SUSTAINABILITY
Silence from the depths

Interior designer Sander Nevejans has developed a process that utilises the fibres of mussels to produce environmentally friendly acoustic panels.

by Anna Moldenhauer | 5/29/2024

In the search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibres, it is worth taking a look underwater, to be precise at the mussel: in order to find a hold, like on rocks, it develops a secretion that hardens into adhesive fibres. These natural fibres are called ‘byssos’, which are considered inedible in the industrial processing of seafood and therefore usually end up in landfill. For interior designer Sander Nevejans, this meant a waste of potential. He began to research the properties of mussel silk. The result: the byssus fibres are very robust, lightweight and flame-retardant. They have acoustic and insulating features, are recyclable, renewable and biodegradable. Ideal for use in architectural and interior projects. In 2021, Nevejans founded the company Seastex Ltd. in London to provide a natural alternative to petrochemical-based textiles.

Seastex buys the mussel remains from the mussel farmers, cleans them and transforms the material into a homogeneous product that is suitable for creating acoustic products, for example. The tiles with a byssus core (ABC) can be used on walls, ceilings and as partition walls and can be moved flexibly. The young company also offers a free take-back service to return the byssus fibres to the cycle at the end of their useful life.

SUSTAINABILITY

Architecture out of the sea

10/10/2023

We know them from walks on the beach, those oddly decorative flat spheres, that are at the same time robust yet fragile: empty sea urchin shells. Often their curves are almost completely intact. How do these arched shells manage to be so robust while made of so little and such flimsy material?

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Staying in the Loop

7/4/2023

Barefoot on plastic? It can surprisingly be both comfortable and stylish! “Mediterraneo”, the new and first carpet collection by Object Carpet for indoor as well as outdoor use, is visually reminiscent of rattan, is robust, and yet amazingly soft to the touch.

SUSTAINABILITY

Building blocks for the construction revolution

8/5/2021

TRIQ GmbH has developed "TRIQBRIQ", a patented timber construction system for which weak and damaged wood is used as a recyclable building material. The goal is climate-neutral buildings that promote a rethink in the construction industry. Managing Director Max Wörner explains the concept in an interview.

SUSTAINABILITY

Designs from nature

11/19/2019

Seaweed, sunflowers and salt – with the aim of sparing the environment, designers are increasingly experimenting with natural materials. And suddenly nature is making a comeback as a source of raw materials.

SUSTAINABILITYSilence from the depths

Architecture out of the sea

Staying in the Loop

Building blocks for the construction revolution

Designs from nature

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SUSTAINABILITY
Silence from the depths