Through Time

Material Evolution

Surface Design Show reframes evolution as a process of renewal, rethinking and responsible transformation, where materials evolve through science, technology, culture, heritage, and circular design.

This year’s show invites us to explore breakthrough ideas while revaluing existing materials through creative application and material storytelling. From recycled surfaces and reimagined waste streams to regenerative materials and nature-based innovation, SDS26 highlights design that is future-facing while celebrating past and present practice.

Drawing inspiration from the fashion industry's advances in sustainability, the theme champions circular systems, material transparency and inventive reuse. In doing so Material Evolution bridges disciplines and encourages the surface design sector to adopt a more nuanced, regenerative approach to the future.

Through Time

A Decade of Reuse: Design once and Adapt forever. 

Following on last year's exploration Re-imagine waste, our vision has always been simple - Change shouldn’t mean waste and what we have should remain Valuable Forever. By working with recycled, repairable and reusable surfaces, we’re excited to join a host of innovative brands rethinking newness. Surface Matter are turning waste into worth, and short-term projects into long-term value.

First opening a material studio in Hackney in 2015, Surface Matter are moving, giving the past decade of the studio a great send off with SDS. Now in their 13th year, Surface Matter celebrate their journey of surface innovation and adaptive reuse and look ahead to the next evolution in circular design.

Marking a milestone with reconfigured works and future facing pieces for rental rescue and adaptive reuse, the exhibition reimagines the history of studio displays and past exhibitions- Shaping how materials are made used and reused, built for the future in a tribute to transformation.

Since starting, Surface Matter has worked with architects, designers and ambitious manufacturers to shift how materials are used in the built environment. From pioneering surfaces made with recycled paper, plastics and textiles to launching Material Rescue — a takeback service that keeps quality materials in circulation — the studio has consistently challenged single-use culture, proving that design can be both desirable and responsible.

Looking ahead, Surface Matter and Material Rescue expand focus with adaptive reuse models and rental services, helping brands and specifiers build flexibility, reduce waste, and rethink value in their projects.

The 2026 installation reflects this ambition, positioning the studio not only as a material supplier but as a catalyst for systemic change — designing legacy, not waste, for the next decade and beyond. See how surfaces evolve across lifecycles with a place to explore our new library of pieces for rental, rescue and reuse, enhancing circularity and reuse within events and exhibitions, photoshoots, retail displays, pop ups, press previews and more.

Surface Spotlight Live

Sally Angharad's curated spotlight celebrates rethinking newness from innovation to inheritance, from waste to worth and exploring breakthrough ideas through material storytelling.

Pierreplume Plush

The latest collection from design-led acoustic surface specialists, demonstrating how material innovation can reshape both performance and perception, Soft, pastel-tones panels creating by using recycled teddy bears, soft toys and dolls clothing materials traditionally destined for landfill. 

This collection explores the potential of complex waste streams. Pierreplume embrace material challenges head-on transforming mixed textiles into high performing acoustic surfaces. Curating a tactile, forward-thinking expression of circular design, where evolving material tell new stories through colour, softness and sound absorption.

Scala

New textures join Shaped, a decorative surface for interiors crafted from recycled paper panels. Scala's detailed shell pattern, mini versions of originals Scoop and Scala join new colourways in Richlite Redstone, Blue Canyon, Grays Harbour and Maple Valley.

Karlite 

Born from meticulously sourced discarded headlights, reimagining an industrial waste stream as a refined surface. Through the use of carefully selected mineral pigments, the material achieves a silky translucency and warm, layered tones that lend a natural feel.

Karlite demonstrates how robust polycarbonate can be transformed though thoughtful design innovation. Once engineered for automotive performance, these reclaimed headlights are reborn as a fully recycled, carefully crafted surface, revealing a new aesthetic and functional possibilities through material reinvention.  

Durat Pikkupikku sink

Meaning "teeny tiny" in Finnish, the Pikkupikku sink is a smart response to contemporary spatial challenges and proof that material innovation can transform even the smallest surfaces. Designed for compact toilet spaces, its sleek, modern form makes hand wasjing effortless where every centimetre counts. 

Cast from recycled post industrial acrylic waste using an advance moulding proceess that creates a seamless, joint-free surface. Creating a refined design-led sink that showacses evolving materials and manufacturing techniques can deliver durability, sustainability, and precision. Small in scale, but significant in impact. 

Colouring Circularity

Are the colour choices of our past getting in the way of closing the loop?

Join Scott Campbell alongside industry experts; Emily Taylor from Sages, Emer Gillespie from Spark & Bell for a thought provoking panel moderated by Justin Fox. Together, they'll explore the evolving role of colour in material reuse and regeneration within the built environment. 

The session will unpack the challenges and opportunities colour presents in material evolution, from perception and preference to practicality and circularity. How might we reframe waste to unlock a renewed sense of value and "newness"? And how can equity and inclusivity remain central as we design for a more circular future?

Be part of this engaging conversation and gain insights that challenge convention and inspire new ways of thinking.

Main stage
Thu 05 Feb 12:15 - 13.00

Explore new materials with Green Grads, attend debates, panels and talks, meet up at YADA's networking event, RIBA's Conference and discover the stories behind Material Evolution at Surface Design Show 2026.

Business Design Centre
London N1 0QH

Tue 03 Feb 16.00-21.00
Wed 04 Feb 10.00-20.00
Thu 05 Feb 10.00-17.00