Project Materia returns to Copenhagen during 3 Days of Design 2026 with an exhibition centred on Matek, a circular material developed by Danish design brand Mater. Made from coffee shells, sawdust and recycled plastic, Matek turns industrial waste streams into durable design objects. As a result, it offers an alternative to materials made from virgin resources.

Following its debut in 2025, Project Materia continues its exploration of materials, craftsmanship and design. However, while the first edition focused on bronze, marble and glass, the 2026 edition shifts attention to a material made entirely from discarded resources.

Giving Waste Materials a New Status

Materia 2026 explores whether a material made from waste can achieve the same status as traditional materials. The material used, Matek, combines coffee shells from coffee production with sawdust from the wood industry and recycled plastic. Mater developed the material to reduce the use of virgin resources. At the same time, it aims to create products with a long lifespan. The company uses established furniture manufacturing methods to shape the material into furniture and design objects.

According to Mater, Matek offers the density, durability and tactile qualities required for long-lasting applications. Therefore, the exhibition focuses not only on sustainability but also on aesthetics and material experience. The organisers hope to challenge conventional ideas of luxury and material value.

Nine Creatives, One Material

For the 2026 edition, nine international artists, architects and designers have each created a new work using Matek. The participants include Cathrine Raben Davidsen, Sophie Dries, Willem van Hooff, Lea Colombo, Onno Adriaanse, Jacob Egeberg, Forever Studio, Filippo Andrighetto and Oliver Thygesen.

Their works will be presented at Købmagergade 3 in central Copenhagen from 10–12 June 2026. Because every participant works with the same material, visitors can compare a wide range of forms, textures and expressions.

In addition, the exhibition highlights how circular materials can move beyond functional products. Instead, they can also serve as a medium for artistic exploration and collectible design.

From Copenhagen to an International Audience

After its launch in Copenhagen, Materia 2026 will travel internationally. First, the exhibition will visit Paris in autumn 2026. It will then continue to London and the United States between 2026 and 2027.

Tableau and Edition Solenne founded Project Materia to investigate the cultural, technical and creative potential of materials. Each edition focuses on a specific material and invites artists to explore its possibilities. This year, Matek takes centre stage and demonstrates how waste-derived materials can play a larger role in contemporary design.

Source: Project Materia / Mater
Photos: Adam Katz Sinding