Smile Plastics

Thank you to Charis Raji for including Smile Plastics in your thoughtful write-up of this year's Material Matters exhibition – highlighting the people and brands who are reinventing materials for bigger projects. Read the piece in The Design Diary >>> https://lnkd.in/ecWbS_Za

As Black Friday comes to a close for another year and we edge closer to Christmas, we are reflecting on over-consumption – and the power of reuse. The Old Vic has long stood as an iconic venue. So, when we were asked to collaborate on its first ever fully ‘circular’ Christmas tree last Christmas, we jumped at the chance. Smile Plastics and The Old Vic embarked on a journey to craft something truly exceptional – a 9-foot-tall Christmas tree fashioned entirely from recycled plastic. The tree itself is a marvel, constructed from 149 carefully cut and finished pieces of recycled plastic in our striking 'Ocean' and 'Kaleido' material. These pieces, varying in size, were artfully assembled to create a tree that resembles a spiralling staircase. Continuing the theme of reuse, the decorations adorning the tree are crafted from recycled Old Vic show programs. Having returned for its second Christmas season, the tree stands pride of place in the Penny Bar and Cafe – where it will remain for the rest of the season, until it is carefully packed away for reuse next year.

We are immensely proud to have won SME News’ Welsh Enterprise Award for 'Leading Innovators in Recycled Material Design' 2024. The Welsh Enterprise Awards 2024 is a prestigious event, celebrating the remarkable achievements and innovations of businesses across the region. Now in its eighth year, the programme highlights the hardworking SMEs in Wales – from our rugged coasts to vibrant cities – that are driving economic growth and fostering a spirit of excellence throughout the nation.

n2, by Lynch Architects, is a landmark project redefining office spaces in the heart of London for Landsec. Shortlisted for this year's AYAs and with Lynch Architects named a finalist for Office Architect of the Year, the building carefully balances quality and sustainability across its expansive 17 stories. It's only natural, then, that our 100% recycled/recyclable plastic surfaces are featured throughout the building in all of the washroom's vanity units, installed by Modular Interiors Ltd. Discover more about the project and the unique specification challenges it overcame >>> https://lnkd.in/e87Fs5F2

Fine dining restaurant Album, Antwerp, required a durable, city-compliant outdoor dining area that bridged the gap between a vibrant new park and the urban streetscape.  The result? A thoughtful design that balances privacy and openness, featuring a fiber-reinforced grid for durability and Smile Plastics' BRECON material for seating. A harmonious combination that plays beautifully with light, colour, and perspective.  Classic marble tables and removable cushions add warmth, while the modular, designed-for-disassembly structure ensures flexibility and longevity for the warmer seasons to come!  Design, architecture and photography: voud Project: @albumantwerpen #SustainableDesign #OutdoorLiving #AntwerpDesign

Another well-deserved nomination for Jasper Sanders + Partners' project, 16–18 Potterrow, which has also been named a finalist for 'Project of the Year – Living Interiors' at the 2024 Mix Interiors North Awards. The PBSA project in Edinburgh has already won the Public Choice Award at this year's Forbo Group Awards, and been shortlisted for Best Build to Rent Development at the Inside Housing Development Awards. The sleek scheme utilises texture to create a warm and welcoming BTR space, including our characterful Orca material, seen throughout. Seeking to redefine the student accommodation experience, the six floor residence includes 151 studio apartments and amenities such as a yoga studio and a communal dining and lounge areas with panoramic views of Edinburgh.

Curious about heat-forming potential for your next project? ⁠ ⁠ Emotional LAB’s award-winning “Woof!” project took our HERON material and pushed it to new playful heights - shaping a brighter future for 100% recycled 100% recyclable plastics.⁠ ⁠ Got a project in mind? Get in touch to discuss the possibilities >>> hello@smile-plastics.com

Reuse, Repurpose, Reimagine: ReFRAME. It's more important than ever that we make conscious design choices; and, for us, that looks like putting circularity at the heart of our design practice. Thank you FRAME and Material Bank® Europe for featuring us in your roundup of recycled and waste-based materials ♻️

Today, we're reflecting on a fantastic time at Design Council's Design For Planet Festival; and what an inspiring day it was. We were honoured to be material partners for this event, and it was an absolute pleasure seeing our materials showcased at the Manchester School of Art – a huge thanks to Martyn Evans FRSA for hosting in such a stunning space, and once again to Will Atkins of Make Relief for creating the beautiful pieces. The festival was packed with brilliant and thought-provoking moments; from Patrick Grant's insights into building to last, to a powerful debate between James Vaccaro and Martyn Evans Hon FRIBA on profit vs. purpose, to a deep dive into designing for a sustainable future with Sophie Thomas. A massive thank you to Minnie Moll, Kyle Soo, and the entire Design Council team for putting on such an incredible event. We're already counting down the days to World Design Congress... See you all next September! >>> https://lnkd.in/eSfJ_AR5

With just under a week to go until Design Council's Design for Planet Festival, we couldn’t be more excited about our continued collaboration with Make Relief and our reception desk and plinths featuring in the heart of the festival at Manchester School of Art – a meaningful space for our shared vision. No matter where you are in the world, you can tune in to this year’s festival as it streams online, bringing together global perspectives on shaping a ‘Planet Positive Business’ future. Expect insights on how we can rethink prosperity with the planet at the forefront of every decision. Register for free >>> https://lnkd.in/ey5Upg7G