From 22 December to 2 January, we are sharing the Top 10 most viewed materials on MaterialDistrict — a selection of material innovations that captured the attention of our global design community. #7 Root Textile – grown, not manufactured At number 7: Root Textile, a biobased material developed by @Rootfull that brings design and biology together in a remarkably direct way. Using only wheatgrass seed and water, roots are grown through templates carved from beeswax, allowing the material to be woven entirely by nature. As the roots grow, they form unique pathways, creating naturally textured structures that are used for acoustic wall hangings and lamps. Each piece develops differently, responding to natural growth patterns and resulting in objects defined by variation, light and shadow. The process is fully organic and low-impact, with locally sourced ingredients and minimal waste. A powerful example of bio-design and regenerative thinking, showing how living systems can shape materials for our built environment. 👉 Discover Root Textile on MaterialDistrict.com #material #materials #materialinnovation #biodesign #biobased #acousticdesign #textiles #regenerativedesign #naturalmaterials #materialdistrict

To close the year, we are highlighting the most read articles published on MaterialDistrict this year. #8 Bioinspired weather-responsive adaptive shading – architecture without electricity At number 8: the article on bioinspired, weather-responsive adaptive shading, developed by researchers at @unistuttgart and the Fraunhofer Institute. Inspired by natural mechanisms such as pine cones, the system uses biobased hygromorphic materials that change shape in response to humidity. Made primarily from cellulose-based components, the shading elements expand and contract passively, without motors, sensors or electrical energy. Produced using advanced 4D printing techniques, the material is programmed to respond predictably to environmental conditions over time. This allows façades to adapt autonomously to weather changes, reducing reliance on energy-intensive climate control systems. Combining biomimicry, smart materials and sustainable design, the project demonstrates how responsive architecture can be achieved through material intelligence rather than technology-heavy solutions. 👉 Read the full article on MaterialDistrict: https://materialdistrict.com/article/bioinspired-weather-responsive-adaptive-shading/ #material #materials #materialinnovation #smartmaterials #biobased #biomimicry #adaptivearchitecture #sustainabledesign #materialdistrict

From 22 December to 2 January, we are sharing the Top 10 most viewed materials on MaterialDistrict — a selection of material innovations that captured the attention of our global design community. #8 Woodflow-Skin – freeform timber cladding inspired by nature At number 8: Woodflow-Skin, the architectural cladding system developed by Strong by Form that combines advanced timber composites with expressive design freedom. Inspired by biomimicry, Woodflow-Skin uses a layered structure of natural wood fibres and advanced resins to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio. This makes the material lightweight yet durable, while enabling complex 3D and freeform geometries that go beyond conventional flat-panel cladding. Designed as a sustainable alternative to materials such as metal or glass, Woodflow-Skin supports architectural expression while reducing structural load and material use. Its modular nature allows it to be integrated alongside traditional cladding systems, making it suitable for a wide range of architectural applications. A strong example of how digital fabrication, timber innovation and sustainability are reshaping the future of architectural facades. 👉 Discover Woodflow-Skin on MaterialDistrict.com #material #materials #materialinnovation #wood #timberarchitecture #architecturalcladding #biobased #sustainablematerials #facadedesign #materialdistrict

British furniture maker @isokon.furniture created the Join collection together with @fosterandpartners. The series includes a lounge chair, a footstool and three tables. The team developed each piece through repeated prototyping, allowing them to test shapes, strength and material behaviour. The result shows how engineered plywood and layered veneers can support contemporary, functional furniture design. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #Plywood #EngineeredWood #MaterialInnovation #SustainableMaterials #CircularDesign #FurnitureDesign #ProductDesign #InteriorArchitecture #Isokon #JoinCollection

To close the year, we are highlighting the most read articles published on MaterialDistrict this year. #9 Smart concrete – generating and storing energy At number 9: the article on smart concrete, exploring a cement-based material that can both generate and store electricity. Developed by a research team at Southwest University in China, the innovation combines traditional cement with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. The resulting composite maintains structural performance while enabling energy generation through a thermo-ionic effect, converting temperature differences into electrical energy. Beyond energy generation, the material can also store electricity, opening up possibilities for smart infrastructure with embedded sensors and monitoring systems. Potential applications include roads, bridges and building components that actively collect data or power low-energy devices. A forward-looking example of how smart materials and concrete innovation could contribute to more responsive and energy-aware built environments. 👉 Read the full article on MaterialDistrict.com #material #materials #materialinnovation #smartmaterials #concrete #smartinfrastructure #energygeneration #architecture #materialdistrict

From 22 December to 2 January, we are sharing the Top 10 most viewed materials on MaterialDistrict — a selection of material innovations that captured the attention of our global design community. #9 Hemp panels – a natural alternative to wood and plastic At number 9: Hemp panels, developed as part of a research project exploring alternatives to wood- and plastic-based panels. Hemp is a fast-growing, renewable crop that can be harvested several times per year and produces some of the strongest natural fibres. The resulting panels are lightweight, strong and fully made from natural materials, while offering flexibility in shape and size. The hemp used for these panels is locally sourced in the Netherlands, and the project was developed by designer @joryswart_design during his studies at Academie Minerva. A clear example of how locally grown biobased materials can support more sustainable material choices across design and architecture. 👉 Discover Hemp panels on MaterialDistrict.com #material #materials #materialinnovation #biobased #hemp #sustainablematerials #circulardesign #architecture #design #materialdistrict

In Holstebro, Denmark, Europe’s largest 3D printed housing project has reached an important milestone. The student housing development Skovsporet, designed by @saga_space_architects, consists of 36 ground-level apartments built using large-scale 3D concrete printing. The completed printing phase shows how automated construction can speed up housing delivery while lowering environmental impact. Housing association NordVestBo commissioned the project. It covers approximately 1,650 m² and includes six clusters of six apartments. Each unit offers a compact but high-quality layout. The apartments include a kitchen, study area, lounge, private bathroom and generous roof windows. These openings bring in daylight and frame views of the surrounding greenery. @cobodinternational Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #Concrete #3DPrintedHousing #3DConcretePrinting #DigitalFabrication #SustainableConstruction #LowCarbonConcrete #MaterialInnovation #Architecture #CircularBuilding #HousingDesign #ConstructionTechnology

To close the year, we are highlighting the most read articles published on MaterialDistrict this year. #10 COCOON Freelancer – mobile living shaped by natural materials At number 10: the article on COCOON Freelancer, a mobile living space that redefines sustainable design through pure, untreated wood construction. Developed by @attia.design in collaboration with Weidlich Moon-Wood Manufactory, COCOON Freelancer is built entirely without glue, chemicals or plastics. Using traditional moon wood harvesting techniques, the structure achieves long-term durability, natural resistance to fungi and insects, and a healthy indoor climate without chemical treatment. Designed for modern nomads, the lightweight structure remains under 3.5 tonnes and integrates compact living, working and cooking functions. Solar panels, vacuum glass and a naturally weathering wooden exterior support energy efficiency and low maintenance. A thoughtful example of how craftsmanship, material purity and contemporary mobility can come together in a sustainable living concept. 👉 Read the full article on MaterialDistrict.com #material #materials #materialinnovation #biobased #sustainabledesign #mobileliving #timberarchitecture #healingenvironment #materialdistrict