Transmaterial » biomaterials

Coco Tiles

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:00:34 +0000

Made from reclaimed coconut shells, low-VOC resins and sustainably-harvested wood backer material, Kirei Coco Tiles may be used as decorative tiles or panels both horizontally and vertically. Featuring multiple pattern and color combinations and available in light, dark and mixed textures, the coconut shell tiles create a variety of surfaces and enhance the sustainable material palette in residential, commercial, and hospitality applications.

Contact: Kirei, Solana Beach, CA, USA.
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BBS Panels

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:00:42 +0000

BBS are structural solid wood panels made of sustainably harvested, fast-growth soft wood. By laminating longitudinal and cross layers (X-LAM), the natural forces of the wood (e.g. expanding, contracting, bending) are minimized to achieve great strength and stability. The panels are used primarily for structure, but can also provide a finished, exposed surface. The BBS panels are produced through a digital fabrication process where the shop drawings are transmitted to the plant as 3D CAD files. The panels are then CNC cut and shipped directly to the construction site.

Contact: Holzbuild, Briarcliff Manor, NY, USA.
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Kraftplex

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:00:01 +0000

Kraftplex combines the characteristics of metal, composite materials and plastics. Comprised by 100% unbleached wood fibers with no added binders or adhesives, it is a stable, flexible and durably-shapeable metal akin to metal sheets. Because Kraftplex has electrically-isolating properties, it is a good alternative to conventional plastic sheeting. It is also flexible enough that 3D shaping via deep-drawing and edge-shaping are possible. Kraftplex may be easily cut, drilled, perforated, and adhered using common woodworking tools. It can also be treated with paints, varnishes, oils, waxes, and adhesives—as well as covered with decor film and printed.

Contact: Well Ausstellungssystem GmbH, Hannover, Germany.
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Mycoply

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:00:55 +0000

Mycoply board is a mycological biomaterial that is actually grown in a few months. It has properties similar to balsa wood and can be easily formed when saturated, yet will hold shape once dried. Athough balsa wood is biodegradable and natural, it is not easy renewable and disrupts its local environment when harvested. Mycoply, however, is rapidly renewable, grown using agricultural byproducts, and does not interrupt its surrounding ecosystem. Mycoply can replace core materials such as balsa, honey comb, or a variety of petrol foams for wind turbine blades, boat hulls, lightweight vehicle panels and many other applications.

Mycoply also represents a low-embodied-energy manufacturing process as the material self assembles at room temperature and pressure in the dark. Additionally, its performance is superior in many ways to current structural core materials due to the ease in which it may be bent and formed. MycoPly reduces waste as it is grown to near-net shape and does not require post-processing.

Contact: Ecovative Design, Troy, NY, USA.
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Ply

Blaine Brownell — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:00:24 +0000

Ply is a sculptural wall-element made of birch wood harvested in Finland. At 0.45 mm thick, the textile-thin birch plywood layer is nearly translucent. This layer is adhered to a solid birch frame, which may be mounted to straight surfaces using a variety of methods.

Ply is available in two versions, the curvilinear Ply1 and the gentle wave profile Ply2. Mirror image tiles are also available to allow for continuous wave patterns. Ply may be assembled horizontally or vertically, and may be backlit for a dramatic effect. The standard surface is lacquered natural birch, but Ply may also be stained dark gray or natural white.

Contact: Showroom Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finland.
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Jagorta

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:00:44 +0000

Jagorta is a wood veneer panel that transmits light. It consists of select veneers such as cherry, maple, or oak mounted to a translucent core with a specially developed adhesive.

As light passes through the thickness of the veneer, the natural surface structure of the wood is revealed. The panel transmits uniform light throughout the entire panel, without borders or joints. Suitable for a variety of interior applications, Jagorta is an effective mood lighting element that imparts a warmth reminiscent of a fireplace.

Contact: Jagorta Ltd., Kecskemét, Hungary.

Digital Dawn

Blaine Brownell — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:00:46 +0000

Designed by Rachel Wingfield, Digital Dawn is a textile that responds to environmental stimuli. Digital Dawn functions as a traditional window blind with a reactive surface that is in constant flux, growing in luminosity in response to its surroundings.

Wingfield intended Digital Dawn to emulate the process of photosynthesis using electroluminescent printing technology. Light-dependent sensors monitor the changing light levels within a space, triggering the growth of the organic foliage on the blind. A natural environment will appear to grow on the window surface, exploring how changing light levels within a space can have profound and physiological impact on our sense of well-being.

Contact: Loop.pH Ltd & Elumin8, London, UK.
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Wave Wall

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:00:44 +0000

Wave Wall is an undulating, curvilinear wall constructed of refined panels available in either continuous or alternating patterns. Wave Wall is a modular system that can be applied horizontally or vertically, and is offered in three module lengths: 1000 mm, 750 mm and 495 mm. The system is easy to install and is available in a wide range of tile finishes. Lighting from behind, front and above can create both subtle and bold effects, depending on the intensity of the lighting and the choice of tile finishes.

Contact: Wovin Wall, Mascot, NSW, Australia.
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Foldtex

Blaine Brownell — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:00:23 +0000

Timm Herok developed Foldtex as a lightweight folding material in order to challenge traditional notions of product fittings, corner connections and surface finishing techniques. Foldtex consists of at least two layers, one which is flexible and the other which is stiff. When incisions are made in the stiff layer, thus exposing the flexible layer below, a folding hinge is created at that point.

Folding grooves may be made via CNC milling, although simple folds may be made with a hand-held milling machine. Separation cuts are then completed using a cutting knife. Foldtex may be individually adapted in its strength and surface qualities through the use of veneers, layering, staining, and painting. A high finish may be achieved either before or after the milling of the template.

Contact: Foldtex, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Washi Laminated Glass

Blaine Brownell — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:00:52 +0000

Washi laminated glass panel is a combination of two glass sheets with handmade Japanese washi parchment and one interlayer of plastic (PVB). The hybrid material is used for both security and decorative applications, and demonstrates the marriage of a five hundred year old handcraft-based tradition with modern technology.

Contact: Precious Pieces, New York, NY, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.