This month we would like to talk about an underestimated material that can be as rich and full of personality of many others more appreciated.
We would like to talk about Mr. Cork.
Cork is 100% natural, 100% recyclable and 100% sustainable.
WHAT IS CORK?
Cork is the bark of the cork oak (Quercus Suber L.), which means that it is 100% natural plant tissue. It consists of a honeycomb of microscopic cells filled with a air-like gas.
Harvested every 9 years cork naturally grows on the most external layer of the tree, and it doesn’t require the trees to be cut or injured. Cork is harvested by specialised professionals, always between May and August.
Cork oaks are more common in southwest Europe and northwest Africa, having Portugal and Spain as worldwide main exporters, with Amorim from Portugal as leading business producer in the sector.
THE EFFICIENT MR. CORK
So beside being completely natural, what makes cork so special?
Thanks to his composition, cork can be used both to insulate from heat and water, this means that it can be used for floors or tiling, from the kitchen to the bedroom.
On top it has the special attribute of feeling very pleasant and because of its natural aroma, it can add a warm feel of authenticity to the space where is used.
On the acoustic point of view, it is definitely a champion in performances, so we decided to use it in our open plan office as sound absorbing panel.
…THAT CAN LOOK AMAZING TOO.
Nowadays cork is not anymore the material which your wine stopper is made to.
In 2014, Cork was the stunning finish for an impressive installation by SuperPool architects at the Instanbul Design Biennial.
Finishes have been multiplying in the last years, and now cork can be found, in dozens of possible finishes, from the classic natural to coloured acrylic one, from the PVC surfaced to the to any-allergy one.
CORK IN OUR PROJECTS
We are proud at Matteo Bianchi to be on the trend having used cork already a few times in our projects.
We used cork as a beautiful wall cover for Duende Bar and restaurant, enhancing the light design and the contrast with the copped details.
In the main bedroom in our project in Clerkenwell we used cork as refined detail in the tone of velvet to support the prospective of the room, and exalt the unique role of the room.
At Matteo Bianchi we like to make the most of the new materials and their potential!
We are sure that we will find more chances to use this “material of the future”, as defined by the British Writer
