Meet the Surface Design Award Winners

Award2026images

After a very successful Awards evening on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at Surface Design Show we are delighted to showcase this years winners! Judged by an esteemed panel of design and architectural professionals, the Surface Design Awards have been designed to encourage both small and large practises or projects to gain recognition from their peers.

Thank you to Revive Innovations for creating our amazing trophies made of 70 recycled CD's in line with this years theme: Material Evolution.

The Awards took place in the Auditorium of the Business Design Centre, hosted by Hamish Kilburn.

Find out more about our winners below:

2026 winners

Project:

Lighting:

Studio RAP - Blue Voyage - Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Hospitality:

Studio RAP - Blue Voyage - Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Public Realm:

Studio RAP - New Delft Blue

Façades:

Studio RAP - Ceramic House

Regenerative Design:

Liza C Design - Agri-fruit-bag

Product:

Innovation:

Liza C Design - Agri-fruit-bag

Sustainability:

Liza C Design - Agri-fruit-bag

Material Transformation:

Rosemary Napper - ReCinder

Heritage & Craft:

Tanaka Eyewear - Patina as Performance

Digital Integration:

Aga Blonska – CoWave

Emerging Talent:

David McGill - Ruvi Acoustic Tile

Supreme Winner:

Liza C Design - Agri-fruit-bag

Blue Voyage

Design Originality and Innovation

'My prototypes, The Oyster Columns and Anti-trawling blocks, look at the possibility of incorporating a visual aspect to practical ocean conservation systems. The idea is to foster positive engagement and awareness of the incredible life that lives in our deep sea, which is becoming increasingly at risk through destructive and unregulated bottom trawling.

I have created a surface design for the sea, with the primary aim to regenerate and regrow oyster reefs and seagrass habitats which have faced an unimaginable decline throughout the UK, as a result of factors such as overfishing and pollution. I want to bring back these hubs of biodiversity, but through a more engaging approach. I have designed a surface which combines biomimicry inspired by oyster shells themselves, and featuring designs that encompass life in the deep sea. The aim is to not only bring back life to our shores, but to create engagement with the life we are unable to see. My surface proposes rewilding our shores through informative design.

Similarly, my anti-trawling blocks are designed with the same biomimicry texture, but with an added sculptural element. Built on a much larger scale, they would provide a physical barrier to trawling in our marine protected areas, and to create a moment of protest and raise awareness of creatures of the deep.'

Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact

'Billions of oyster shells go to landfill each year. My columns feature waste oyster shells, which I collected from a seafood restaurant, crushed into a calcium-rich aggregate. Through more development my designs will ideally be made from a concrete mix made purely from waste oyster shells, creating lime needed for cement, and combining with recycled glass as a sand alternative.
The environment is at the forefront of my designs, with the purpose to regenerate oyster reefs and seagrass habitats. An adult oyster filters up to 200 litres of water a day, removing various chemicals and pollutants, while sequestering carbon in their shells. Bringing back oyster reefs also brings back natural coastal protection, absorbing wave action from storms and lowering erosion. The reintroduction of oyster reefs in hand creates an environment for seagrass to thrive, which absorbs carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests.

The columns would be deployed in our shores, in suitable locations to regrow oysters, and eventually becoming one with the reef. By using a high calcium content, and biomimicry-inspired texture the design should be ideal for biological attachment and promote the colonisation of bivalves. The anti-trawling blocks would provide protection from trawling, and a refuge for sea-life and a chance to regenerate.

The designs not only offer a practical solution to restoring our seas, but also provide an opportunity for positive tourism and physical engagement through snorkel and dive sites with the sculptural element and increased biodiversity.'

Technical Performance

'The prototypes I have created are designed to support the vertical growth of oysters through its column shape. It is also designed with adaptability in mind, with varying heights possible for the specific needs of each shore and tides, and simply requires the moulds to be filled more or less.

Although the initial prototypes are seen in a cylinder form, the texture could be easily adapted to various other shapes based on needs and area, also as seen in the anti-trawling blocks. Examples could include a flatter form in an area to regenerate rock pools, or as added texture to sea walls and groynes to implement a replacement substrate which is ideal for life to grow.

Although I have not means tested the product, through researching various studies and other projects around the globe, utilising oyster shells and creating a highly textured, strong and calcium rich material is ideal for regrowing reefs.'

Craftsmanship and Materiality

'The moulds for the texture were initially made in an experimental development stage of my final degree project, using carved lino to create the imagery and texture that is beneficial for regenerating life. Using layers of this to create various deep-sea themed surface designs, the concrete was simply filled into the carvings to create such a texture, when placed inside a cylinder-shaped shell, made from waste large plastic bottles. When building on a large scale the plan would be to utilise waste lino from flooring industries and homes to create the base for the texture, and follows a plan to see if laser etching the texture for the moulds would be possible.
After frequently creating lino carvings throughout my textiles degree, I wanted to see if I could translate my enjoyment of it, and my love of design into something with real purpose.

