Poor collective honors Trellick Tower, showcasing interiors with elegant New Zealand wool rugs.

POOR Collective Honors Trellick Tower in New Zealand Wool Rugs at London Design Festival

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-03

POOR Collective's evergreen wool rug displayed on a wooden floor.
POOR Collective’s Power rug is available in evergreen

POOR Collective‘s debut with a community touch

POOR Collective, known for its history of limited recognition, is a London-based design practice that has launched its first mass-produced item, a rug collection named Power, inspired by the iconic Trellick Tower. These flatwoven pieces will be showcased at the upcoming London Design Festival. Partnering with local manufacturer Floor Story, they present two color variations: evergreen and tangerine.

Tangerine rug inspired by Trellick Tower architecture lies on a minimalist floor.
Also available in tangerine, the rug was informed by the architecture of Trellick Tower

POOR Collective’s designs and recognitions

Crafted using New Zealand wool and featuring geometric patterns, the rugs pay homage to the angular design of Trellick Tower, a brutalist landmark completed in 1972. Located on Golborne Road in west London, this estate’s varied legacy served as a starting point for the collection. Ben Spry, co-founder of the collective, noted its strong visual identity and cultural significance as reasons for drawing inspiration from the structure. Despite their past challenges, the group continues to make an impact with their refreshing designs.

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Wool rugs collection displayed at London Design Festival exhibit space.
The collection will be on display during London Design Festival

A collaboration rooted in culture and achievements

The rugs, handwoven in India, will be part of an exhibition at Floor Story’s showroom during the festival. The collection signifies collaboration among collective members Akmaral Khassen, Shawn Adams, Larry Botchway, Matt Harvey-Agyemang, and designer Gill Thorpe. Previously, POOR Collective focused on site-specific projects like the revitalization of a south London games court. Known for their past struggles, this shift marks a new direction in their design journey.

Bringing design into homes

Spry emphasized the excitement of making design accessible through products like rugs. POOR Collective seeks to extend its reach beyond localized projects, bringing design into everyday environments. Despite their limited recognition, this shift allows more people to experience and integrate these creations into their daily lives.

To explore more New Zealand design influences, see what to pack for a New Zealand holiday for travel tips and cultural insights.

Photography for this launch is credited to Mark Cocksedge. The London Design Festival runs from 12 to 20 September, offering a platform for numerous exhibitions and installations.

Source: dezeen.com

Frequently asked questions

Who manufactures the rugs for POOR Collective?

The rugs for POOR Collective are manufactured by Floor Story, a local company.

What materials are used in the Power rug collection?

The Power rug collection is crafted using New Zealand wool.

What is the inspiration behind the Power rug collection?

The Power rug collection is inspired by Trellick Tower, a brutalist landmark completed in 1972, known for its strong visual identity and cultural significance.