Design and research studio Material Cultures is redefining construction materials with its Woodland Goods project, developed for the V&A Museum's Make Good: Rethinking Material Futures programme. By repurposing underutilized woodland resources such as birch bark, pine needles, and natural lignin glue, the studio has created sustainable alternatives to plywood and OSB.

Collaborating with woodland experts and fabricators, the team demonstrated how regenerative forestry practices can provide ecologically responsible materials. From bark’s natural waterproof properties to bio-resin composites, these innovations aim to replace conventional timber products and reduce the environmental impact of construction.

This groundbreaking project highlights the potential for managing resilient, biodiverse forests while introducing practical, eco-friendly solutions for architecture and design. Prototypes, including stools and compressed bark panels, are on display at the V&A until autumn 2025, offering a vision for a sustainable post-carbon future.