Oyster shells are an incredible, abundant resource which is being wasted on a mass scale, it is an ideal material to use as an alternative to traditional aggregate, and much more sustainable through recycling the material instead of quarrying new resources.'

Market Relevance and User Benefit

'My design proposes an, engaging solution to protect and restore our oceans and shores. In line with the '30% by 2030' global target, aiming to protect at least 30% of the worlds ocean by 2030, my project has clear aims to provide a possible, proactive idea to combine creativity with restoration.
Claire Nouvian, a French environmental activist, suggested that if people knew about the incredible heritage that lives in our deep sea, then they would do more to encourage its protection. By bringing the deep sea to the surface through visual means, I hope to convince the public to be outraged at the concept of industrial trawlers being able to destroy this hidden and beautiful life.

The UK has lost up to 95% of its native oyster reefs and around 92% of its seagrass habitats, I want to make our coastlines a hub for biodiversity again, and foster a deeper connection with life under the waves through my surface design. The importance of an engaging solution to this is critical to climate mitigation, with the huge amount of carbon storage this ecosystem provides.

My trawling blocks designs work in line with the oyster columns, by providing an ideal substrate for life to begin again, regrowing and protecting important keystone species from being relentlessly trawled. With many of our marine protected areas still allowing bottom trawling, I believe this is a creative way to use the deep sea, raise awareness and physically stop trawlers from being able to operate.

Patina as Performance

Design Originality and Innovation

'My wallpaper murals reimagine interior spaces by bringing the scale, depth, and vibrancy of original paintings directly into the home. Unlike digitally generated designs, each mural begins as a hand-painted artwork, layered with texture, energy, and colour that retain the integrity of brushwork when translated to wall coverings. The murals balance realism with expressive colour palettes, offering clients an immersive experience that sits between fine art and functional design.

Where conventional wallpapers often repeat patterns, my murals transform entire walls into bold visual statements, functioning as both backdrop and artwork. They encourage clients to embrace colour and creativity, even in smaller spaces where art is often underestimated. By fusing painterly techniques with large-format printing, my designs offer a fresh approach to contemporary surface design that is both adaptable and deeply personal.'

Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact

'Sustainability is central to my practice. My murals can be printed on FSC-certified, PVC-free substrates using water-based inks, making them safe for both the environment and the home. Because they are produced to order, waste can be minimised, with designs created to exact wall dimensions and without unnecessary offcuts.

The murals are also designed with longevity in mind: bold but versatile colour palettes allow them to complement evolving interiors, reducing the need for frequent redecorating. Unlike mass-produced wallpapers, which can feel disposable, these murals are intended to endure both aesthetically and materially.

As an artist, I am committed to improving sustainability within my practice, from reducing single-use plastics in packaging to reusing materials wherever possible. By combining creativity with environmentally conscious choices, my murals demonstrate that impactful design can also be responsible.'

Technical Performance

'The wallpaper murals can be produced on high-quality substrates designed for durability, wipeability, and ease of installation. Non-woven materials are tear-resistant, breathable, and dimensionally stable, ensuring they do not shrink or expand during application.

When printed with water-based inks, the finishes are rich, colourfast, and resistant to fading over time, even in naturally lit spaces. This ensures that the intensity of the artwork, from subtle tonal shifts to bold contrasts, can be preserved for years.

From a practical perspective, the paste-the-wall system allows for straightforward installation, with panels aligning seamlessly to preserve the integrity of the design. The murals can also be removed in full strips without damaging walls, making them suitable for both domestic and commercial settings where flexibility matters.

By combining painterly artistry with technically robust production methods, these murals meet the functional requirements of wallpaper while expanding expectations of what surface design can achieve.'

Craftsmanship and Materiality

'Each mural originates from a hand-painted canvas, created with professional-grade acrylics and layered techniques to build depth, light, and texture. This craftsmanship ensures that when the work is translated to wallpaper, the vibrancy and integrity of the original painting are preserved. Unlike digitally constructed designs, every brushstroke carries the energy of the artist’s hand, resulting in surfaces that feel alive and authentic.

The materiality of the wallpaper itself is equally considered: high-resolution printing on non-woven substrates can accurately reproduce fine painterly details at scale. The result is a tactile, expressive presence that transforms interiors into immersive environments.

This integration of traditional artistry with contemporary production techniques highlights an intelligent use of materials. By combining painterly craftsmanship with high-performance substrates, the murals bridge the worlds of fine art and functional surface design.'

