Surface Design Show is an annual popular trade event for material innovation and design covering over 180 exhibiting companies. Here are some highlights from emerging innovative material design.
Image: 3D biophilic tiles by Wall of Eden
The trade show’s theme this time was Mindful Living.
“The theme for 2024 focuses on the ambition to design well while doing good – with a conscious effort to protect our planet by aiming for zero waste manufactures and sustainable alternatives. The natural world remains a key influence on the design industry, inspiring new techniques and processes, as well as offering a wealth of material substitutes.” Nickie West, Managing Director, Surface Design Show
Emerging Innovation
The highlight of the show for many visitors was ‘the Service Spotlight’ stand covering specially selected most innovative new materials by Sally Angharad (sponsored by CDUK).
Rewild the Run by Studio Kiks, picks up and disperses seeds while running
Reused crystals by Natalia Nova Design Studio
Pressed Pacific oyster and kelp
Lamp made out of Pacific oysters, 3D printed by Interesting Times Gang
Made from recycled wood filament, 3D printed by Design Shades Studio
VOC free range of clay bricks by Ketley Brick company
Recycled plastic and industrial waste ‘marble’
Biocomposite materials by Crafting Plastics
Modern Marquetry by Stratum Design
Modern Marquetry by Stratum Design
3D veneers by Havwoods
CMF themes
Two new CMF (colour, materials, finishes) themes for 2025 were introduced by Colour Hive at the event: Soul and Hack
SOUL
Soul merges climate anxiety, nature symbolism, feminism and folklore to reaffirm culture and identity.
Key words: foraged, unprocessed, formed by hand, ancient, folklore, feminine, eco spirituality
HACK
With lives lived increasingly online, reality is in danger of becoming subjective.
Key words: hyperreal, pixelated, AI, glossy, hybrid, render-like, illusory
Hack material samples
Inter_space contemporary lace by OODD Studios
Transcolour 3D printing by Sekisai
Trending Topics by Minna Takala 