Developed from organic waste, fueled by renewable energy, and carefully curated by forward-thinking designers, this not only provides an environmentally conscious option but also provides a preview of the forthcoming era of sustainable architecture.
Within the realm of sustainable construction, creativity knows no limits. Introducing CornWall®, a groundbreaking advancement in interior wall cladding that not only redefines eco-friendliness but also transforms organic waste into a climate-positive design.
Manufactured in Antwerp, Belgium, through a collaboration between Circular Matters, StoneCycling, and Studio Nina van Bart, this biodegradable material is poised to reshape our perceptions of building interiors.Top of Form
The roots of StoneCycling trace back to the Design Academy in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, between 2009 and 2011. The journey began with a dedicated student, Tom van Soest, who immersed himself in the art of upcycling by salvaging materials from abandoned buildings set for demolition.
Upon Tom’s graduation from the Design Academy, he joined forces with his longtime friend, Ward Massa, to establish StoneCycling. Tom continued to excel in product development, while Ward assumed the role of the company’s astute business strategist. Together, they embarked on a mission to redefine the boundaries of sustainability in design and construction.
The creation of CornWall exemplifies their commitment to sustainable practices. It goes beyond being just an eco-friendly alternative; it stands as a testament to the synergy of plants and innovation. Circular Matters, in collaboration with StoneCycling, employs a pressing process using organic corn cobs that would otherwise be destined for biomass burning or fermentation. Subjected to temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius, this process activates the polymers in the biomass, forming robust bonds and resulting in a stable end product.
What sets this heating process apart is its complete reliance on electric power, sourced from sustainable energy, primarily generated by solar panels installed on the production facility’s roof. The absence of fossil fuels in the entire production process ensures a carbon-neutral footprint, offering a compelling demonstration of how renewable energy can be harnessed to craft environmentally friendly materials.
StoneCycling’s forward-thinking approach extends to its recycling scheme, charting a course toward a sustainable future. The company responsible for CornWall envisions implementing a program that facilitates the return of end-of-life CornWall products. These tiles can undergo grinding and transformation, evolving into entirely new products, thus ensuring the continuous sustainability of the material.
This commitment to sustainability goes beyond the production phase, encompassing the entire lifecycle of the product. By minimizing waste and environmental impact, StoneCycling exemplifies a holistic and responsible approach to sustainable design and construction.
