Dutch Design Week 2023 takes place from 21 to 29 October in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Here, we present some of the most innovative material projects present, part 3 (part 1, part 2, part 4, part 5, part 6).

Resting Reef
The start-up Resting Reef developed a way to 3D print reef structures, which are deployed in the ocean to regenerate marine life, made of a mixture of bone ash and crushed oyster shells. Resting Reef is as much about providing a sustainable alternative to conventional burial and memorial methods, as it is about radically changing the way we perceive death. By promoting the oyster settlements, ocean water will be filtered, CO2 will be captured, coastal erosion will be reduced, and marine life will be regenerated.

Living Coffin
In another sustainable burial project, The Living Coffin embodies living design in manufacturing, fostering biodiversity and nurturing the earth. Made from mycelium (the root system of mushrooms) and upcycled hemp fibre, the coffin is biodegradable and enriches the soil during decomposition. You can read more about this project here.

MycoSonic
This biodesign project created a mycelium-based panel installation grown from natural materials with a focus on renewable resources and regenerative practices. The main materials used are large-scale industrial waste products, specifically sawdust and sheep wool. The panels are affixed to a canopy structure, inviting visitors to step inside and engage with the acoustic material, curating a sensorial experience that deepens their connection with nature.

Images via DDW