Dezeen writes: “London’s largest living wall designed to reduce urban flooding is unveiled at the Rubens at the Palace Hotel, Victoria.
Standing at 350 square metres with over 10,000 ferns and herbaceous plants and 16 tons of soil, Victoria today (21 August 2013) welcomes London’s largest living wall designed to reduce urban flooding. On the doorstep of Buckingham Palace, the wall reaches over 21 metres high and is packed with 20 seasonal plant species designed to attract wildlife such as birds, butterflies and bees. The permanent feature will improve the air quality in the area and store up to 10,000 litres of water at any time, reducing the risk of surface water flooding, as well as providing a vibrant focal point for locals and visitors.”
Clothing that consists of biofabricated textiles, where living organisms respirate by turning carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Wearers would need to take care of their garment as they would a plant in order to keep them alive, rather than engaging in the environmentally destructive practice of making synthetic clothes and discarding them after a few uses.
Designed to filter heavy chemical dyes and heavy metals out of water; these tiles are filled with a micro-algae suspended within seaweed derived hydrogel. The process in which the water undergoes when travelling through the algae is called bioremediation, in which microorganisms are used to break down pollution.
Simplistic rustic homeware can be aesthetically pleasing especially when it’s been recycled or eco friendly. Baileys have repurposed wood, glass and metal to create home-ware. The store itself sells handmade soaps, indoor plants and rusted outdoor furniture – great concept that both consumers and sellers need to start thinking about…
Haeckels now grow their own under-eye patches which take 3 weeks. It’s about time someone made biodegradable skin care in this form – the bio restore membrane is infused with seaweed, aloe and witch hazel all designed to give a brighter complexion.
This company are amazing me with their attention to detail in the sustainability market.
Kulla design studio have created everyday objects, using recycled materials combined with sawdust
This concept means that no two items would be the same. The formations of the recycled materials used results in an outcome that is innovative; reusing materials that would ordinarily be wasted. There is something organically beautiful about the snapshots of text that appear on the products, and they add a decorative mixed-media/collage feel. The consumer is able to visually see the raw materials that went into making the items; there are no hidden surprises and no bleach, harsh chemicals or unwanted processing. All in all, I love this forward-thinking concept. It’s incredible that mixed sawdust, paper, and plastics have been compressed and moulded to withstand heat, water, and strength of human body weight.
What if water didn’t have to make up in some cases nearly 87% of all cosmetics and toiletries you buy? How insanely decadent is it to wash ourselves with clean water when so few even have access to drink it?
– Haeckels
Haeckels (founded by Dom) are brilliant and one of the most forward-thinking brands out there with their approach to branding and sustainability. They have developed a range of skincare made from seaweed on their doorstep:
“Seaweed hydrates; it’s rich with valuable vitamins, minerals and amino acids; it’s anti-bacterial, skin rebuilding and anti-inflammatory; it’s all-natural, and all around us. Under licence, we harvest it by hand from the beach just steps away from our shop.”
Looking at Haeckels’ stockists, this has led me to discover more natural companies that are relatively close (within 1 hour) to home. I intend to visit some of these stockists when I next visit Oxford as I’ve noticed they all have an organic theme, which means they also supply other organic items such as
Illyria Pottery – a wonderful shop in Oxford containing hand-thrown ceramics by Katie, and all inspired by natural forms. The Store X – this store has led me to discover that there is a community called “Soho Farmhouse” in Oxfordshire countryside that you can become a member of. The community has cabins to stay in and hosts a whole range of activities such as horse-riding, golf, football and even has a pool. There are a selection of shops, including this store which contains fashion, art, music, books and luxury homewares, and even a farmhouse shop and restaurant. Not to mention the decor everywhere is absolutely beautiful! Harriman & Co – based in Leicester, a shop containing a wonderful range of homeware and furniture with organic influences, including skincare and fragrance.
Oddds is a studio based in Singapore founded in 2013. Their work is visually minimalist but modern, and their work (usually branding) involves the use of bold lines and sans-serif typography.
Pik Nik – Oddds The website states the project has been discontinued, however I really love the minimal approach to food and drink rebranding. The menu is simple and easily read, and the infographics contrast well with pastel colours.
The Edible Dust Anthology – Oddds A beautiful layout of raw spice blends to present short anthologies depicted on autumn/winter:
“No 1. stay, in the equinox, an autumn of stars, coarse on bare flesh”
“No 2. gathering, under moonlight, gentle breeze, murmuring its breath”
“No 3. wood sticks, sweet pine, swaying in rhythm, side by side”
“No. 4 eyes closed, bare feet, we meet, gently in the snow, a black beauty greets”
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