Kevin McCloud unveils 12 eco-friendly innovators impacting design and construction for 2023
Grand Designs guru Kevin shares his annual Green Heroes shortlist to be showcased at Grand Designs Live.
Kevin McCloud is shining a spotlight on 12 transformative eco-friendly innovators as part of his annual Green Heroes shortlist.
Each year for Grand Designs Live, Kevin personally handpicks a selection of visionary 'Green Heroes', offering a glimpse into the future of design and construction with environmental sustainability at its heart. This year's pick positively impacts the planet, from wildlife and planet conservation to utilising recycled materials, and promoting affordability in eco choices.
The shortlist includes a microplastic-capturing washing machine filter, a portable speaker made from 'non-recyclable' plastic bags and seaweed-based sustainable leather.
The shortlist will be showcased at Grand Designs Live 2023, now in its 18th year and running from 4th to 8th October 2023 at NEC Birmingham. Visit granddesignslive.com for tickets and take a look at the shortlist below...
Denimolite
Not sure what to do with your old jeans? Denimolite is an innovative material that reimagines denim waste from the fashion industry. From kitchen door handles (pictured) to utensils, Denimolite transforms old denim garments into premium-quality sustainable products.
Gomi
Enjoying your favourite playlist just got greener. With a passion to reduce our collective impact on the planet, Gomi's award-winning portable speaker blends high performance sound with sustainability. The brand also has a commitment to longevity, offering customers the chance to repair anything that needs fixing.
Woodio
Inspired by Scandinavian design, Woodio uses sustainable and bio-material innovation to create contemporary bathrooms. It is the world's first 100 per cent waterproof solid wood composite, designed to replace ceramic and stone materials sustainably.
Phyto Light
Phyto Light is a 3D printed light made from nuisance algae, which when allowed to spread out of control can damage surrounding marine life.
'As a designer, simplicity and sustainability are at the forefront of my values,' says designer Sam Bird Smith. 'I aspire to create products that are simple, reliable, high quality and environmentally friendly.'
KENOTEQ
Handpicked by Kevin McCloud, KENOTEQ is an eco-friendly brick company who founded the K-BRIQ — the most innovative construction brick to enter the market. Designed to address challenges in the construction industry, it is made from inert recycled input materials, and is suitable for exterior and interior environments.
KENOTEQ's work has already been recognised in the Dezeen Awards 2022 in Sustainable Design and the VIBES Scottish Environmental Business Awards 2022.
Gulp
Gulp is designed to swallow up the microplastics from your laundry before the ocean does. Easily compatible with various washing machines and detergents, it offers a filter that cleverly captures the microplastics, contributing to a more environmentally conscious home.
NONTALO BY ENERIS COLLECTIVE
This is not just any stool. Created by Eneris Collective, the Nontalo stool has been made from 7,500 olive pits, offering modular design possibilities and easy recycling. It has been constructed from six modules: three P-shaped pieces that can be combined and positioned in different ways, and three straight rods that hold them together.
FROND by Kylœ Ltd
FROND is a fully sustainable and biodegradable leather alternative made out of seaweed, pictured here being used for the sling of a lounge chair. See it up close at this year's Grand Designs Live.
Mykor
Mykor aims to 'decarbonise the construction sector by producing carbon-negative insulation materials utilising mycelium networks and Green Chemistry', which in turn promotes sustainable building practices.
PIC (Plug-In Connect)
Addressing the cost-of-living crisis through an intelligent plug system, the PIC (Plug-In Connect) manages energy usage and storage, aligning with the trend towards smaller, greener, and smarter homes, all while optimising the utilisation of affordable energy sources.
Sugarcrete
Created by mixing the sugarcane fibres left over after sugar sap extraction, Sugarcrete is an eco-friendly, ultra-low carbon construction material. Developed in collaboration with the University of East London, it offers reduced curing times compared to concrete.
Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
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