9. The introduction of these tableware items marks a significant extension for the brand into home dining accessories, maintaining a focus on thoughtful design and material quality consistent with their existing kitchenware products. #TablewareLaunch #MaterialKitchen #GlasswareDesign #LinenTablecloths #HomeDecorTrends #Kitchenware #ProductReview #DiningAccessories #AAPIbrand

Village Handcrafted Cabinetry, a company based in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, has been creating custom cabinetry and wood products for over three decades. Founded by Joseph Trave, the business specializes in designing, building, finishing, and installing a wide range of custom items, including bathroom vanities, cabinet doors, kitchen cabinets, pantries, and walk-in closets. The company caters primarily to mid- to high-end residential clients, working with designers, builders, remodelers, and a small percentage of retail customers. Joseph Trave's passion for woodworking began at a young age, leading him to establish the company in 2000. Starting from a 400-square-foot garage, the business has expanded significantly to occupy over 60,000 square feet of manufacturing space. In 2003, Trave acquired another local cabinetmaker's business, Village Woodshop, integrating its machinery and employees. The company later moved to Lansdale in 2006, establishing a showroom and a larger production facility. Over the years, the company has navigated economic challenges, including recessions and a pandemic, through the dedicated efforts of its four-person management team, which includes Joseph Trave as CEO, his wife Gina as director of marketing, Gary Marks as director of finance and purchasing, and Jennifer Marks as director of Human Resources/payroll. Village Handcrafted Cabinetry prides itself on its ability to produce custom products entirely in-house. All cabinet construction utilizes mortise and tenon joinery. The company also produces its own moldings, offering an extensive library of 1,200 profiles and the capability to create custom profiles to match existing designs. The manufacturing process incorporates advanced technology, including CNC equipment for both panel processing and solid-wood machining. Automated loaders and unloaders are used with their Stratos 3-axis machining center and Weeke Vantage 2000 CNC processing center, facilitating efficient production of nested panels and raised panel doors. Further technological investments include TigerStop stations for producing stiles and rails, and a miter fold machine for creating precisely joined corners and face frames. For sanding, the company uses a Timesavers multi-head flat sander and an MB Roba Tech sander, which is capable of sanding both flat and profiled parts. A sophisticated dust collection system gathers sawdust, which is then burned to provide heat for the facility during winter, showcasing an environmentally conscious approach to waste management. The company also features an in-house finishing lab, referred to as the “finishing kitchen,” where skilled artisans perform custom color matching. Clients often present complex finishing challenges, and the team meticulously creates samples under bright lights to ensure exact color replication, with both the company and the client retaining a sample for consistency. A newer addition is a small in-house metalworking shop, which handles minor fabrication for items like hoods and floating shelves, ensuring proper separation from woodworking operations for safety. Despite its current 60,000 square feet of production space, the company produces approximately seven to ten kitchens per week and is exploring further growth opportunities, including potential acquisitions or additional facilities. #cabinetry #customCabinets #woodworking #CNCManufacturing #residentialDesign #kitchenDesign #handcraftedLook #productionEfficiency #woodDustCollection

Marazzi The Top presents an expanded collection of large ceramic slabs, designed for various applications in both private and commercial environments, including kitchen countertops, backsplashes, tables, vertical coverings, and furniture. The collection emphasizes design versatility, allowing for combination with diverse materials to foster aesthetic continuity and dialogue across different spaces. A key feature is the enhanced sustainability and reduced weight of these engineered essences compared to their natural counterparts, enabling broad customization. Furthermore, the products are suitable for surfaces in direct contact with food due to the integration of Puro Marazzi Antibacterial technology, which effectively eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms during the manufacturing process. The latest additions to Marazzi The Top include two new marble-inspired essences, Patagonia and Taj Mahal, alongside five stone effects: Travertine (available in four colors, including a new red hue), Breccia Imperiale, Berici, Bahia Black, and Silver Root, the latter offering bookmatch installation possibilities. The Cementum collection's cement effect is also now available in large slab formats. These new porcelain interpretations draw inspiration from rare and sophisticated natural materials sourced from regions like Brazil. Patagonia mimics the macro-geometries of Permatite, a volcanic material characterized by a blend of granitic minerals and quartz. Taj Mahal emulates Brazilian white quartzite, known for its neutral and warm background and an onyx-like translucency. These two marble essences offer a refined aesthetic impact and are highly versatile, capable of being combined with stone or dark marble effects, as well as wood and cement finishes. The Bahia Black essence reinterprets Brazilian quartzite with deep black tones, adding another dimension to the collection. Silver Root draws inspiration from Turkish marble, featuring distinctive “rocky” veins, while Breccia Imperiale replicates another Brazilian quartzitic stone, notable for its warm grey tones and richly textured surfaces dotted with pebbles and white veins. The authentic surface effects are achieved through 3D Ink digital printing technology, ensuring a precise match between the graphic patterns and the three-dimensional structures of each slab. This technology allows for unique surface variations, enhancing the realism of the materials. Marazzi's focus on material structure and color definition reflects a commitment to recreating the original material's characteristics while prioritizing environmental sustainability. The company employs closed-loop processing plants and advanced machinery to minimize resource consumption and recover all waste materials, underscoring their dedication to sustainable design practices. #MaterialsAndSurfaces #InnovationDesign #InnovativeMaterials #LifestyleDesign #CeramicSlabs #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #ArchitecturalFinishes

WASP, an innovative 3D printer OEM known for its “zero-mile” home building philosophy, has collaborated with IOUS Studio to produce 3D printed ceramic wall cladding tiles. WASP’s foundational mission, the World’s Advanced Saving Project, is centered on developing technology to help humanity construct homes using locally sourced materials. The company distinguishes itself through a close symbiotic relationship with designers, makers, and architects, which fosters the creation of aesthetically pleasing and innovative products. This approach allows WASP to remain at the forefront of creative and technological advancements in 3D printing. IOUS Studio, founded in 2022 by Argentine architects Sol Sanchez Cimarelli and Agustin Ros, brings expertise in architectural and design projects, including 3D printing applications for vases, planters, and concrete structures. Their prior work includes a wall designed to integrate with nature, showcasing their innovative design philosophy. During their residency at WASP, IOUS Studio leveraged a WASP 40100 system to manufacture ceramic wall cladding tiles. The resulting project, named Fusion, draws inspiration from the ocean, specifically the interplay of shadows on waves, to inform its unique designs. The tiles are designed to be combinable, allowing for customized wall coverings. The assembly of these tiles takes place on-site, demonstrating a practical application of their modular design. Currently, the production rate for these tiles is impressive, with over 30 components achievable per machine per day. The team has already successfully produced 4,000 components, highlighting the scalability and efficiency of their 3D printing process. For 2024, WASP plans to expand its Residency program, inviting more artists, architects, and designers to participate. The program aims to broaden the spectrum of materials compatible with 3D printing, develop user-friendly tools for creative professionals, and facilitate the industrialization of 3D printed components. Residents are offered the opportunity to collaborate with WASP employees and utilize advanced 3D printers, including the large-scale Crane WASP systems. The program also provides comprehensive training and ensures that participants’ research findings are disseminated among the broader WASP user community. The scope and duration of each project within the residency are flexible, catering to diverse creative and technical explorations. WASP’s residency program stands out from those offered by other 3D printer OEMs. While some companies engage designers primarily for marketing and public relations, WASP’s intent is more profound. The company approaches its interactions with the design community as a partnership of equals, valuing artists, designers, and architects as integral pioneers driving innovation and shaping a better future. WASP recognizes that these creative individuals possess the unique ability to uncover new insights into materials, develop novel processes, and craft beautiful yet functional items that can inspire and transform. Rather than seeking collaborations with established figures solely for their fame, WASP actively seeks out technologists and explorers who are dedicated to the arduous, skilled work required to produce parts previously considered impossible. This strategic approach by WASP, by fostering genuine collaboration and supporting the creation of truly novel and relevant designs, could lead to significant advancements in industrializing high-volume applications. Such a sensitive and relevant exploration of design and 3D printing can generate similar, if not greater, benefits than more traditional, PR-driven marketing strategies, potentially increasing the adoption of 3D printers within the design community and inspiring further publications and industry growth. The article concludes by expressing a hope that other major OEMs will emulate WASP's model by establishing similar residency programs to collectively advance the technical and artistic potential of 3D printing. #WASP #IOUSStudio #3DPrintedCeramics #WallCladding #ResidencyProgram #ArchitecturalDesign #3DPrintingInnovation #SustainableBuilding #SaloneDelMobile