Market Relevance and User Benefit

'A recurring challenge for homeowners and designers is the inability to visualise bold colour or large-scale artwork in a space. Many clients default to neutral walls out of fear, believing vibrant art won’t suit small rooms or varied styles. My murals address this need directly, providing immersive yet adaptable designs that help users embrace colour with confidence.

With one main colour and multiple accents within each design, the murals offer flexibility for creating or enhancing interior schemes. They act as anchor pieces around which furniture and accessories can be styled, streamlining decision-making for both homeowners and interior designers.

Beyond aesthetics, the murals deliver practical benefits: they can be printed on durable substrates, are easy to install, and can be removed cleanly, making them equally relevant to domestic and commercial markets. For businesses, they provide a striking visual identity; for individuals, they bring the uniqueness of fine art into the home in a format that is accessible and lasting.

By combining beauty, functionality, and environmentally conscious production, the murals answer real design needs while elevating everyday spaces into something extraordinary.'

ReCinder

Design Originality and Innovation

'SYDN presents a unique view of light as a spatial partner instead of a device. Light is no longer confined to a socket or wired to an architecture; light becomes a mobile, handheld, portable, and movable component that travels with the user throughout their environment. As such, the manner in which users interact with light is transformed from a static utility to a dynamic, experiential interaction with the environment.

The development of SYDN arose from a study of the movement of elevators and how the movement (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal) impacts the user's perception of the space. The stainless steel structure used for the study was reused as a structural element for SYDN, transforming it into a beautiful lighting object while also bridging architectural thinking with product design to transform a conceptual framework into a practical tool.

What makes SYDN innovative is the integration of portability, sculptural aesthetic, and ambient lighting with a magnetic mount, water-resistant construction, and USB recharge capabilities, allowing for much greater flexibility in its application compared to other portable domestic lighting products. Additionally, a crushed linen diffuser was added to contrast with the industrial nature of the frame, providing a tactile softness and emotional depth typically not experienced with portable lighting products.

SYDN disrupts the current paradigm of traditional lighting by providing users with freedom from constraints of the built environment, a poetic material expression, and an approach based on movement rather than geometric configurations. SYDN provides a vision of a future where light can adapt as easily as those using it.'

Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact

'The framework of SYDN has been developed with the concepts of longevity, the reuse of products, and reducing our reliance upon the high levels of energy required by infrastructure in mind. It is a reuse-first development model where the stainless steel frame from a previous RCA project has been used to create SYDN; this reuse is an extension to the life cycle of a material that would have otherwise gone to waste.

SYDN is an example of sustainable practice as creative reinvention because, like many architectural elements, SYDN's reusable components could be thought of as being re-imagined rather than simply being made up of new parts.

SYDN's stainless steel framework was chosen due to its durability and recyclability over time. The modularity of SYDN's construction enables individual components to be repaired or replaced, which increases the overall product life span. Additionally, the USB rechargeable nature of the lighting module eliminates the need for disposable batteries.

A crushed linen natural, biodegradable diffuser was chosen to soften the light produced by SYDN. The softness created by the diffuser produces a quiet, warm texture that provides a contrast to the industrial quality of the metal framework and further embeds sustainability into the users' emotional connection to the product.

Additionally, SYDN can operate independently from fixed wiring systems, thereby limiting the need for additional materials, labour, and invasive installation processes. Furthermore, SYDN's ability to be adapted and used across multiple environments reduces the likelihood of SYDN becoming obsolete early; the user will be able to utilise the same object in multiple homes and spaces as their needs and environment change.

Through the combination of digital reuse, durable materials and design for repairability, SYDN demonstrates that lighting can be both environmentally responsible and emotionally meaningful as it is built to evolve, not replace.'

Technical Performance

'The SYDN has been designed to function as a self-contained lighting device which can function both in day-to-day environments and in challenging and demanding environments. Its use of a USB rechargeable module means that the lighting unit can provide constant and continuous lighting irrespective of whether it is connected to a mains supply (which may be unavailable), thus making it applicable to domestic interior settings, temporary installations, outdoor settings, and off-grid locations.

The stainless steel body of the SYDN provides an extremely high degree of structural stability and longevity due to the welds that have been used to assemble the body, which are designed to endure repeated and/or uncontrolled manipulation and relocation of the unit. Additionally, the water-resistant construction of the SYDN allows the unit to remain operational in environments where moisture, spillage, and/or adverse weather conditions exist, such as in bathrooms, gardens, temporary installations, and in hospitality applications where flexibility is essential.

The use of magnetic fasteners enables the SYDN to be attached to a variety of surfaces and to be positioned at varying heights and angles, converting the table-top version of the SYDN into a suspended or wall-mounted version without the need for additional hardware/tools.

