Enrich indoor environment by the use of organic waste streams and bio-based matter. Subconsciously connecting its user with nature by implementing new materials. The social connection between material, human and nature is intertwined in all my projects.
Eggshell Ceramic - 10 billion eggs a year are produced in the Netherlands, which makes the country the largest egg exporter in the world. An egg produces a valuable material which is often seen as waste; his shell. Luckily not all 10 billion eggshells are wasted, it’s often used as soil improver in agriculture. Eggshell Ceramic is a circular material derived from this industry to show new possibilities with this material. This project shows that we can also use the material one more time before it is given back to nature. Atelier LVDW developed a biodegradable but strong material out of the eggshells which can be a sustainable replacement for single use plates. The material has the look of ceramics but the weight of cardboard, which makes it a versatile material. The material can easily be recycled into calcium water, which can be used as a nutrient for lime-loving plants. Its designed to re-use the valuable nutrient calcium carbonate, to feed lime-loving plants. For example: butterfly bush, boxwood, bellflower, american lilac, eggplant, margaret, flax, tomato plant and many more plant species. This project creates an extra “dot” in this materials lifecycle. Eggshell Ceramic received a Gold Award in the BeyondPlastic competition 2021.
Philia, Bio-plant - In this project Atelier LVDW designed an alternative for decorative plants. Real or fake, both are not very environmentally friendly. For example the plastic production for artificial plants and the high water and energy use in the production of real houseplants. Besides that, many illegally obtained plants are in circulation worldwide, which are poached from the wild. This has serious consequences for biodiversity. Poaching of wild animals and plants is in the top 3 of biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide. It comes after habitat destruction, but before climate change. More than 30.000 plant species are threatened with extinction, such as cacti, succulents, orchids, but also extremely rare conifers. Poached plants are easily sold online to plant collectors. To draw attention to this problem, Atelier LVDW developed a biomaterial made from botanical waste for the development of “rare” artificial plants.
The studio found out that the stinging nettle could be a threat to our local biodiversity. Nettles grow well in nitrogen-rich soil. This soil contains a lot of nitrogen from exhaust gases and industries, resulting in an increase of nettles in places where they are not desirable. Especially in nature reserves, the stinging nettle disrupts other plants, again having negative consequences for biodiversity.
On the other hand, the nettle is a very healthy plant to eat or make tea, paper and textiles from. The studio choose to make a fermented liquid from the nettle in which good bacteria where added, this ensured the growth of a biomaterial called bacterial cellulose. A strong biodegradable material. With this design Atelier LVDW wants to create more awareness about plants in our indoor and outdoor environment and show the possibilities of the next generation bio-materials.
Jute Tile project - Exhibited in Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival UAE. 2022
Expo 2020 - Channelling Change: Inside A Designers Brain, World Expo 2020 Dubai UAE
Jute Tile - Atelier LVDW used a waste material from the flooring industry to create a new surface material. The material is made of 50% jute fibre. Jute fibre is the only waste material in the production process of Forbo linoleum. By combining it with plaster, the fluff is transformed into strong tiles with distinct patterns. The original properties of the plaster are changed by this addition. Giving this waste material a second life and new durable purpose. By using this waste material, Forbo linoleum becomes a zero-waste product.
Jute Tile project - Exhibition at Dutch Design Week 2018, presenting new material research
Biophilic Materials - This project is a study of the applicability of biodegradable material in our interior. Laura asked herself the question: How does a bio-based material can contribute to a healing environment for people? Biophilia is the innate and emotional tie that binds humanity to earth. When biophilia is used in the built indoor and outdoor environment we call it Biophilic Design. This design strategy is based on the healing power of nature. Namely the presence of natural stress relieve and increasing our creativity. The choice of materials which are used in Biophilic Design are of great importance. Association with nature and stimulating our senses are some key elements. In this project, Laura looked at the natural properties of an open source biomaterial: potato starch plastic. With this recipe Laura started experimenting with colour, texture, transparency and interaction with daylight and artificial light. By combining different elements and raw materials, there arise new biodegradable materials in which the association with nature is evident. The materials have different characteristics and properties and can therefore be used for different purposes within Biophilic Design.
Biophilic Light - Research has shown that the intrinsic bond we have with nature, called biophilia, grants us with positive energy. Stress is one of the many negative aspects of life that can be reduced through the biophilia hypothesis, even with artificial nature. Biophilic Light combines the fascination for this theory with a sustainable view on everyday renewable resources. Its lampshade is a bioplastic combined with green earth, making it 100% biodegradable. The light behind the material emits the true sophisticated traces of nature as it literally spreads its positive feelings through light. This work highlights a different side of the material bioplastic by clarifying the association with nature in it. By incorporating the material into a minimalistic lighting design, it can be applied to the interior. Biophilic Light received an Award during the International Green Interior Awards 2017 in the category Student Product Innovation.
