New materials

I find new materials endlessly fascinating, both for their designed use as much as their creation. Here are three seen recently at the MateriO stand at Maison & Objet.

Mushroom skin from South America with a suede-like feel

One of my favourites and a badly needed invention, UV reflective coated glass, the finish almost invisible to the human eye, to prevent birds from flying into windows. This is by Isolar in Germany.

The fully compostable Protobrik by Polypop is made of agricultural waste, fire resistant, a good insulator and floats. If immersed it will begin to biodegrade after about 10 days so good for emergency use.