Abstract
This research explores the concept of heirloom sustainability through wool, focusing on the potential of high-impact, durable textiles and furniture to transform spatial identity and contribute to sustainable building practices. As urban renting increases, consumers are seeking personalized spaces, with an emphasis on long-lasting, unique, and eco-friendly materials. Wool, a renewable resource produced globally on land not suitable for agriculture, offers multiple sustainability benefits. Its use in tufted rugs and other textiles aligns with growing consumer demand for products that embody both craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. These wool products not only meet the desire for personalized, high-quality items but also encourage sustainable consumer behavior by leveraging a material that is biodegradable, easy to recycle, and has high second-hand value. As educators and practitioners at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interiors, we aim to expose students to local wool production networks and sustainable manufacturing practices. Our design and research studio, SUBSTUDIO, engages with wool through custom textile production, having created large-scale tufted rugs for fashion brands such as Bottega Veneta and Burberry. In addition, we draw inspiration from historical practices like Swedish Rya rugs, which were simultaneously garment, object, and surface and carried enough social and cultural importance to be a traditional dowry. By emphasizing wool’s regenerative qualities and its role in creating unique, durable home goods, this research contributes to broader discussions on sustainable materials in the built environment, offering a model for integrating craftsmanship with environmental stewardship in contemporary design.
Presenters
Ingrid SchmidtAssistant Professor, School of Interiors, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, United States Hannah Dewhirst
Assistant Professor, College of Design, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Materials, Recycling, Sustainability, Textiles, Wool
