VitrA will present Sugarcrete®: new ways of thinking about land, time and buildings at this year’s London Design Festival, showcasing the potential of material-led approaches to more sustainable construction. The exhibition will explore Sugarcrete®, a bio-based material developed from sugar-cane by-products, and its potential as a lower-carbon alternative to conventional materials such as concrete and brick.
Developed by researchers at the University of East London (UEL) Sustainability Research Institute, in collaboration with engineering consultancy AKT II and other industry partners, Sugarcrete® demonstrates how agricultural by-products can be repurposed as a resource in construction.
Visitors to the exhibition can explore material samples alongside wider research behind the project for further insight into the material’s development and performance. With a focus on the material’s potential to reduce environmental impact, the display will highlight its ability to open new possibilities for architectural design.
“We’re pleased to host ‘Sugarcrete®: new ways of thinking about land, time and buildings’ during this year’s London Design Festival. We’re supporting the researchers and designers behind the project and giving visitors the opportunity to engage with their work. By showcasing new ideas and material innovation at VitrA, we hope to inspire creative thinking about the future of sustainable design,” comments Nicola Friel, manager of VitrA’s Specification & Design Hub.
The VitrA London Specification & Design Hub will be open to visitors during the London Design Festival from 14 – 18 September. As part of the programme, activity will be taking place on the following dates, and to attend please RSVP to london@vitra.co.uk
Monday 14 September – Friday 18 September
9:00 – 17:00: Exhibition on ground floor
Tuesday 15 September
13:00 – 17:00: Meet the Makers – Alan Chandler, UEL, and David Watson, AKT II
17:30 – 19:30: Presentation of research & Sugarcrete by Alan & David – Sugarcrete®: new ways of thinking about land, time and buildings.
For more information on VitrA’s sustainability efforts, please visit https://www.vitra.co.uk/about-us/sustainability/