British designer Henry Swanzy, the founder of Less is Better, is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. With a background rooted in craftsmanship and a deep-seated concern for the environment, Swanzy’s journey into eco-conscious design has been both purposeful and passionate.
One of his most recent endeavours, named HexBix, represents a convergence of creativity, sustainability, and functionality. These acoustic wall tiles not only serve a practical purpose in sound absorption but also carry a profound message of resourcefulness and waste reduction.
The inspiration for HexBix stemmed from Swanzy’s own production process, where he sought to reimagine waste materials as valuable resources. By utilizing the discarded wood shavings from his furniture-making endeavours and incorporating cocoa husks sourced from a local bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturer, Swanzy found a unique way to transform waste into aesthetically pleasing and functional wall tiles.
What sets HexBix apart is not just its eco-friendly composition, but also Swanzy’s meticulous approach to minimizing waste throughout the manufacturing process. By capitalizing on the structural integrity of the waste materials and employing minimal processing techniques, Swanzy achieves an impressive waste-to-product ratio, with the tiles consisting predominantly of recycled content.
While the journey towards sustainability is ongoing, Swanzy’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident. He acknowledges the current limitations in terms of end-of-life recycling but remains dedicated to exploring alternative materials and methods that align with his vision of a truly circular economy.
The reception to HexBix has been overwhelmingly positive, with architects, interior designers, and retailers alike expressing keen interest in Swanzy’s eco-innovative solution. Beyond its practical applications, HexBix serves as a catalyst for conversations surrounding waste, resourcefulness, and the future of sustainable design.
As Henry Swanzy’s acoustic wall tiles continue to garner attention and accolades, they serve as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and sustainability. With each HexBix installation, Swanzy not only enhances acoustic environments but also inspires a profound shift toward a more conscious and responsible approach to design.
All images in this article are courtesy of Henry Swanzy.