In addition to providing the structural integrity required for a robust and durable product, the crushed linen diffuser employed within the SYDN improves the technical performance of the unit by producing a soft and warm light output that reduces glare and creates a relaxing and ambient environment. In addition, the crushed linen diffuser will also help to ensure that the light produced by the SYDN is distributed evenly throughout the area being lit, thereby ensuring that the SYDN can be utilised for a wide range of applications, including ambient lighting, task lighting adjacent to tasks, and decorative lighting.

Finally, all of the parts of the SYDN have been designed to be modular and easily accessible, allowing for maintenance, cleaning, repair, and potential upgrades to the unit. SYDN brings together the principles of sculptural craftsmanship and practical engineering to produce a versatile and flexible lighting device that operates consistently, intuitively, and effectively across a wide variety of different environments and situations.'

Craftsmanship and Materiality

'SYDN is a product of a very hands-on process of making (and thus of developing) the object; material honesty and precision are equally important as design drivers. The entire SS frame of SYDN is hand-welded. This provides the object with a handmade uniqueness that stands in direct opposition to the mass-produced nature of portable lighting products. Each weld, bend, and joint on SYDN embodies the manual labour involved in shaping the object and gives the object a tangible authenticity.

The choice of stainless steel for the structural integrity, weight, and durability of the object allowed the designer to create a slender and strong form. The reflective surface of the stainless steel also has a beautiful interaction with the internal light source of SYDN, providing a subtle gradient of light that will be affected by the movement of the user around the object.

A crushed linen diffuser was added to soften the industrial feel of SYDN. Crushed linen was chosen due to its natural tactility and the ability to dramatically alter the quality of the light. Crushed linen refracts and warms the light, and the resulting light is a delicate, ambient light that can evoke a sense of home, comfort, and craft. The contrast of cold metal with soft fabric creates a material tension that is at once contemporary and timeless.

The project's reuse origin adds a further level of craft. A previously used welded structure was reused, and treated not as discarded material, but as a base for further refinement. The reuse of the structure demonstrates a sensitivity to the material and an ability to find value in what may have been considered useless or discarded.

The craftsmanship of SYDN lies not only in how the object is made, but also in how the materials interact with each other - in creating an object that has its function, that is clear in its architectural intent, and that possesses a presence beyond a durable quality.'

Market Relevance and User Benefit

'SYDN addresses an emerging need in modern living: portable, flexible, infrastructure-free lighting solutions. With a rise in transience, multi-functionality or space efficiency in many homes today, there is a high demand for products that allow users to easily transition lighting to meet changing needs, moods, and environments.

SYDN allows users to create their own atmospheres using a variety of portable lighting solutions; this removes the reliance on nearby power sources or invasive installations to achieve desired lighting.

With its water-resistant, rechargeable, and durable features, SYDN has applications in a large number of markets, such as small urban apartment dwellers, those who live in co-living spaces, studio dwellers, those with outdoor terraces, hospitality customers, and those attending temporary exhibitions and those in off-grid environments.

Users are able to benefit from a product that can be used as both a functional tool (i.e., light source) and a decorative object (i.e., sculpture), thus eliminating the typical trade-off between aesthetics and function.

In contrast to other portable lights, SYDN also provides users with a unique emotional connection with the product itself via its material selection, soft linen glow and sculptural form. SYDN will appeal to users looking for products that have personality and craftsmanship, which is an increasing trend within the interior design and design sectors.

The cable-free and magnetic mounting features of SYDN make the product even easier to use by providing users with the ability to locate the light exactly where they want it, without the clutter or hardware associated with most portable lighting options.

Finally, SYDN uses long-lasting materials and incorporates a repairable structure into the design to provide long-term value over short-lived trends.

Therefore, SYDN's combination of portability, durability and atmosphere creates a product that is highly relevant and desirable in a market that continues to emphasise flexibility, sustainability and meaningful design.'

Agri-fruit-bag

Design Originality and Innovation

'e.L.s designs offers a distinctive and innovative approach to contemporary textile art and design. Rooted in a deep understanding of materiality and craftsmanship, each piece explores the intersection of texture, colour, and structure through a unique technique known as colour thread warping. This process transforms traditional textile methods into sculptural, modern compositions that challenge the boundaries between art, design, and function.

Every creation is meticulously hand-crafted, combining precision with experimentation to produce one-of-a-kind outcomes that cannot be replicated. The work reflects a dialogue between control and spontaneity — where colour shifts, layered threads, and material contrasts create depth and rhythm across unconventional surfaces such as canvas, cork, wood, and potentially stone.

Through this distinctive method, e.L.s designs redefines the tactile and visual potential of textiles, offering a fresh, forward-thinking aesthetic suited to both interior and fashion applications. The pieces invite close engagement, encouraging viewers to experience the physical and emotional resonance of handcrafted design in a digital age.

