Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (@MIT) have developed MorphoChrome, a new fabrication system that allows designers to apply iridescent, colour-changing effects to everyday objects. Instead of using pigments or dyes, the system relies on structural colour, a phenomenon widely found in nature. The project introduces a new way to create expressive surfaces while reducing dependence on traditional colouring methods. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #StructuralColour #MaterialInnovation #SustainableDesign #ProductDesign #FashionDesign #InteriorDesign #DigitalFabrication #MITResearch

Muss-Tell is a circular, bioregional design project by material designer and researcher @ertemdamla, developed as part of her MA Material Futures at Central Saint Martins. The project addresses an often-overlooked environmental issue: noise pollution in freshwater ecosystems. More specifically, it explores how underwater sound affects native mussel species and how material design can help reduce this impact. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #Biomaterials #CircularDesign #AcousticDesign #BiodegradableMaterials #MaterialInnovation #RegenerativeDesign #EcologicalDesign #NatureBasedSolutions #SustainableMaterials #BeyondHumanDesign

The material can be made into wearable accessories, such as gloves. SOLE by Yiyuan Bai / More at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialoftheDay #Materials #BiobasedMaterials #HealthyMaterials #ChineseHerbalMedicine

A new recycling process makes it possible to reuse MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) on an industrial scale. Developed through a collaboration between @Unilin and GP Groot Recycling, the technology allows used MDF panels to be processed into fibres that can be applied in the production of new MDF boards. MDF is widely used in interior construction, furniture manufacturing and joinery, but until now has largely been excluded from high-quality recycling streams. Used MDF from renovation and demolition projects is typically incinerated. With this new approach, the material can be collected separately and returned to the production cycle. Unilin has indicated that the process is designed to handle up to 70,000 tonnes of MDF fibres per year. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #MDFRecycling #CircularMaterials #SustainableInteriors #WoodBasedPanels #MaterialInnovation #CircularDesign

House 720 Degrees is a residential project by Mexican architect @fernandacanales_arquitectura, located in a valley near Valle de Bravo, Mexico. From the outset, the design links architectural form to material choice and site conditions. The house uses a mixture of local soil and concrete, which gives the building its natural colour and texture. As a result, the architecture visually connects with the surrounding landscape and avoids the need for additional finishes. In addition, the project operates fully off-grid and responds to a climate with large temperature differences and long rainy seasons. By working with durable, locally available materials, the design supports long-term performance and limits ongoing maintenance. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #CircularArchitecture #ResidentialArchitecture #LocalMaterials #SustainableArchitecture #OffGridArchitecture #EarthBasedMaterials #MaterialInnovation #LandscapeIntegration #LowMaintenanceDesign

Material of the day: Mycelium Acoustic Panels 🍄🔇 Developed by @myconom_labs, these acoustic panels are grown using fungal mycelium as a natural binder. The mycelium grows through agricultural and textile waste, forming strong, stable composites without petrochemicals, synthetic additives, or chemical processing. The result is a 100% bio-based and biodegradable acoustic material with excellent sound absorption across a wide frequency range. VOC-free and low-carbon, Mycelium Acoustic Panels offer a healthy and sustainable alternative to conventional acoustic materials such as glass wool, PU foam, and PET felt—while supporting better indoor air quality and circular design. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com You can experience Mycelium Acoustic Panels up close in our sample exhibition at MaterialDistrict Utrecht 📍 Werkspoorkathedraal, Utrecht 📅 4–6 March 🎟️ Get your ticket now via link in bio #MaterialoftheDay #Material #MyceliumAcoustics #MYCONOM #BiobasedMaterials #AcousticDesign #SustainableDesign #MaterialDistrict #MDUtrecht

The transition to renewable energy is driving strong demand for safe, affordable and scalable energy storage. Today’s battery technologies rely heavily on lithium-ion systems, which depend on scarce and often imported raw materials. This raises concerns around cost, supply security and environmental impact. Researchers at @fraunhofergesellschaft IKTS in Germany are developing an alternative: sodium-ion batteries made partly from lignin, a biobased by-product of the wood industry. Lignin is a natural polymer that gives wood its rigidity. In the paper and pulp industry, it is usually treated as waste and burned for energy. The ThüNaBsE project (Thuringia Sodium-Ion Battery for Scalable Energy Storage) aims to use this material in a more valuable way. The project brings together Fraunhofer IKTS, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and several industrial partners, supported by regional and European funding. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #MaterialInspiration #Materials #SodiumIonBatteries #Lignin #BiobasedMaterials #CircularDesign #MaterialInnovation #SustainableEnergy #BioBasedDesign #FutureMaterials #EnergyStorage #WoodByProducts

3D-CeraClad is a Master’s thesis project by designer @m97amr that explores how additive manufacturing can reshape ceramic façade systems. The project introduces a modular building envelope made from 3D-printed ceramic elements with integrated thermal insulation and sealing solutions. As a result, it offers a high-performance alternative to conventional External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS). The system targets architects and façade designers who seek durable, fire-safe and expressive building envelopes. At the same time, it responds to growing demands for sustainability and material efficiency in architecture. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com @fgde.btu #MaterialInspiration #Materials #3DPrinting #CeramicFacades #SustainableArchitecture #FacadeDesign #MaterialInnovation #CircularDesign #AdditiveManufacturing #BuildingEnvelopes