Meet Quentin Hirsinger, Innovator and Founder of MatériO’
Houzz talked with the founder of MatériO’, a global database of thousands of innovative materials and technologies
Founded 20 years ago, MatériO’ is an international database that offers more than 8,500 material samples and reference information for professionals around the world. After opening as a showroom in Paris, France, this material library gradually expanded abroad, from Prague to Seoul and Shenzhen to Shanghai. At a time when sustainable development is more than ever at the heart of design, production and consumption in the fields of architecture and design, we interviewed Quentin Hirsinger, founder and president of MatériO’.
MatériO’ booth at the second 2019 edition of Maison & Objet in France, Paris
The idea is to promote ‘decompartmentalisation’ to expand the range of possibilities for the use of materials. We identify specific materials that are often used in a specific field. For example, someone who works in packaging will generally know what’s possible for paper and cardboard but may perhaps be missing out on other materials that could be interesting.
So we let our users know about a certain type of polyurethane gel or metallic textile. Everyone will then be able to make use of these materials by thinking of possible new applications.
Keen to embrace innovative materials in your next renovation? Find an architect on Houzz near you who can guide you through the process
The idea is to promote ‘decompartmentalisation’ to expand the range of possibilities for the use of materials. We identify specific materials that are often used in a specific field. For example, someone who works in packaging will generally know what’s possible for paper and cardboard but may perhaps be missing out on other materials that could be interesting.
So we let our users know about a certain type of polyurethane gel or metallic textile. Everyone will then be able to make use of these materials by thinking of possible new applications.
Keen to embrace innovative materials in your next renovation? Find an architect on Houzz near you who can guide you through the process
Image by Selency
What types of materials have been transformed from their original use for the fields of design or architecture?
Stainless steel tubes, which are generally used for oil drilling or filtration in water treatment plants, are now used in architecture to cover posts and radiators and are even used as shading overhangs on facades.
Another world-famous example is Formica, which has been used in all kinds of furniture since the 1950s. This composite material, invented in 1912 by two American engineers, was originally designed as a substitute for mica, to serve as electrical insulation. It consists of sheets of kraft paper saturated with phenolic resins, which are then hot-pressed to shape it.
What types of materials have been transformed from their original use for the fields of design or architecture?
Stainless steel tubes, which are generally used for oil drilling or filtration in water treatment plants, are now used in architecture to cover posts and radiators and are even used as shading overhangs on facades.
Another world-famous example is Formica, which has been used in all kinds of furniture since the 1950s. This composite material, invented in 1912 by two American engineers, was originally designed as a substitute for mica, to serve as electrical insulation. It consists of sheets of kraft paper saturated with phenolic resins, which are then hot-pressed to shape it.
Image by Les Gambettes
This insulating element has the same lamellar structure as mica. It is also a standardised product that can be produced in large quantities.
It was not until the late 1920s that there was the idea of applying a lithographed design to the surface to create a decorative element.
This insulating element has the same lamellar structure as mica. It is also a standardised product that can be produced in large quantities.
It was not until the late 1920s that there was the idea of applying a lithographed design to the surface to create a decorative element.
Basin made of a composite of wood chips and bio-based resin; on the right are mesh overalls made of aluminium plates, to be used as a protective apron in the food industry; image by MatériO’
How has the demand for sustainability evolved since the creation of MatériO’?
Previously, professionals and companies were mainly stuck in a marketing mindset or were simply trying to avoid being penalised economically. Now, there is a real awareness of environmental issues, but there is also a lack of awareness of the challenges and complexity linked to sustainable development. In terms of competency and training, we haven’t made much progress. We are still in a rather ‘black-or-white’ state.
How has the demand for sustainability evolved since the creation of MatériO’?
Previously, professionals and companies were mainly stuck in a marketing mindset or were simply trying to avoid being penalised economically. Now, there is a real awareness of environmental issues, but there is also a lack of awareness of the challenges and complexity linked to sustainable development. In terms of competency and training, we haven’t made much progress. We are still in a rather ‘black-or-white’ state.
What are the pitfalls in terms of sustainable materials?
The term ‘sustainable material’ is a pie in the sky, a hollow notion and a dangerous use of language when it comes to a true eco-design approach. A material in itself is neither good nor bad. It is its use that is judicious or not. In environmental terms, we cannot qualify a material without taking into account the project in which it is used.
