One of the subtler but more beautiful designs that we saw at the Milan 2008 Greenenergy Design show was Antonio Citterio’s ‘Lace’: tiled architectural cladding that’s designed for user wellbeing and ecological preservation. A standardised product that produces an intricate and intriguing pattern when multiplied, the design keeps the user in touch the world outside. The tiles themselves were also more sustainable, using a special resin that is free of solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The installation was made of 160 hexagonal tiles, each measuring 150x130cm, fitted together over an ultralight structure. Citterio designed them to act more as a membrane than as a container: the holes are essential to keep those inside the building aware of the changing weather and lighting outside the building. The tiles’ tessellation creates the rhythmic geometric pattern that gave the installation found its name.
Kerakoll Design, one of the world’s biggest chemical suppliers for the building industry, helped Citterio realise his vision, supplying a specially developed eco-resin that creates a textured effect with a minimal application. The installation isn’t Kerakoll’s first foray into sustainability: the company offers a range of solvent and VOC-free adhesives and resins. We look forward to the sustainable structures they’ll help create next year.