Articles Archive - MaterialDistrict

Ecology

A hempcrete insect habitat

Published 9 hours ago by Sigrid | no responses

Architectural firm Harrison Atelier designed a pavilion made of hempcrete, especially designed to house insects. When most people hear to term pollinator, the honeybee will come to mind. However, there are many bee species, many ...

Biobased

A stool made of spent shower sponges and coffee grounds

Published 1 day ago by Sigrid | no responses

Master students at Columbia University GSAPP in the US designed a stool made of plant-based by-products, including luffa sponges and coffee grounds. Called Luffa Stoolita, the stool is made using used sponges, with clay-rich soil ...

Biobased

Biobased vinyl records

Published 2 days ago by Sigrid | no responses

UK-based company Evolution Music developed a plant-based alternative to synthetic vinyl records. Generally, vinyl records are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a petroleum-based thermoplastic. PVC is used in many industries, not just music. Global production ...

Self-dyeing bacterial black leather

Published 5 days ago by Sigrid | no responses

Researchers at Imperial College London have genetically engineered bacteria to grow animal- and plastic-free leather that dyes itself. Leather alternatives grown by bacteria is an up and coming research field to provide more sustainable textiles. ...

An air purifier powered by algae

Published 6 days ago by Sigrid | no responses

UK-based design practice EcoLogicStudio an indoor photobioreactor capable of absorbing carbon dioxide and pollutants while oxygenating the air, powered by algae. Called AIReactor, the air purifier consists of a 1 metre tall laboratory grade glass ...

Biobased

A boat made with cooking oil

Published 1 week ago by Sigrid | no responses

Thermoplastic manufacturer Borealis and aquacultural company AKVA Group designed what they say is the world’s first boat with a hull made of cooking oil-based plastic. The workboat is part of AKVA Group’s Polarcirkel boats, which ...