Driven by curiosity and an ongoing commitment to material innovation, e.L.s designs brings a contemporary voice to textile-based art, celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and individuality in every thread.'

Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact

'Each piece is created through colour thread warping, a technique that transforms threads into layered, tactile surfaces with minimal material waste. This process encourages precision, sustainability, and mindful making.

Materials are carefully selected for their quality and environmental impact — incorporating reclaimed, recycled, or naturally sourced elements whenever possible. Every piece is designed and constructed to last, reflecting a belief in longevity over mass production.

By merging innovative textile practice with sustainable values, e.L.s designs creates work that endures physically and aesthetically. The result is a body of design that respects the environment, celebrates handcraft, and encourages a slower, more considered relationship with the objects we live with.'

Technical Performance

'The design process is grounded in precision and experimentation. Colour thread warping, the core technique, allows for controlled construction and adaptable outcomes, ensuring each work meets both aesthetic and structural requirements. Materials are chosen for strength, durability, and environmental responsibility, resulting in pieces that maintain their integrity over time.

Efficiency is achieved through a thoughtful workflow that minimises waste and maximises the potential of every material used. This method ensures consistency and quality across diverse applications.

Through this approach, e.L.s designs produces functional, enduring works that demonstrate a seamless integration of artistic expression, technical skill, and design performance.'

Craftsmanship and Materiality

'e.L.s designs is defined by skilled workmanship and intelligent, high-quality material use. Every piece is made entirely by hand, reflecting a deep commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and material understanding. Through the technique of colour thread warping, traditional textile methods are reimagined to create refined, contemporary outcomes that merge artistry with design functionality.

Material selection is guided by performance, sustainability, and aesthetic integrity. Each component is thoughtfully considered for its strength, texture, and ability to contribute to both structure and visual impact.

This hands-on approach ensures every design is unique, durable, and executed to the highest standard. By uniting technical skill with creative innovation, e.L.s designs produces intelligent, enduring work that celebrates the tactile, human quality of handcrafted design within a modern design context.'

Market Relevance and User Benefit

'Rooted in material understanding and technical precision, each piece is developed to enhance both visual and practical experience. The work seeks to bridge the gap between art and functionality, ensuring that design serves a purpose beyond decoration.

Through the distinctive technique of colour thread warping, e.L.s designs transforms traditional textile processes into adaptable systems that can be applied across interiors, fashion, and product contexts. This approach allows for control, efficiency, and flexibility — producing outcomes that meet diverse user requirements while maintaining a strong, recognisable design identity.

Material choices are guided by performance, sustainability, and longevity, ensuring that every design contributes lasting value. Each outcome is tested through making, allowing for refinement and improvement that enhances usability and structural integrity.

By combining craftsmanship, experimentation, and responsible material use, e.L.s designs offers a contemporary design practice that delivers clarity, functionality, and distinction. The result is work that not only meets the needs of its users but also elevates their experience through thoughtful, intelligent design.'

Ruvi Acoustic Tile

Design Originality and Innovation

'15 WestFerry Circus:

Amid Canary Wharf’s growing mixed-use landscape, this project reimagines shared living through a personal, human-centric lens. Using the lens of adaptive reuse, the once defunct office building addresses students’ struggles with identity, belonging, and the lack of homeliness in communal spaces by reimagining a purpose built student hall that focuses on modular compact spaces to promote affordable variety and also focuses on bringing the essence of home; exploring a deeper sense of domesticity within collective living environments.'

Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact

'Optimizing through adaptive reuse:

Arguably, one of the best design decisions in these times is of recontextualising old heritage by giving it a new, socially responsive and impactful function based on context of the site and people. A building that can be designed without bringing it to the ground is an intentional and eco-friendly decision as it reduces the carbon footprint and energy used to demolish buildings. This building houses multi-storied defunct office floors. Spatially, the main challenge is converting a floor plate designed for an office into efficient spaces of compact living as well as social functions distributed through movement, openness, access to sunlight and biophilia to enable a design that allows for every space to become livable.'

Technical Performance

'Experimenting with space planning based on HMO standards to first observe how a typical floor plan might work using the existing 15 Westferry building floor plate. After multiple iterations of space planning to efficiently utilise space for modularity, slabs are cut and replaced with perforated metal mesh acting as floating corridors that are open to sky; allowing fabrics of sunlight to enter and ventilates spaces of transition. On either side of the mesh, more space is avaliable then to facilitate more rooms with access to sunlight in the centre chambers and around the cores; in turn making each space livable and open into communal spaces for huddling, dining, lesiure and interaction.

