For its 18th edition, MaterialDistrict Utrecht once again landed in the atmospheric industrial Werkspoorkathedraal. From 12 to 14 March, the event was the vibrant hub where a diverse audience of designers and architects discovered the latest developments in sustainable, innovative, biobased, circular, and regenerative materials. From ‘ceramic’ bricks made of date pits and nettle filament for 3D printing to a fur coat made of reed and acoustic building materials from mycelium and shell waste: the diversity was unprecedented.

MaterialDistrict is an inspiring platform showcasing the latest developments in innovative and sustainable materials. Jeroen van Oostveen, managing director and owner of MaterialDistrict, emphasizes the importance of physical experience: “Architects and interior designers only specify materials they have held in their hands. Nowhere else in the world can designers experience so many new materials in person as they can here. That is the great value of MaterialDistrict Utrecht.”

Theme 2025: Biophilic Design
This year, MaterialDistrict Utrecht focused on biophilic design, an approach that places the connection between people and nature at its core. In collaboration with co-curator Lianne Bongers of the Biophilic Design Academy, the exhibition was decorated with natural elements, allowing visitors to directly experience the power and necessity of biophilic design. “Due to the global issues we face, we now clearly see a shift from human-centred design towards life-centred design, and there is growing attention for biophilic design,” said Bongers. One of the highlights was the Biophilic Nest Pavilion, a sensory green oasis. Bongers explained: “Visitors experienced how light, air, plants, and sustainable materials in organic forms contribute to healthier, more pleasant, productive, and aesthetically pleasing living and working environments.”

An Exhibition with 250 Innovative Material Samples
Sigrid Lussenburg, editor-in-chief of MaterialDistrict, curated an impressive sample exhibition once again. Visitors could explore more than 250 innovative material samples, ranging from bioplastics and mycelium to flax and recycled wool. The exhibition drew significant attention; countless visitors studied the textures and tactility of the materials, once again confirming how important physical contact with materials is for designers.

Mauricio Affonso, innovation leader, and Nadiya Andersson, innovation manager at IKEA Sweden, visited the exhibition to explore the latest material developments. “We were inspired and particularly curious about the potential of mycelium for possible applications in our furniture industry.” Recent graduate Anna Hausmann, working at interior architecture firm Die Wohnidee, came all the way from Germany specifically to gather new ideas. She is especially interested in sustainable packaging for their products, such as the biodegradable bubble wrap from Bubbles with Benefits.

A Successful Trade Fair Concept and Satisfied Exhibitors
The three-day event provided a powerful stage for the mix of 150 exhibitors to showcase their presentations. The combination of the extensive material sample exhibition, an inspiring lecture programme, and the focus on biophilic design and reuse of materials, created a dynamic environment where professionals from the architecture and interior world met and formed new collaborations.

One of the exhibitors, Rebrick, harvests one – and hopefully two – million bricks annually from demolition projects and supplies them to architects who use them in major construction projects. “With this sustainable approach, we reduce CO2 emissions by 95% compared to traditional methods and promote circular demolition,” said employee Timo Straat, who was pleased to receive many interested architects at the stand.

Other exhibitors also responded enthusiastically to the quality of the visitors, the organization, and the inspiring atmosphere. John Smits of SAM Panels looked back with satisfaction: “Our team created a beautiful stand, which generated fantastic reactions from visitors. We will be busy in the coming weeks following up on more than 250 new leads.”

Marianne van der Sande of Qbiq was also enthusiastic: “I’ve experienced many trade shows, but this was by far the best. We will definitely return!”

MaterialDistrict Innovation Fund: Support for Start-ups
MaterialDistrict also supports start-ups with sustainable and circular innovations through the MaterialDistrict Innovation Fund. “Each year, we invest 15% of our revenue in this fund, which gives innovative start-ups the opportunity to participate in the exhibition with a subsidy up to three times,” explained Jeroen van Oostveen.

One of the participants was Eggxpert, which processes eggshell waste into circular facades and interior products. Sponge Building Project, which develops 3D printed ceramic structures for green facades, also presented itself. Architect Michael van Leeuwen, who has regularly visited the fair, has seen talents grow from early-stage designers to established companies now exhibiting their products at the fair. “I was pleasantly surprised that they have the opportunity to scale up.”

Young Talents Programme: The Next Generation of Designers
Under the direction of co-curator Leonne Cuppen, 20 promising young designers were selected for the Young Talents Programme. With their experimental projects and innovative materials, they brought a fresh dynamic to the fair. “My selection is based on a broad perspective. Biobased materials are increasingly important for sustainability and circularity, but I look further: at materials and products that are regenerative and contribute to our health and well-being,” said Cuppen.

A striking presentation came from Morris Bouwman and Arjen Witteveen, who, with their speculative exhibition HumanDistrict, invited visitors to reflect on our relationship with materials.

Lecture Programme on New Economic Systems
On Thursday 13 March, the lecture programme also focused on biophilic design. Bongers and other experts presented the latest scientific insights, materials, and technologies, inspiring and encouraging designers and architects to design and build with nature in mind. The Substitute also organized an exclusive lecture programme for the furniture industry and project furnishers, where experts presented the latest trends and strategies for a sustainable interior future.

Other key partners, often developing new value chains as models for new economic systems and establishing collaborations to transition to a circular economy, also participated in this programme. For example, Fibershed NL, a shared values network of entrepreneurs and regenerative farmers growing crops for natural and locally bio-circular textiles and clothing. “We organized a panel discussion on the meaning of systemic changes together with The Knitwit Stable, Enschede Textielstad, and Zeefier,” said Stijntje Jaspers, co-founder and programme director of Fibershed NL.

House of Design, which also designs circular processes and systemic changes, created a local value chain for the programme ‘From plastic soup to vegetable soup’ by Wad van Waarde: from flax to linen textile to soil. During MaterialDistrict Utrecht, Simone Larabi, project coordinator, researcher, and product designer at House of Design, held discussions with all the stakeholders: designers, educators, policymakers, and producers.

Focus on Quality and Relevant Visitors
A key focus of this edition was improving the quality of visitors. Based on feedback from exhibitors, the number of student tickets was limited to final-year students, creating a better balance between professionals and students. This resulted in more valuable conversations and contacts.

With a total of 4,701 visitors, exhibitors noticed an increase in the relevance of the conversations. Alexander Wolf of NUDUS summed it up well: “As exhausting as it was, I truly enjoyed my time here. I had several interesting conversations and made valuable connections.” Sander van Doorn of Circuform confirmed: “This was another great edition. I can say: the best so far. The quality of the visitors was simply excellent.”

Irish designer Lisa McLaughlin added: “I truly appreciate the warmth and friendliness of everyone—from designers, companies, and students to, especially, my fellow exhibitors.”

Looking Ahead to MaterialDistrict Utrecht 2026
In 2026, MaterialDistrict Utrecht will return to the Werkspoorkathedraal. The 19th edition will take place from 4 to 6 March 2026. Next year, further steps will be taken to broaden the target audience. In addition to architects and interior designers, there will be an increased focus on housing associations, municipalities, project developers, and builders. These are essential links in the transition to the use of sustainable and circular materials and are becoming an increasingly relevant target group.

This broadening will not only be visible in the visitor strategy but also in partnerships and the lecture programme. By actively pursuing this, MaterialDistrict Utrecht aims to further grow in 2026 as the central platform for professionals in innovative and future-proof building and design.

Photos: Viorica Cernica