VitrA to present Sugarcrete at London Design Festival 2026 in September

Award-winning bathroom brand VitrA is set to present 'Sugarcrete: new ways of thinking about land, time and buildings' at this year’s London Design Festival, which takes place from 14th - 18th September. Located at the VitrA London Specification & Design Hub, the exhibition reflects VitrA’s commitment to sustainable innovation and material-led design that embraces circularity. It provides an opportunity to discover Sugarcrete, a pioneering bio-material, and the possibilities it offers for low-carbon construction.  

Developed by researchers at the University of East London’s (UEL) Sustainability Research Institute, in collaboration with engineering consultancy AKT II and other industry partners, Sugarcrete is made from sugarcane by-products. It offers a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials such as concrete and brick, and highlights how agricultural waste can become a valuable building resource.

Visitors to the exhibition can explore material samples alongside wider research behind the project for further insight into the material's development and performance. With a focus on the material’s potential to reduce environmental impact, the display will highlight its ability to open new possibilities for architectural design.

“We're pleased to host ‘Sugarcrete: new ways of thinking about land, time and buildings’ during this year's London Design Festival. We're supporting the researchers and designers behind the project and giving visitors the opportunity to engage with their work. By showcasing new ideas and material innovation at VitrA, we hope to inspire creative thinking about the future of sustainable design," said Nicola Friel, manager of VitrA’s Specification & Design Hub.

The VitrA London Specification & Design Hub will be open to visitors during the London Design Festival from 14th - 18th September.