Variations of room layouts were used based on HMO standards, each with a study desk, bed and a storage in different formations (room length x width) to find an optimum layout.
The option that displayed a combination of 2 rooms (100sft and 115sft) optimizing the layout when turned at certain angles or kept adjacent to the perimeter. Furthermore, the room layouts are then elaborated into more specifications by showcasing detailed floor plans of user interaction with access to loft spaces and private balconies as well.'

Craftsmanship and Materiality

'The whole idea has a foundation from a survey conducted for students that wanted to feel the essence of home when they are away from home. Factors they mentioned such as being around people through food, culture, open / green spaces were factored into materialse the space with interiors of the domestic environment. Elements of the bedroom, kitchen, warm colour palettes, pattern tiles and fabrics as well as biophilic elements made up the mood board to bring that emotional resonance among the students.'

Market Relevance and User Benefit

'A new typology for co-living:

Each student has a bedroom on every floor that opens upto:

• A naturally ventilated corridor that opens into spaces of communal living.
• An indoor village lit with open to sky chambers allowing fabrics of
sunlight to highlight the space.
• Each central space converging into spaces of hudddling and dining.
• Each pocket, nook and corner opening into shared communal kitchens.
• An externally elevating staircase that forces interaction with the outdoors.
• An internal elevator surrounded by vertical greenery and an atrium.
• Connection to (G, 1st, 2nd) floors for access to ameninties like gyms,
cafes and retail stores also open to the public.

Advantages:

• Spaces are used efficiently using modular living typologies to promote affordable variety.
• Local universities like University of Greenwich, UCL, LSE, King’s College, and Queen Mary University are all within reasonable commuting distance.
• Site offers transport links to the Jubilee Line, DLR, Elizabeth Line, and riverboat services.
• Views to the river, promenades and docks.
• Access to retail, hospitality and commercial amenities.
• Adaptive reuse aligns with Canary Wharf Group’s sustainability and diversification strategy.
• Student community brings vitality and a 24-hour economy
• The UK government supports urban regeneration and reuse of redundant offices.'

CoWave

Design Originality and Innovation

'Denimolite is a pioneering surface material created from one of the world’s most familiar yet problematic textiles: denim. Developed in 2022, it introduces a radically fresh approach to textile recycling by transforming unusable manufacturing off-cuts, post-consumer garments, and notoriously difficult-to-recycle stretch denim into a premium composite for interior and product applications.

What makes Denimolite unique is the expressive identity of the material itself. Each sheet reveals organic, marble-like swirls and contrasting fabric textures that celebrate the history of the fibres rather than concealing them. No two surfaces are ever the same — delivering distinctiveness and creativity as a built-in design feature. Surface finishes range from a tactile, fabric-like feel to an ultra-smooth high-gloss polish, enabling designers to specify the aesthetic and functional qualities they need.

Denimolite is engineered for circularity: its production creates zero waste to landfill, and any off-cuts or defective panels are re-introduced into the manufacturing cycle through reclaim and reprocessing. With over 50% bio-content resin and end-of-life take-back schemes, it significantly reduces dependency on virgin materials while addressing the global challenge of textile waste.

Protected by UK Registered Design IP, Denimolite is not only distinctive in appearance — it is legally recognised as a novel innovation. It empowers designers to make sustainable choices without compromising on luxury, durability, or visual impact.

Denimolite stands as a new category of material: where fashion waste becomes a timeless architectural surface.'

Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact

'Denimolite tackles one of the most pressing challenges in the fashion and interiors industries: the growing mountain of textile waste. Globally, millions of tonnes of garments — particularly denim and poly-cotton blends — are exported, incinerated, or landfilled each year, generating significant CO₂ emissions and chemical pollution. Poly-cotton, in particular, is notoriously difficult to recycle due to its mixed-fibre composition.

Denimolite offers a proven alternative. Our process diverts end-of-life garments, cutting-room off-cuts, and even stretch denim from landfill, transforming them into a durable, high-value surface material designed for long-term use in interiors, retail, and commercial spaces. Because we recycle absorbent textiles of all types, we create a new lifecycle pathway for waste streams that currently have no viable recycling solution.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the product’s lifespan. Denimolite operates a zero-waste manufacturing model: any process scrap or rejected panels are reclaimed and reprocessed into new material. This circular approach eliminates landfill disposal, reduces demand for virgin materials, and minimises carbon impacts associated with waste handling and export.

The resulting product is exceptionally robust, keeping materials in use for decades. At end-of-life, panels can be returned to Denimolite for full reintegration into future production cycles — ensuring circularity beyond a single use phase.

By converting a difficult-to-recycle waste stream into a premium architectural surface, Denimolite delivers measurable environmental benefits and empowers designers to specify sustainability without compromise. It represents a significant step toward the elimination of textile waste and the decarbonisation of the built environment.'

