MaterialDistrict

Acoustic panels made of tumble dryer lint

For her project Pursue Play, designer Lisa McLaughlin developed acoustic and insulating panels made of waste foam, cork and tumble dryer lint.

The Pursue Play project is an expansion of an earlier project by McLaughlin, in which she explored the potential of waste dust, hair and recycled leather to make sustainable samples for the automotive industry.

For this project, she explored the potential of waste tumble dryer lint, foam, and cork as materials. McLaughlin found that all of these materials have excellent sound absorption and insulation qualities, which led her to design a series of acoustic, soundproof and insulation tiles for interiors.

Firstly, the designer collected waste tumble dryer lint from local dry cleaning companies, launderettes and student accommodation. She then compressed the lint using a heat press and then felted the material using a traditional method of hot water, bamboo and soap. By placing it in a large paper press, the material became more durable, allowing it to be layered, laser cut and digitally embroidered.

In addition to the felt, McLaughlin also incorporated waste foam and cork to create acoustic tiles. The designer sublimation printed onto the foam and laser cut both the form and the cork. The insulation tile consists of felted tumble dryer lint and eco adhesive, digitally embroidered. He acoustic tile is sublimation print waste foam, laser cut cork and eco adhesive. The soundproof tile, finally, is laser cut felted tumble dryer lint, waste foam, cork and eco adhesive.

Each of the tiles is designed to be playful, colourful and inspired by ‘sound’, balancing function and aesthetic.

Photos: Lisa McLaughlin

Comments

  1. lynne cimino says:

    How can I send Lisa a private message?

  2. Sigrid says:

    Hi Lynne,

    You can reach Lisa via lisamclaughlindesign@gmail.com.

    On behalf of Team MaterialDistrict,
    Sigrid