Cork: Nature’s Quiet Revolution in Sustainable Design

Cork, a humble material, is quietly reshaping modern design with its tactile beauty and profound sustainability. Dust-repellent, antibacterial, sound-absorbent, and waterproof, cork has emerged from its role in wine stoppers to become an essential element in architecture, homewares, and acoustic design. Designers are embracing its natural properties, turning to cork for its environmental benefits and versatile texture.

The Endless Cycle of Cork

Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, cork is one of the few materials that truly embody renewal. The stripping of the bark causes no harm—allowing the tree to regenerate and absorb more CO2. A single tree can be harvested up to 20 times, creating an evolving landscape of textures and colours. This process, intrinsic to the material itself, makes cork a symbol of infinite potential, a resource that regenerates without depleting the earth.

Sahara Wall Panels: Sculpting Soundscapes in Cork

Gabrielle Tan’s Sahara wall panels capture the essence of cork’s raw beauty. Made from 100% recyclable cork granules sourced from Portugal’s wine industry, the panels harness the natural acoustic properties of cork. The fluid patterns of the Sahara design recall sand shifting in the wind, offering a poetic blend of form and function.

“To me, cork brings a certain rawness and authenticity to the acoustic product category. Its texture and touch remind me of sand,” says Tan, explaining the inspiration behind her work. The panels not only absorb sound but add a natural warmth and intimacy to any space, transforming both its aesthetic and acoustic landscape.

Melanie Abrantes: Cork as Craft

In her Modern California collection, Oakland designer Melanie Abrantes reimagines cork alongside salvaged wood and glass, sculpting homewares that embody both beauty and function. Each piece—a vase, a candle holder, a wine cooler—tells a story of material reuse, with cork’s organic texture ensuring no two objects are alike.

“In every Marais vase, the materials—coloured glass, cork, and hardwood—combine to create an object that is both art and function,” says Abrantes. Her work demonstrates the flexibility of cork, elevating it from humble material to artistic medium.

Cork in Architecture and Design

Cork’s versatility extends beyond homewares. Increasingly, architects are drawn to its insulating properties, using it for both interior and exterior surfaces. Its soft texture and eco-credentials make it ideal for acoustic applications, like Tan’s Sahara panels, while its waterproof, antibacterial nature lends itself to kitchen and bath design.

From walls to homewares, cork is emerging as a material of both substance and style. Its regenerative nature and sensory qualities have made it a favourite among designers committed to sustainable practices. Whether in the hands of Gabrielle Tan or Melanie Abrantes, cork’s story is one of renewal—proof that design can be both beautiful and responsible.