To close the year, we are highlighting the most read articles published on MaterialDistrict this year. #6 Solar paint – generating energy through surface design At number 6: the article on solar paint, exploring how photovoltaic technology can be integrated directly into a coating to generate renewable energy. Unlike traditional solar panels, solar paint can be applied to curved and irregular surfaces, opening up new possibilities for vehicles, buildings and products. Using quantum dots embedded in a liquid binder, the paint converts sunlight into electricity and can potentially extend the range of electric vehicles or turn façades and roofs into energy-generating surfaces. Developments by companies such as @MercedesBenz show how solar paint could align energy efficiency, circular design and material innovation, with formulations that are non-toxic, recyclable and free from rare earth elements. While challenges remain around efficiency and durability, the concept points to a future where energy generation becomes an integral part of material surfaces. A compelling example of how smart materials can reshape design thinking across multiple disciplines. 👉 Read the full article on MaterialDistrict.com #material #materials #materialinnovation #smartmaterials #solarenergy #renewabledesign #electricvehicles #architecture #materialdistrict

#6 From Ash – turning coal waste into concrete At number 6: From Ash, a material project that rethinks the future of fly ash, one of the most abundant by-products of coal-fired power plants. Using fly ash as its main ingredient, From Ash by thomasmisse is an alkali-activated material belonging to the geopolymer family. It gains mechanical strength within hours and can be produced close to power plants, enabling simple, local and efficient production. While global efforts aim to reduce coal use, vast amounts of fly ash continue to be generated. From Ash responds to this reality by offering a sustainable afterlife for coal waste, transforming an underused by-product into a durable construction material with strong thermal, mechanical and chemical performance. A pragmatic example of how industrial waste streams can be repurposed into high-performance building materials. 👉 Discover From Ash on MaterialDistrict.com #material #materials #materialinnovation #concrete #geopolymer #industrialwaste #sustainablematerials #circulardesign #construction #materialdistrict

To close the year, we are highlighting the most read articles published on MaterialDistrict this year. #7 The Tree and the Truss – rethinking timber construction At number 7: the article on The Tree and the Truss, a pioneering timber structure developed at the @aaschool that explores new approaches to biobased, low-waste architecture. The project challenges conventional timber construction by using natural bifurcations and branches—elements often considered unsuitable for structural use—as key load-bearing components. By working with the inherent geometry of beech trees, the structure maximises material efficiency while celebrating the expressive qualities of wood. Combining traditional craftsmanship with digital and robotic fabrication, The Tree and the Truss demonstrates how irregular, locally sourced timber can be precisely integrated into advanced structural systems. Sourced directly from the surrounding forest, the project aligns with circular forestry practices and minimises transport and processing impacts. A compelling case study showing how ecological sensitivity, material intelligence and fabrication innovation can come together in contemporary timber architecture. 👉 Read the full article on MaterialDistrict.com #material #materials #materialinnovation #timberarchitecture #biobased #circulardesign #digitalfabrication #sustainablearchitecture #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. #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