Technical Performance

'Denimolite is engineered as a high-performance composite material capable of meeting demanding functional requirements across interior applications. The combination of densely packed denim fibres and a bio-resin binding matrix produces a rigid, solid structure comparable to established engineered surfaces, yet with the added benefit of textile reinforcement for long-term durability.

As demonstrated in our commercial furniture range — including seating, tables, benches, and countertops — Denimolite provides exceptional structural stability with minimal deflection under load. It is impact-resistant and maintains its strength even in everyday high-traffic environments.

Mechanical testing carried out to ASTM D3039/D3039M-00e1 standards confirms its robust performance:
• Modulus of Elasticity: 3955 ± 932 MPa
• Tensile Strength (Yield): 27.9 ± 3.2 MPa
• Tensile Strength (Break): 25.9 ± 5.4 MPa
• Elongation at Break: 0.8 ± 0.1%
• Shore D Hardness: 85 HD

These values indicate a strong, stiff composite suitable for load-bearing furniture and architectural elements. Its inherent hardness offers high scratch and abrasion resistance, helping maintain aesthetic quality over extended use.

In addition, Denimolite is semi-waterproof and flame-resistant, expanding its functional versatility into hospitality, kitchen surfaces, and even product applications such as utensil and cutlery handles. It withstands routine cleaning, resists staining when sealed, and performs reliably in environments where moisture exposure is expected.

Designed for longevity and circularity, Denimolite’s technical resilience ensures waste textiles remain in use for decades — replacing virgin materials while maintaining premium performance.'

Craftsmanship and Materiality

'Denimolite exemplifies a deep respect for material craft — transforming a discarded textile into a beautifully engineered architectural surface. Development began in 2022 with extensive hands-on experimentation to preserve the unique identity of denim while achieving exceptional quality and performance. Supported by Innovate UK’s Creative Catalyst grant, Denimolite established a purpose-built pilot manufacturing facility, enabling precision control over every stage of production.

Each panel is made using bespoke tooling and press equipment specifically developed for Denimolite’s process. Skilled craftsmanship ensures denim fibres are arranged to create expressive visual movement — revealing the tonal contrasts, twills, and yarn structures that define denim’s cultural heritage. Rather than masking the origins of the material, Denimolite elevates them as its signature aesthetic.

Materiality sits at the heart of the brand. Surfaces can be finished to emphasise a soft, fabric-like tactility or transformed through meticulous sanding and polishing into a smooth, luxurious sheen. This adaptability enables designers to explore a spectrum of textures within one material, from raw textile character to refined elegance.

Every sheet is individually cast, making each piece visually distinct — a hallmark of craft embedded in the manufacturing process. Equally, Denimolite’s zero-waste model reflects a thoughtful and intelligent approach to resource use: any production scrap is reclaimed and reprocessed, ensuring material integrity is preserved throughout its lifecycle.

By blending artisanal sensibilities with advanced composite engineering, Denimolite offers designers a sustainable, high-quality material with craftsmanship visible in every detail.'

Market Relevance and User Benefit

'Denimolite directly addresses one of the fastest-growing global waste streams: textiles that cannot be conventionally recycled. Poly-cotton blends, stretch denim, and other mixed-fibre garments currently have no scalable end-of-life pathway, resulting in landfilling or incineration of millions of tonnes each year — releasing significant CO₂ and harmful emissions from hydrocarbon-based fibres.

The market demands better. Architects, interior designers, and consumers are actively seeking sustainable alternatives to virgin materials, yet existing “recycled” composites often compromise on aesthetics or durability. Denimolite removes that trade-off. It transforms low-value textile waste into a premium, desirable product category — interior surfaces with inherent character, luxury-quality finish options, and a compelling sustainability story.

Its unique visual identity — swirling denim patterns and fabric textures — offers a clear advantage over other textile composites that appear flat, uniform, or visually muted. No two panels are identical, giving designers and end-users a uniquely expressive, one-of-a-kind material outcome.

Functionally, Denimolite provides robust performance and longevity, enabling waste textiles to be specified in high-traffic applications where traditional recycled materials fall short. End-of-life return and reprocessing further ensure environmental benefits extend far beyond first use.

By turning an unavoidable waste problem into a value-driven interior design solution, Denimolite enhances accessibility to circular materials, reduces reliance on carbon-intensive virgin resources, and unlocks new creative possibilities for the built environment. It delivers tangible user benefits — from sustainability credentials to design flexibility — without compromise.'