The term ‘sustainable material’ is a pie in the sky, a hollow notion and a dangerous use of language when it comes to a true eco-design approach. A material in itself is neither good nor bad. It is its use that is judicious or not. In environmental terms, we cannot qualify a material without taking into account the project in which it is used.
The chair Thirsty, Zuiver (created in collaboration with the design studio APE), made of recycled PET bottles; image by Zuiver
Each project must be considered as a whole, in its cycle, within its framework. The best choice of material in one case can be catastrophic in another. Above all, we must accept this complexity to move forward.
The material that is generally and emblematically considered bad for the environment – plastic – in fact has some exceptional qualities. In the medical sector, for example, it has been saving millions of lives since the 1950s. We are against the term ‘sustainable material’ because it conveys the mistaken notion that wood is better than plastic.
Each project must be considered as a whole, in its cycle, within its framework. The best choice of material in one case can be catastrophic in another. Above all, we must accept this complexity to move forward.
The material that is generally and emblematically considered bad for the environment – plastic – in fact has some exceptional qualities. In the medical sector, for example, it has been saving millions of lives since the 1950s. We are against the term ‘sustainable material’ because it conveys the mistaken notion that wood is better than plastic.
Non-woven material from fibres of discarded pineapple leaves used as an alternative to leather; image by MatériO’
There is a lot of talk about ‘vegan leather’ in the design and furnishing fields. What do you think of these new materials?
I receive almost daily requests for ‘vegan leather’. In this case, once again, there is a semantic problem. We must speak of imitation leather when we talk about a substitute for leather imitating its appearance or properties.
More than 95 percent of the leather used worldwide is waste from the food industry. Why would you want to replace this natural material with alternatives – generally textiles coated with polyurethane – which are much less resistant and pollute more? From an environmental point of view, the real issue today is with the tanning sector.
There is a lot of talk about ‘vegan leather’ in the design and furnishing fields. What do you think of these new materials?
I receive almost daily requests for ‘vegan leather’. In this case, once again, there is a semantic problem. We must speak of imitation leather when we talk about a substitute for leather imitating its appearance or properties.
More than 95 percent of the leather used worldwide is waste from the food industry. Why would you want to replace this natural material with alternatives – generally textiles coated with polyurethane – which are much less resistant and pollute more? From an environmental point of view, the real issue today is with the tanning sector.
In Vivo Project, 13th arrondissement of Paris, Winner at Reinventing Paris; image by XTU
What are the most talked-about sustainable projects in architecture today?
We are now thinking more and more about ecologically virtuous buildings, which are energy neutral or sell energy back to the grid.
There is very interesting work going on with micro-algae. I am very sceptical about photovoltaics, because their production creates an extreme amount of pollution. Upstream, there are significant environmental impacts, especially since the cells we are building today are not very durable.
What are the most talked-about sustainable projects in architecture today?
We are now thinking more and more about ecologically virtuous buildings, which are energy neutral or sell energy back to the grid.
There is very interesting work going on with micro-algae. I am very sceptical about photovoltaics, because their production creates an extreme amount of pollution. Upstream, there are significant environmental impacts, especially since the cells we are building today are not very durable.
BayEcotarium, San Francisco; image by XTU
XTU, an agency founded by architects Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières, is doing biotechnology research. Invested in experimental research, they are developing biofacades made of micro-algae, which are true biological solar collectors. Such architecture is conceived as an ecosystem, which ensures the preservation of biodiversity in an urban environment. This approach is very interesting because it considers biological cycles.
Biomimicry is just as fascinating an inspiration. Architects have drawn inspiration from the complex structure of termite mounds to create buildings with natural ventilation.
Your turn
What interests you about this initiative? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Curious to see more design insights? Read The Best of Houzz 2020 Winners Revealed
XTU, an agency founded by architects Anouk Legendre and Nicolas Desmazières, is doing biotechnology research. Invested in experimental research, they are developing biofacades made of micro-algae, which are true biological solar collectors. Such architecture is conceived as an ecosystem, which ensures the preservation of biodiversity in an urban environment. This approach is very interesting because it considers biological cycles.
Biomimicry is just as fascinating an inspiration. Architects have drawn inspiration from the complex structure of termite mounds to create buildings with natural ventilation.
Your turn
What interests you about this initiative? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images, and join the conversation.
More
Curious to see more design insights? Read The Best of Houzz 2020 Winners Revealed
What is MatériO’s mission?
MatériO’ was created to identify unique, innovative, and unusual materials from various sectors, including packaging, architecture, cosmetics, fashion and even the automotive industry.