Sculptural installation using recycled materials in an exhibition space

Transforming Waste into Art: Project Materia’s Bold Showcase at Copenhagen’s Design Festival

2026-06-12

In the heart of Copenhagen, the annual 3daysofdesign festival unveils an innovative approach to sustainable materials. Project Materia presents “Materia x Mater,” an exhibition capturing the essence of nine artists working with Matek—a groundbreaking material by Danish brand Mater. Composed of discarded coffee shells, sawdust, and recycled plastic, this material challenges traditional notions of artistic prestige.

The exhibition, a collaboration between Tableau and Edition Solenne, invites artists to create unique pieces using Matek, blending artistic expression with environmental consciousness. Key contributors include Cathrine Raben Davidsen, Sophie Dries, Willem van Hooff, Lea Colombo, Onno Adriaanse, Jacob Egeberg, Forever Studio, Filippo Andrighetto, and Oliver Thygesen.

Crafting with Matek: Unique Artistry Through Recycled Materials

Each artist brings their personality to Matek, fostering a dialogue between material and craftsmanship. Designed to mimic stone and terrazzo, Matek is crafted by binding coffee and wood industry residues with recycled plastic. This transformation challenges perceptions, portraying recycled materials as legitimate canvases for artistic exploration.

Discover how sustainable furniture uses construction scaffolding to reimagine design in Lille, similar to Matek’s innovative methods.

Artists employ diverse techniques, such as Dries’ Stria candleholders, described as ‘domestic totems’, and van Hooff’s engraved Archive Cabinet, reflecting personal narratives. Adriaanse’s Pyrite Side Table captures natural crystalline forms, while Colombo’s ATOM stools merge floral and geometric shapes.

Close-up of colorful art piece made from reclaimed objects

Design Intersections: Bridging Industry and Art

The exhibition thrives on the complexity born from a single material interpreted in myriad ways. Davidsen’s Parsifal screen combines ceramic influences, while Oliver Thygesen’s Rooted table incorporates Douglas Fir into its design. Andrighetto’s Space Invader table draws inspiration from iconic 1978 video games, showcasing Matek’s versatile nature.

Project Materia’s innovative art at Copenhagen Design Festival — project materia mater copenhagen

Revitalizing Waste: A Vision Beyond Copenhagen

Set against Købmagergade 3’s backdrop, the exhibition elevates waste material to collectible art, avoiding mere circular economy clichés. Presented in a gallery context, Matek questions the romanticism of traditional resources, emphasizing sustainable repurposing.

Explore how innovative design illumines sustainable interiors in creative ways, echoing the synergy of art and environment at the festival.

Following its debut, Materia x Mater will travel to Paris in autumn 2026, extending to London by 2027 before reaching the United States. This journey aligns with a global discourse on responsibly sourced materials, urging deeper reflection on consumption and creativity.