work in progress — a designfocused material research lab
SPRWD
SPRWD is a material made from recycled wood fibres and a bio-based binder. Today, 95% of the fibreboards is produced with formaldehyde glues. The World Health Organisation has proven this substance to be toxic to humans and the environment. We replace that harmful compound and develop a healthy, resource-saving new material.
Today people spend more than 90 percent of their lives indoors. Toxic components in our environment are invisible but present in many materials that surround us. These substances are not only harmful to health and the environment. They also disable the recycling of the materials at the end of their life.
Building with wood is a hype and largely climate-friendly. However, it will not be enough to meet the demand for raw materials in future. We use wood residues and waste milk for circular material and thus conserve resources.
We develop a biobased glue based on casein proteins to bind the wood fibres. To meet the highest processing standards, the materials properties are tested regarding mechanical, thermal and hygric performance.
Process
With an experimental, playful approach, we shift the visual expectation of recycled materials, explore the visual qualities of wood fibres to create a material with its own aesthetic. Highlighting its offcut or waste indegredients
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About
We work in both scientific and architectural contexts. Our interdisciplinary practice is driven by biotechnology and industrial design. We develop processes and applications for the industrial production of sustainable materials. Read more about us here.