Rooted in Nature

Written By IIDA New England Communications Committee
 
 

Designed for the Future

In the pursuit of a more sustainable built environment, innovators are turning to nature for low-impact, high-performance materials that meet the demands of a changing world. Today’s most promising solutions are not only environmentally responsible but also exceptionally versatile. These materials cross boundaries between design, fashion, technology, and healthcare, challenging conventional thinking and expanding the possibilities for sustainable design.

Among these innovative materials, plant-based textiles derived from agricultural byproducts are emerging as sustainable, vegan, and cruelty-free alternatives to traditional leather. One notable example is Piñatex, which repurposes discarded pineapple leaf fibers, a byproduct of pineapple farming, into a durable, breathable, and lightweight material with a leather-like texture. These textiles can be dyed, embossed, or finished with bio-resins to enhance their biodegradability. Initially embraced by the fashion industry for use in clothing, and accessories such as bags and belts, Piñatex is now gaining recognition in interior design, where its tensile strength and flex resistance make it ideal for applications such as wallcoverings, panels, and upholstery.

 
 

Beyond plant-based textiles like Piñatex, another innovative class of bio-based materials is derived from mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi. Through advances in research, mycelium has been developed into lightweight, fire-resistant, and compostable alternatives to traditional construction materials, including insulation panels, bricks, and acoustic tiles. It is also gaining ground as a leather substitute, in biomedical uses such as wound care and implants, and is even being explored in the development of early-stage biodegradable electronics, such as circuit boards. Notably, Ecovative Design’s MycoComposite™ technology combines mycelium with agricultural waste to create Mushroom® Packaging, a fully compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable replacement for polystyrene and plastics. Mycelium continues to demonstrate remarkable potential across design, technology, and healthcare, bridging industries much like other next-generation biomaterials.

In addition to fungi-based innovations, marine organisms like algae are also gaining attention as renewable, carbon-absorbing resources with applications across industries. Their natural properties enable the creation of biodegradable bioplastics and bio-based polymers, which are now being used in a wide range of applications including furniture, interior finishes, panels, insulation, bricks, and cement. One of the most recent innovations is the Bio Block™ a net-zero carbon building material developed by Prometheus Materials and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), made from algae-based bio-concrete using a photosynthetic bio-cementation process. As microalgae absorb CO₂ during growth, the blocks can sequester carbon, making them a low-carbon, or even carbon-negative, alternative to traditional concrete. This innovation transforms buildings from carbon emitters into potential carbon storage systems. Beyond construction, algae-based materials are compostable, versatile, and present a scalable alternative to conventional plastics such as packaging films, food wrappers, and drinking straws.

With innovations like Piñatex, Mushroom® Packaging, and Bio Block™, it is clear that sustainability is no longer a limitation but a catalyst for creativity across industries. These products specifically help reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and offer biodegradable, renewable alternatives to conventional materials. Together, they are transforming everything from construction to fashion and are actively redefining how sustainable design can look.

Interested in reading more about bio-concrete? Check out this article from SOM explaining their collaboration with Prometheus, and this article highlighting the art installation they created at the Chicago Architecture Biennial to debut this new building material.  

Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Brett Berry is officially LIVE! On this show, we share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing, and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends, and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design. 

Check out all of the episodes here! 

Stay tuned for the next President's Message!

 
 

Be sure to check in with the IIDA New England calendar for upcoming events offered in our community. Here's a sneak peek at some upcoming events:

Do you have an idea that you would like to share with the design community or see highlighted here in The Wire? Share your ideas here. 

 
 

Company Name: Porcelanosa


Company Establishment Date: 1973

Company Description: Porcelanosa is a prominent Spanish multinational company specializing in the design, manufacture, and distribution of high-quality ceramic tiles, kitchen and bathroom solutions, and architectural products.

Company Mission Statement:  Porcelanosa's mission is to deliver high-quality, innovative, and sustainable architectural and design solutions that meet the needs of customers worldwide. The company is committed to leveraging advanced technology and eco-friendly practices to create products that enhance both residential and commercial spaces.

Company Products / Services: Porcelanosa’s main products include high-quality ceramic tiles, kitchen and bathroom solutions, and solid surfaces like Krion for countertops and facades. The company also offers natural stone, hardwood, and sanitaryware through its subsidiaries, alongside construction and tiling systems for architectural projects. With a focus on design and sustainability, Porcelanosa provides innovative solutions for both residential and commercial spaces.

New England Locations: 17 Drydock Ave, Suite 120W, Boston, MA 02210  |  55 Boylston Street, #5550, Chestnut Hill, MA

New England Contacts: Olga Perez – Sales Manager operez@porcelanosa-usa.com

What is the best part of being an IIDA NE Chapter Sponsor?: The best part is the visibility and engagement with the regions interior design community. Our brand get exposure at high level events, we have the ability to connect with the most prominent professionals in the architecture and interior design community, and we’re able to reach different markets at once.

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