WE LOVE MATERIALS - Oikos Synua Door

Oikos Synua Door

Time to bring the new Architectural component to the show. These doors answer the prayer of the specifier. Synua, shown here is one example. It is a vertically pivoting, über performance door. The panels can be finished in all kinds of materials and there is even an internal wall system to match. Plus they can supply the glass either alongside the door or above it. Scale is not a problem and style is absolutely inherent. This door is design within an opening.

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WE LOVE MATERIALS - Asymptote

Asymptote

Take 5.2 tonnes of tula or gun metal steel and start to carve. This surface is a topography of  “2000 mathematically delineated diamond-shaped facets, each one different” . The tension and energy within the material finish is palpable. Edgy, taut and naturally mind blowingly expensive.

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WE LOVE MATERIALS - Wave Panel

Wave Panel

This is another 3D spectacular. This composite material is a solid acrylic base to which a wood veneer has been bonded. The material is then CNC milled which, combined with new software technology, gives this striking panel an aesthetic that looks like scooped fruit.  Cool, practical and itchingly tactile.

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WE LOVE MATERIALS - Glass Pillow

Glass Pillow

The craft of silvered glass has been resurrected and adapted using a modern interpretation to create a beguiling glass product reminiscent of a pillow Cinderella’s glass shoe would have had serious competition with in the beauty stakes.

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WE LOVE MATERIALS - Impressions

Impressions by Marcel Wanders for Senso

This exquisite resin floor system puts 3D firmly beneath our feet. In addition the resin is essentially created from bio polymers.

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WE LOVE MATERIALS - X endless

X endless

So just where do we lock those naughty carbon molecules in then? This is one man-made answer; a recycled carbon composite that uses the unlocked carbons from obsolete aircraft with a bio resin from plant origins.

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WE LOVE MATERIALS - Vintage Circuit

Vintage Circuit

One mans power supply is another mans surface. This is one example of a range of stunning designs for wall panels and furniture using vintage circuitry from the 50’s to the 80’s.

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WE LOVE MATERIALS - Bakery Foam

Bakery Foam

Yeast is an essential ingredient in most breads and foam, likewise in soft furniture. This material uses the upholstery fabric as the mold and two kinds of polyurethane are then injected into it for construction and comfort. Foam bcomes fabric. And you have to see the back of this chair…

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WE LOVE MATERIALS - Karate Chop Rug

Karate Chop Rug

This traditional style rug that has been chopped into 2 pieces produces a battery of thoughts emanating from the notion that materials can be renewed in many ways. Not only is this a quirky piece for any space but why not remove one part and place elsewhere. Completeness is not about being joined together.

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MATERIAL THINKERS

Aleksandra Gaga, TERO (earth)

Surface Design Show 2011 is all about material thought.

‘Material thinking' at the Surface Design Show, explores the complex thought pyramids involved in developing materials and asks the participants to demonstrate the thought process behind their individual innovations. It asks them what else they are doing to develop these materials as the world and markets continue to change. 

Can they make their materials more bespoke or more sustainable?

Can they improve the integral performance and in doing so remain both relevant and forward thinking?

How else is 'Material thinking' at The Surface Design Show 2011 being explored? In a more editorial guise, the show brings some of the most influential Architects, Designers and Scientists together to ask them what new materials they are developing and how have they ‘stretched’ the boundaries of existing materials from the creation of thermobimaterials from differing metal alloys  to carbon skinned doors. And there is naturally, a lot of discussion from some original thinkers.

For the full programme and to register to attend for free