Scotland’s largest design event, the Dundee Design Festival (DDF), returned for its fifth edition from 23 to 29 September, transforming a former factory space at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc into a vibrant hub of design, creativity, and sustainability. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Dundee’s UNESCO City of Design status, the festival brought together over 180 local and international designers to showcase an array of innovative works, from lighting and furniture to textiles and industrial design.

A key highlight of the festival was The House of Wellbeing Pop-Up Exhibition and Biomaterials Library, a collaborative project that explored how design can address climate change in everyday life. The installation, a partnership between Sarah King of Earthli Projects, Olivia Aspinall or Do Not Go Gentle and Alicia Storie, founder of the multi-award-winning climate-conscious interior design studio AdesignStorie, featured two tiny houses designed to demonstrate the potential of sustainable materials in shaping the future of interior spaces.

The House of Wellbeing invited visitors to experience firsthand how innovative materials can create healthier, more sustainable environments. From seaweed light fittings to CO2-absorbing paint, the eco-friendly tiny homes offered a glimpse into a future where design and sustainability are seamlessly integrated. The festival’s commitment to environmental responsibility extended beyond the installations—DDF implemented an ambitious sustainability strategy, using less than 15 per cent new materials in constructing the event space, surpassing its original goal of 30 per cent.

The Biomaterials Library, co-curated by Sarah King of Earthli Projects, brought together a collection of innovative materials from designers, makers, and artists across the UK. This curated selection provided festival-goers with an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge materials that challenge conventional approaches to interior and industrial design. The sustainable materials featured in the tiny homes were co-curated with materials consultant Olivia Aspinall of Do Not Go Gentle, a design, education, and consultancy studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sustainable materials.

At the heart of AdesignStorie’s philosophy is a commitment to sustainability as a foundational practice, not just an aesthetic choice. Their design process integrates reclaimed materials, vintage furniture, and low-waste practices, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. By embracing biophilic design, AdesignStorie fosters deep connections with nature, enhancing well-being and harmony in interior spaces.

The Dundee Design Festival 2024 reaffirmed the power of design to drive sustainable change. The House of Wellbeing and Biomaterials Library highlighted the importance of materials innovation and collaborative efforts in tackling climate change. As we look to the future, these conversations will continue to shape the way we approach design, ensuring it remains a catalyst for positive environmental and social impact.

Stay tuned for more updates on sustainable design innovations and more collaborative projects from Earthli Projects, Do Not Go Gentle and AdesignStorie.