Where design and sustainability converge through the exploration of material potential

Material Matters 2024 was held over four days at Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, welcoming over 6,000 visitors. Established by William Knight and Grant Gibson, the event has evolved into a platform that continues to mature each year, showcasing the transformative power of materials and the limitless possibilities of design. Now in its third edition, the fair featured an impressive array of global brands and emerging design studios, presenting the latest innovations and technologies through a diverse range of installations and exhibits.

Material Matters 2024
Image: Max Colson

Showcasing Innovative and Sustainable Design

One of the highlights of the event was “Tip Takes” by Studio TIP, a new installation by founders Katie-May Boyd and Charlotte Kidger. Utilizing 2.5 tons of waste material from a central London construction site, the installation demonstrated the potential for circular economy practices within the construction industry, transforming discarded materials into a striking sculptural piece.

Leading the Frontiers of Sustainable Design

This year’s Design Studio of the Year was awarded to PriestmanGoode, experts in transportation design. Their installation, “Moving Responsibly: A Material Journey,” illustrated the critical role of design in shaping future transport systems that are safe, responsible, and sustainable. Another innovative studio, Studio Sanne Visser, presented “Locally Grown,” an installation that utilized human hair as a new material resource. Visitors were invited to experience a live haircut and watch as the waste hair was spun into rope, showcasing a unique method of turning human waste into a scalable regenerative material.

Wood Awards: Exploring the Potential of Timber

Once again, the Wood Awards returned to gallery@oxo, presenting the 2024 shortlist of furniture and objects. The exhibition celebrated the endless possibilities of timber in design and architecture, showcasing a captivating blend of traditional techniques and modern craftsmanship.

Future-Oriented Exhibitions by Leading Manufacturers

Several major manufacturers participated in this year’s fair, presenting cutting-edge material and design proposals. Norwegian aluminium company Hydro unveiled the “100R Project,” featuring products created by seven internationally acclaimed designers — including Max Lamb, Rachel Griffin, and Philippe Malouin — using Hydro CIRCAL 100R, the world’s first aluminium made entirely from recycled post-consumer scrap on an industrial scale.

Dynamic Discussions in the Talks Program

Throughout the event, a series of dynamic discussions explored topics ranging from biodesign to the housing crisis. Speakers included designer John Tree, Kirsty Dias from PriestmanGoode, writer Anna Minton, and industrial designer Tej Chauhan, diving deep into a variety of subjects that intersect design and the built environment.

“Material Matters 2024” has solidified its position as a key platform for discovering the transformative power of materials while fostering a vibrant community dedicated to shaping the future of design and daily life.