This Is No Longer Speculative exhibition evolves with specifiable, by-product based material palette.

At Material Source Studio, we seek to champion circular design wherever possible.

And if you've visited either of our Studios recently, you'll have seen our This Is No Longer Speculative exhibition is the embodiment of this.

For our autumn/winter programme of activity in the Manchester Studio, we kept this principle of circularity firmly in mind. And rather than replace the installation in our Gallery, we decided to evolve it, using pieces excavated from the factories of our Studio partners, CDUK and Surface Matter.

Teaming these materials with a bold colour palette of orange and yellow from Crown Paints, we present a joyful re-configuration of the Manchester Studio’s This Is No Longer Speculative installation - with displays now created from 100% recycled surface materials and re-painted plinths, which altogether transform the space with as low an impact as possible.

As we shift into winter, with our dosage of daylight slowly depleting, we also considered human sustainability in the evolution of our exhibition, and light plays an integral role. By combining this with recycled plastic panels, an interesting configuration seeks to draw interest in and spark conversation around a bright future for all.

Meet the materials

Leeds-based surface supplier, CDUK has supplied pieces of Polygood®, which were fabricated in house at its Vita Nova Workshop. Polygood® panels are made from 100% recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable, with each pattern possessing its own unique sustainability back-story. Produced from a wide range of post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste sources, each sheet repurposes all manner of discarded objects; from refrigerators, to single-use cutlery; electronics to industrial consumables.

CDUK’s Vita Nova transforms its portfolio of no longer wanted surface materials including; off-cuts, end-of-life installations, damaged or faulty sheets, samples and extraction dust into exciting new applications. We explored its treasure-trove of material offcuts in Leeds to learn more about how Vita Nova contributes to a circular economy.

Coral Reef reimagines industrial poles to create ocean inspired hues, smattered with coral coloured flecks, obtained from discarded acoustic panels. Part of Polygood®’s Bespoke range, Coral Reef provides an inspiring, closed-loop material backdrop for our roster of 24 bio & by-product based materials.

Paired with Crown paints vibrant Cha Cha and Firestarter shades, Potpourri by Polygood®, provides a playful, party-inspired palette made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable plastic. Liken to a sheet of confetti, the material behaves notably differently when flooded with light.

You can find all the information about these products here, including the Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Similarly on a mission to harness the potential of discarded materials, is Surface Matter. It's a one-stop-shop for multi-coloured and faceted surface solutions that contribute towards the circular economy.

A selection of our bio and by-product-based exhibitors for 2024 is well placed on Durat - a terrazzo solid surface made from post-industrial recycled plastic. These Durat plinths were once standing as surplus in Surface Matter’s warehouse, and now they contribute to our refreshed Studio exhibit.

Durat is available in a wide array of design-led colourways, and can be used for kitchen countertops, vanity units, sinks and bespoke furnitures. Creating seamless surfaces for sustainable interior applications, this material can be renewed, repurposed and recycled again. And again.

Mother of Pearl is a skilfully stretched plastic made from industrial waste Polycarbonate, obtained from discarded and then broken down bus shelters. This material is twisted and pulled into a shimmering, hardwearing finish. The limited-edition material is available in silver, graphite or a bespoke tint.

Part of the Plasticiet collection, this material takes on a whole different dimension when illuminated, giving the impression of stained glass.

You can catch Mother of Pearl in both an illuminated and solid state as part of the exhibition.

Pop into our Manchester Studio to check out our expanded This. Is. No. Longer. Speculative. exhibition, displayed on a specifiable, environmentally conscious material palette. Polygood® by CDUK and Plasticiet, Mother of Pearl by Surface Matter are showcased in both translucent and solid states - which do you prefer?

Photography credits: Tim Ainsworth