At Milan Design Week 2025, Rockwell Group introduces Casa Cork, a full-scale design initiative created in collaboration with the Cork Collective and Corticeira Amorim, the world’s largest cork producer. The project combines immersive installation, public programming, and a student design competition to spotlight cork’s role in sustainable architecture and product design. The space invites professionals and the public to engage directly with cork as a material of purpose and possibility.
DESIGN
Rockwell Group built Casa Cork around a dramatic six-metre-tall tree replica, constructed from virgin cork reclaimed from naturally fallen trees. To produce this centerpiece, the studio collaborated with Spain-based workshop Factum Arte, which scanned a cork oak tree and 3D printed the sculptural form. This tree anchors the gallery and sets the tone for the rest of the installation, one that emphasizes material origin and design application in equal measure.
Inside, nearly every element comes from cork. Rockwell Group commissioned furnishings, surfaces, and lighting that express cork’s technical range and tactile richness. The bar and chandelier, both custom-designed by Rockwell Group and fabricated by Artemest, join other installations such as wall sconces produced by Thomas Cooper Studio and soft architectural elements by 4Spaces. These pieces not only demonstrate cork’s viability across disciplines but also introduce a renewed design vocabulary centered on reuse and adaptability.
A curated selection of collectible design objects lines the entrance to the wine bar and tasting lounge. The showcase includes works by Tom Dixon, the Campana Brothers, Made in Situ by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Toni Grilo for Blackcork, and Maddalena Casadei. Each designer contributes original pieces that further underline cork’s ability to carry both form and function. International manufacturers and studios including Suber Design, De Castelli, USM Modular Furniture, and Roche Bobois also contribute to the installation.
Focus Lighting designed the lighting across the installation, while the creative consultancy 2×4 developed the strategy and branding for Casa Cork. Together, these partners created a cohesive atmosphere that bridges education and sensory engagement. For David Rockwell, the installation reflects a long-anticipated realization: “We’ve spent two years imagining and dreaming about what Casa Cork could be… Our hope is that the experience will inspire architects and designers to explore how cork can support new approaches to reuse and regeneration.”
Antonio Rios de Amorim, CEO of Corticeira Amorim, emphasized the larger implications: “This initiative stands as a living example of cork’s range. We hope visitors walk away not only informed but also motivated to support a material that offers unique performance and sustainability benefits.”
Throughout the week, Casa Cork functions as a hospitality venue. Visitors can enjoy wines from Château Miraval, Terre Margaritelli, and Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC, as well as food by local artisans including Le Polveri and La Porrona. Other partners include illycaffè, Le Specialità, and Bar Versini, bringing together a network of food and beverage contributors who share a similar ethos around craft and ecological responsibility.
The programming includes a salon for live talks curated by journalist Tiffany Jow. Each session features thought leaders such as David Rockwell, Yves Béhar, Suchi Reddy, Deyan Sudjic, and Tom Dixon, who explore themes tied to cork’s use in manufacturing, architecture, and circular design. These conversations add depth to the experience, offering real-time reflection on material sourcing, product lifespan, and design responsibility.
As part of its educational initiative, Cork Collective launched a design competition for students from Parsons School of Design and Politecnico di Milano. The 12 finalists, six from each institution, present a range of concepts including lamps made from cork and hand-blown glass, floating mats, wearable objects, and portable play kits. This showcase demonstrates how younger designers approach cork as both a resource and a design challenge.
cork is such a fascinating material! I love this !