Rockwell Group returns to Milan Design Week 2025 with Casa Cork, a collaborative project developed alongside the Cork Collective and Corticeira Amorim, the global leader in cork production. The installation offers more than visual impact, it combines spatial design, public engagement, and academic participation to examine cork’s relevance in sustainable design. Visitors experience the material not as an accent, but as a core element with broad creative potential.
Material as Anchor
At the center of Casa Cork stands a six-metre-tall cork tree replica. Rockwell Group worked with Spanish studio Factum Arte to scan and digitally reproduce a real tree from a cork forest. They printed the sculpture using virgin cork reclaimed from naturally fallen trees. This centerpiece defines the space, setting a tone that connects process and origin. The surrounding installation builds on this by showing how cork functions across scales, from large architectural elements to finely crafted objects.
Designed Through Cork
Inside the installation, nearly every detail traces back to cork. Custom furniture and lighting, including a chandelier and bar designed by Rockwell Group and produced by Artemest, ground the environment in both craft and material science. Wall lighting by Thomas Cooper Studio and surfaces by 4Spaces continue this approach, showing cork’s performance across form, structure, and surface treatment. The result demonstrates how cork can shift between architectural surface, structural volume, and tactile interface.
Collectible Design and International Contributions
At the bar entrance, a curated display features collectible works from designers and studios with global reach. Tom Dixon, the Campana Brothers, Made in Situ by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Toni Grilo for Blackcork, and Maddalena Casadei contribute pieces that highlight cork’s adaptability in form-driven objects. Alongside them, manufacturers such as De Castelli, Roche Bobois, USM Modular Furniture, and Suber Design expand the showcase into industrial design and modular systems.
Lighting and Branding Collaboration
Focus Lighting executed the lighting design, creating a visual rhythm that moves visitors through the space. Creative consultancy 2×4 led the branding and communication strategy, developing a cohesive framework that supports both the spatial and editorial elements of the installation. These partnerships helped ensure the experience remained consistent across visual, tactile, and conceptual levels.
Programming and Dialogue
Casa Cork hosts a daily program of live talks, led by journalist Tiffany Jow. These sessions bring together leading voices from across the design community, including David Rockwell, Tom Dixon, Yves Béhar, Suchi Reddy, and Deyan Sudjic. The conversations explore cork in context, its use in circular design, its role in new manufacturing strategies, and its cultural significance. These dialogues serve as both educational and practical anchors within the installation.
Food and Hospitality Integration
Throughout Milan Design Week, Casa Cork also serves as a functioning hospitality venue. Guests enjoy wines from Château Miraval, Terre Margaritelli, and Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC. Food partners include local bakery Le Polveri, La Porrona, and restaurant Le Specialità, along with illycaffè and experimental concept Bar Versini. The food and beverage program complements the design focus, reinforcing the message that material responsibility extends into every aspect of experience.
Student Work and Future Thinking
A key component of Casa Cork lies in its educational outreach. Cork Collective launched a student design competition with finalists from Parsons School of Design and Politecnico di Milano. Twelve students present projects ranging from lighting and toys to wearables and pool floats, all made from cork. Each concept explores new territory for the material, whether through form, interaction, or multi-use function. Their work suggests that the next generation sees cork not as a constraint but as a platform for experimentation.
how gorgeous is this!