Our visit at the architect@work in Munich was characterized by contradictions: More and more companies consider sustainable aspects in the development of new collections and new products. At the same time many follow the proven way. On request these companies only have few knowledge about environmental-friendly manufacturing processes or alternative materials. For us thereby the search for the needle in a haysack continues.

Is environmental-friendly production a niche or a megatrend?

Our partner FSB implemented environmental-friendly manufacturing processes already in the 90s and incorporated sustainability as a major aspect of their philosophy. For more background information please read the article “Everything gets a green light”. At the fair FSB presented new surfaces in matt cooper, bronce and black. The haptic can be best described as a “worry stone”. Additionally these matt surfaces perfectly fit in modern interior designs.

DORNBRACHT presented the new fitting VAIA. It combines classic with a soft, round shape and is inspired by the interior design trend “Transitional Style”. Numerous surfaces allow the application in completely different interior concepts. Even DORNBRACHT puts emphasis on quality in their manufacturing 100% Made in Germany, the progressive and sustainable use of ressources and latest technologies in manufacturing processes. During the interview “Good design follows 5 principles” we got detailled answers about the high approach the company stands for.

Manufacturer with an attitude

Contemporary products are characterized by completely separable materials that can be redirected to the product cycle and on the longterm save ressources. The use of 100% recycable ressources in facade and wall panels or in floorings show that sustainable materials are not in competition with modern design.

Also notable are wall panels with a smoked, matt-black surface usable for facades as well as for interior design and certified with FSC or PEFC. We were really enthusiastic about handmade tiles traditionally crafted and especially for premium projects that offer individual design on the highest level of craftsmenship.

Our media partner World-Architects presented a “Project exhibition selected by world-architects.com” with an international selection of contemporary projects of outstanding architects, landscape architects, engineers and designers. Varied cross-section works were shown by programmatically and formally different constructions. Young promising offices stood beside well-known names and represented togehter the section’s large architectural variety.