The Surface Design Show is set to feature its 'New Talent' section once again, providing a platform for emerging creatives in surface materials and lighting design. Scheduled from February 11 to 13, the event aims to highlight innovative designs and materials. This year's 'New Talent' section, curated by Jennifer Castoldi, Chief Creative Director at Trendease International, has significantly expanded, showcasing 37 exhibitors compared to 16 in the previous year. All participating designers have been in business for five years or less. Christopher Newton, Director of Surface Design Show, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Trendease International, noting that Jennifer Castoldi has assembled a collection of exciting new designers with fresh ideas in material design. He anticipates that visitors will engage with the diverse designs, textures, and materials presented within the 'New Talent' area. Many of the exhibitors integrate traditional craft techniques with contemporary design approaches. For instance, Charlotte Relf, an experimental embroidery artist, utilizes exaggerated stitches to impart detail and energy to her work. Similarly, Frances Stone, a Royal School of Needlework graduate, employs various experimental embroidery techniques, including gold work, crewel work, and beading, to craft footstools, chairs, and cushions. Charlotte Clayton Design merges knitting with automotive interior design for surface applications, while Farr Designs combines photography with contemporary design through hand screen prints and digital technology. The 'New Talent' section demonstrates a broad spectrum of approaches to surface design. Janine Partington emphasizes carving and hand-painted leathers. Trifold presents designs featuring thermal and acoustic layers, folded using traditional origami tessellation. Research-based designer Megan Cowley creates mild steel molds using water jet technology, which are then transferred onto glass. Wallcoverings are a prominent feature among the 'New Talent' exhibitors. Olenka's luxury British wallpaper collection showcases natural motifs of leaves and flowers. Catherine Griffiths' work includes bold wallpaper designs, fabrics, and cushions, drawing inspiration from Celtic mythology, the Renaissance, and European architecture. West by Design specializes in intricate hand-painted wallpaper inspired by the English countryside. King Kong Design produces site-specific corporate wall art and custom wall panels for retail, public, and residential settings. A significant theme among the 'New Talent' exhibitors is sustainability and a focus on nature, reflecting the broader 'Close to Home' theme of the Surface Design Show, which emphasizes designing with a conscience beyond mere aesthetics. Jonel van Schalkwyk creates surface designs with human-sized plants in a painterly style. Designer Paula Nerlich concentrates on circular biomaterials, exploring vegan compostables and foams derived from industrial and household food waste. Atticus Durnell, founder of That’sCaffeine, has developed a material from recycled coffee grounds that emulates granite stone. Brussels-based Studio Gilles Werbrouck employs an innovative approach to material reuse by knitting textiles from unconventional sources such as video tape and dead stock from fashion designers. Access to the Surface Design Show is free for professional and trade visitors, with registration available online. #SurfaceDesignShow #NewTalent #EmergingCreatives #SurfaceMaterials #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #MaterialInnovation #CraftTechniques

Italian brand Fiandre has expanded its Marble Lab surface collection with the introduction of five new colourways. The Marble Lab series is specifically engineered to replicate the aesthetic of natural stone, combining classic elegance with the advanced performance of porcelain stoneware. The newly added styles, Dama Bianca, Silver Root, Breccia Imperiale, Quarzite Vals, and Luna Limestone, present a palette of neutral tones, ranging from deep greys to light creams. Each new style is characterized by intricate, stone-like veining patterns across its surface, enhancing the naturalistic appeal of the product. The expanded collection maintains the established specifications of the original Marble Lab surfaces, with all tiles being eight millimeters thick. They are available in a rectangular format measuring 1,200 by 600 millimeters, as well as two square formats, 1,200 by 1,200 millimeters and 600 by 600 millimeters, offering versatility for various design applications. These dimensions and thickness ensure structural integrity and ease of installation, suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. Among the new additions, Breccia Imperiale features a dark grey base punctuated by striking white veins, creating a dramatic visual contrast. Luna Limestone offers a softer, cream-toned surface with a subtle textural quality that adds depth without overwhelming the eye. Dama Bianca is distinguished by its light color and a crystalline appearance, giving it a delicate and refined look. Quarzite Vals provides a soft grey hue, making it a versatile option for various interior schemes. Silver Root stands out with its grey background interwoven with both light and dark veining, mimicking the complex patterns found in authentic silver root marble. To further enhance customization and tactile experience, the Marble Lab tiles can be treated with two distinct finishes: Feel and Flamed. The Feel finish imparts a smooth surface, ideal for applications requiring a sleek and polished look. Conversely, the Flamed finish provides a 3D-textured surface, adding a tactile dimension and a more rugged, natural stone feel. These finishing options allow designers and homeowners to tailor the tiles to specific aesthetic and functional requirements, ensuring that the surfaces can adapt to diverse interior design visions. Fiandre emphasizes that marble's enduring appeal transcends eras and styles, making it a timeless benchmark in architecture and interior design. The Marble Lab collection is presented as a tribute to this heritage, utilizing pioneering ceramic surface technology to merge the inherent charm of natural materials with the practical benefits of porcelain stoneware. This fusion aims to create spaces that exude timeless beauty while offering durability and ease of maintenance inherent in modern materials. The product thus represents a blend of tradition and innovation, providing an alternative that captures the essence of marble without its common limitations. This collection aims to provide architects, interior designers, and consumers with sophisticated and high-performance surface options that embody the classic elegance of natural marble while leveraging the benefits of advanced porcelain stoneware. The new colourways and customizable finishes offer enhanced design flexibility, ensuring these surfaces remain relevant and desirable in contemporary interior design. #MarbleLab #Fiandre #SurfaceDesign #PorcelainStoneware #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalSurfaces #NewColorways #TileCollection #HomeDecor