Header: The Seaweed House / Courtesy of Vandkunsten Architects
As the design world shifts toward sustainability, natural materials like clay and cork, as well as new innovative materials made from mycelium and seaweed, are slowly shaping the future of design. All of these natural materials, long valued for their aesthetic and functional properties, are now being reimagined through various new and innovative techniques. While tradition is still being appreciated, it has been elevated with modern science and is more focused on sustainability. Designers and architects are increasingly turning to these materials not only for their beauty but for their low environmental impact and resilience.
Beyond aesthetics, natural materials offer practical solutions to some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. Construction and demolition waste continue to be a significant issue, but materials such as HempLime, cork and mycelium-based insulation offer excellent alternatives to conventional, carbon-intensive materials. Biobased and waste-based materials, including algae, straw, and seaweed, are also being explored for their potential to replace petrochemical-based products. From energy-efficient insulation to nature-based plaster finishes, innovation in natural materials is revolutionizing the building industry.
The integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology is driving a significant transformation in sustainable design, allowing for large-scale production of biodegradable and bio-based materials. Companies such as Biohm and MycoHab are developing new ways to incorporate fungi and agricultural byproducts into construction, proving that sustainable solutions can be both effective and scalable. As more research and investment go into these innovations, natural materials are undoubtedly going to play a crucial role in the future of architecture and design.
Clay: A timeless material used for centuries
Clay has been a building staple for centuries, used in everything from traditional cob walls and intricate ceramic tiles to furniture and lighting. Today, its applications are expanding into contemporary architecture and interior design. Clay plasters, such as those from American Clay and Clayworks, are gaining popularity as natural alternatives to synthetic paints and gypsum plasters. They regulate indoor humidity, resist mold, and enhance air quality without introducing harmful VOCs. Earthaus’s Artisan lime plasters, made from lime, pumice, and plant-based binders, provide an elegant yet eco-friendly wall finish.
Moreover, clay’s thermal mass properties make it an excellent choice for energy-efficient homes, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling. The revival of rammed earth construction showcases how this ancient material can be adapted for modern, low-carbon buildings.
One of the newest innovations is 3D-printed clay buildings that companies like WASP in Italy have been pioneering, made entirely from clay, offering a low-cost, sustainable solution for housing in remote areas.
Cork: A renewable marvel in construction and design
Cork, sourced from the bark of Quercus suber trees, is a standout example of a truly sustainable material. Harvested without harming the trees, cork regenerates every nine years, making it a renewable and biodegradable choice. While traditionally used in wine stoppers, cork is now widely applied in insulation, wall coverings, resilient flooring, furniture and lighting.
Recent advancements have introduced recycled cork into construction, enhancing circularity in building materials. Products like Thermacork Standard Insulation demonstrate cork’s ability to provide natural, fire-resistant, and energy-efficient insulation. Its lightweight and flexible properties make it ideal for sustainable design applications.
A beautiful example of natural cork for interior design is the one by Materials Assemble, whose cork wall panels exemplify the beautiful integration of nature and innovation, with each panel showcasing intricate designs that add depth and character to any space. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these panels also provide remarkable thermal and acoustic benefits, making them not just a visual delight but also a functional addition to any interior.
Seaweed: The ocean’s answer to sustainable design
The design industry is also exploring the potential of seaweed and other marine plants as sustainable materials. Algae-based products are being developed as petroleum-free alternatives for textiles, bio-plastics, and even construction materials. Unlike land-based crops, algae do not require arable land, preserving vital space for food production. Additionally, seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide, contributing to a lower environmental footprint.
Seaweed is a sustainable, versatile material gaining popularity in design and construction. As a fast-growing, renewable resource, it requires no freshwater, fertilizers, or pesticides, making it environmentally friendly. Seaweed tiles for example, like the ones from Materials Assemble, are appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, such as natural insulation and moisture resistance. They decompose naturally, leaving minimal environmental impact and a lower carbon footprint than traditional materials. Historically used for insulation by Ancient Greeks, seaweed is now being rediscovered in modern design.
Designers like Nir Meiri, Jonas Edvard and Nikolaj Steenfatt incorporate it into products like lamps, chairs and tables, promoting sustainable practices. Seaweed’s natural fire resistance, antibacterial properties, and moisture absorption make it ideal for eco-conscious architecture and design. A good example of seaweed use in architecture is the Seaweed house by Vandkunsten Architects. The seaweed was used as a renewed and modern construction material that also respects the old local traditions of the Danish island of Læsø.
As research continues, we can expect to see more seaweed-based insulation, wall coverings, and textiles entering the market.
Other nature-based materials used in design
Beyond clay, cork, and seaweed, other natural materials such as bamboo, grasses, straw, and hemp are proving to be essential in sustainable construction. These materials offer insulation and structural benefits while also improving indoor air quality and overall well-being.
Straw, a waste product from grain production, is being rediscovered for its insulation properties. It has high heat and sound insulation capabilities and, when processed correctly, is highly resistant to moisture and mold. In Germany alone, surplus straw could insulate up to 350,000 single-family homes each year. Meanwhile, hemp is gaining popularity as an alternative to aluminum and steel panels, with “hempcrete” emerging as an effective non-load-bearing wall and insulation material. European hemp varieties can store between 7 and 9.6 tonnes of CO2 per year, further enhancing their sustainability credentials.
Innovation is also pushing the boundaries of nature-based materials. Researchers in the Netherlands are exploring fungi-based construction materials, which grow quickly and exhibit impressive physical properties. Similarly, teams in Denmark, Australia, and the UK are investigating the potential of algae, seaweed, and shellfish-derived materials, which do not compete for land use and offer pest-resistant properties.
Combining tradition and innovation
The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology is empowering the large-scale production of bio-based and biodegradable materials. Innovations using agricultural biomass, fungi, and animal byproducts are shaping the future of sustainable design.
Companies such as Biohm are leading the way by merging ancient building techniques with cutting-edge biotechnology. This London-based company develops materials like mycelium insulation and bio-based composites, pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction. Another promising development is Mycoblocks, created by MycoHab, which combines agricultural biomass and mycelium to form biodegradable blocks with minimal environmental impact. Similarly, Okom wrks labs is advancing research on structural mycelium for modular interior and exterior walls that function as insulation, cladding, and sheathing.
This combination of traditional knowledge and new technology is also seen in the rise of nature-based plasters and wall finishes. Companies such as New Frameworks and Ecococon are revolutionizing construction with straw-based structural insulated panels (S-SIPs), which sequester carbon while enhancing energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Lime and clay plasters are making a comeback, offering natural, non-toxic alternatives to conventional synthetic finishes. These tactile surfaces not only regulate indoor air (by eliminating toxins found in conventional paints and finishes) but also introduce an organic aesthetic to modern interiors.
A future built on nature
The revival of natural materials like clay and cork in modern design as well as new innovative materials made from mycelium and seaweed, signals a shift toward a more sustainable future. As industries embrace biobased materials, the possibilities for greener, healthier, and more resilient spaces continue to expand, and designers are proving that sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand.