New Delft Blue

Design Originality and Innovation

'The Ruvi Acoustic Tile is a slip-cast ceramic wall tile designed to improve the sensory and acoustic quality of heavily used public infrastructures such as the London Underground. Inspired by Vitruvius’ use of resonant bronze vessels within Roman amphitheatres, Ruvi translates this acoustic tool into a modular ceramic wall tile that dampens and diffuses noise in heavily used public infrastructures. The design is informed by research into the physics of acoustics, sensory and biophilic design, focusing on how material, form, and sound can enhance wellbeing in overstimulating spaces. Ruvi integrates the acoustic principle of Helmholtz resonators into its form that are tuned to absorb and dampen specific frequencies of noise pollution, which are the primary contributors to discomfort and stress in the tube stations.

Unlike conventional acoustic products that rely on synthetic foams or perforated composites, Ruvi achieves this effect using natural ceramic materials. The sculpted surface geometry diffuses reflected sound while the enclosed cavities act as Helmholtz resonators, as sound waves enter the small openings, the air inside oscillates at tuned frequencies, dissipating acoustic energy through viscous and thermal losses within the cavity walls. This reduces the intensity of specific frequency bands responsible for harsh reverberation.

Each tile is slip-cast to achieve precise internal geometry and consistent wall thickness, ensuring reliable acoustic performance and structural strength. The modular format allows it to be installed seamlessly across large wall surfaces, making it suitable for retrofit or new-build transport environments. By combining a traditional ceramic manufacturing process with tuned acoustic engineering, Ruvi offers a permanent, low-maintenance alternative to synthetic sound-absorbing panels. It demonstrates how ceramic, a material historically associated with durability and craft, can be redefined as an acoustic material for contemporary infrastructure.'

Sustainability and Lifecycle Impact

'Ruvi is made from 97% natural materials, using slip casted earthenware ceramic, the tile is designed to last a lifetime, unlike synthetic acoustic foams that degrade and end up in landfill. The ceramic can be crushed and reintroduced into future production as grog, forming a circular lifecycle.

The manufacturing process of Ruvi utilizes slip-casting, which enables efficient material use, as leftover slip that is poured out from the mould will be used to cast the next. The design encourages local manufacture: it can be produced using standard ceramic processes within regional potteries and foundries, reducing transport emissions and supporting British craft industries.

Beyond material sustainability, Ruvi addresses sensory wellbeing, a growing concern in sustainable urbanism. By improving sensory experience of heavily used public infrastructures, it reduces stress and overstimulation for neurodiverse and neurotypical passengers. It frames sustainability not only as an environmental act, but a human one promoting inclusivity, comfort, and equality within the built environment.'

Technical Performance

'The Ruvi tile as a Helmholtz resonator engineered to target and dampen mid- to high-frequency sound reflections, those most responsible for harsh, fatiguing reverberation in tiled or concrete environments. Through research into the scientific formula and digital prototyping, a balance was struck between cavity volume, funnel volume, and surface curvature to tune the tile’s acoustic response.

Each module interlocks seamlessly to create continuous acoustic surfaces that adapt to various scales, from corridor cladding to full wall installations. It’s goal is to catch the sound before it has a chance to travel down the tunnel. The ceramic body is fired and glazed to high strength, achieving impact and scratch resistance suitable for high-traffic public areas such as the London Underground. Its glaze options include matte mineral finishes that maintain porosity for acoustic diffusion, or satin coatings for more reflective control. Ruvi therefore performs as both a technical and architectural system, combining measurable acoustic benefit with the timeless resilience of fired clay.'

Craftsmanship and Materiality

'Every Ruvi tile begins as a 3d printed master, from which the plaster mould is created. The tile’s complex curvature was achieved through iterative digital-to-physical workflows: 3D modelling informed by AI assisted acoustic simulations, translated into plaster moulds by casting around a 3d printed master, and refined by hand to preserve material sensitivity. This hybrid craft, between digital precision and artisanal touch, embodies a new direction for contemporary ceramic design. The result is both industrially repeatable and unmistakably handmade.

The material itself is tactile, honest, and deeply rooted in architectural tradition. Through glaze and light, Ruvi expresses sound as form transforming the cold hardness of ceramic into something sensorial and alive.'

Market Relevance and User Benefit

'Ruvi responds to a pressing urban challenge: noise pollution in public transport systems. Studies show that sound levels in underground platforms often exceed those considered safe or comfortable, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. The tile offers an elegant, permanent alternative to the foam or fabric acoustic panels typically reserved for private interiors.

For architects and transport authorities, Ruvi provides a durable, maintenance-free solution that enhances the passenger experience while aligning with sustainability and inclusivity goals. Its modularity in scale and finish makes it adaptable to new builds or retrofits, and its aesthetic quality allows it to bridge infrastructure and art elevating utilitarian environments into spaces of calm and beauty.
Ruvi represents a new category of architectural surface one that listens, softens, and enriches the city’s voice.'

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