The structure of buildings is often designed to last 100 years, but interiors are refurbished on average every five years. Due to these short modernisation cycles, interior design is CO2 and waste-intensive. The main materials used to improve room acoustics are polyester foams or mineral fibre-based composites - materials that produce a lot of CO2 in their manufacture and are landfilled or thermally recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

In collaboration with the Italian bio design company Mogu, we have developed the regenerative acoustic system Foresta, a bio-based product that acts as a CO2 reservoir, significantly reducing the ecological footprint of interior fittings. It is made from renewable raw materials and has been developed according to the principles of the circular economy: all components are reusable and can be composted at the end of their life cycle.

Foresta shows how new value chains based on circular principles can accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Mycelium as a regenerative building material

Foresta is based on mycelium, the fine root network of fungi made up of hyphae. It grows rapidly when supplied with moisture and nutrients - in this case organic waste such as hemp chives and textile residues - and colonises the substrate. A subsequent drying process stops the growth, hardens the composite and makes it robust. As only the hyphae are used, the final bio-composite material is spore free, in alignment with health and safety requirements.

Bringing nature into the workplace

Foresta translates as "forest" and is designed to bring a piece of nature into the office. The system's wooden frame, designed for assembly and disassembly, simplifies installation and allows for easy configuration in any interior. The modules can be customised in terms of geometry, texture and colour. Their natural finishes offer an exceptional tactile and textural quality, suitable for modern and sustainable environments.

The Foresta acoustic system with exposed timber frame on the wall of an office

The modular timber frame of the Foresta acoustic system simplifies installation and offers flexibility in design.

The Foresta acoustic system in three colurs on the wall of an office

The modular timber frame of the Foresta acoustic system simplifies installation and offers flexibility in design.

The Foresta acoustic system on the wall of an office with two chairs in front

All components are made of fast-growing, completely renewable raw materials that can be reused or composted at the end of their life cycle.

Partners & collaborators

Mogu