Resource database: Manalo & White Material Archive
Manalo & White Embraces Sustainable Terrazzo and Vibrant Materials Library
London-based architecture practice Manalo & White is making waves in the industry with their innovative approach to material selection and design. The award-winning studio, known for its diverse and talented team, recently announced their discovery of Spolia from Solus Ceramics, a terrazzo that can be made from project-specific waste materials.
The practice is keen to specify this eco-friendly terrazzo in future projects, as part of their commitment to creating purposeful and inclusive architecture that prioritizes users' needs. This commitment is evident in their work on the East End Women's Museum project, where Aoibhín McGinley and Lauren Li Porter focused on using materials that feel less institutional and more welcoming.
Manalo & White's materials library, which occupies around half the office, is prominently displayed for a 'shopping' experience. The library, a dynamic, multifunctional, and experiential space, plays a crucial role in their design process and work culture. It houses a broad and carefully curated collection of materials, including softwood timber, loose fabrics, and through-coloured materials.
The team uses these materials extensively to explore colour, texture, and form during the early design phases. For example, they often start projects by doing a "material pull," gathering diverse samples to evaluate them in relation to the project concept and context, which helps inspire and refine design direction.
Beyond its practical function, the materials library also serves an important cultural and social role within the practice. It is designed as a welcoming "behind the scenes" space where clients and visitors can be immersed in the material world of the firm, facilitating direct material engagement and dialogue. The studio uses this space for special events that combine design with social experiences, featuring custom cocktails and playlists, indicating that the library contributes to a joyful and vibrant office atmosphere.
Manalo & White's materials library is integral not only to shaping the aesthetic and technical aspects of their projects but also to cultivating an engaged, collaborative, and lively work culture that values material exploration and community building within the studio environment.
The practice also develops good relationships with manufacturers to colour-match key design elements or develop bespoke colourways for their projects. They visit furniture suppliers at least once a year to ensure the comfort and durability of specified items.
When it comes to material selection, Manalo & White particularly likes to celebrate and elevate relatively humble materials. They avoid complicated detailing and prefer materials that are honest about what they are, such as brick and exposed timber elements.
The practice is also committed to using robust materials that age well and do not require constant maintenance, especially in projects for the student housing sector. They look for variations within families of design and material elements to keep projects fresh and engaging.
In a notable collaboration, Lauren Li Porter worked closely with New Terracotta to produce bespoke-glazed tiles for a DJ desk in the Mandrake Hotel. The practice has also worked with Solus Ceramics to develop extruded terracotta blocks suitable for interior screens, providing good levels of privacy and daylight.
Manalo & White's commitment to sustainability and community is further demonstrated in their collaboration with the DisOrdinary Architecture Project on various schemes, inviting artists with disabilities to provide personal engagement on inclusivity.
With a broad portfolio that includes cultural, leisure, education, and industrial projects, Manalo & White continues to push the boundaries of design while maintaining a focus on user needs and sustainable practices.
- In their East End Women's Museum project, Manalo & White emphasized an educational approach by utilizing materials that feel less institutional and more welcoming, aiming to provide a comprehensive learning experience within the environment.
- Manalo & White's vibrant materials library, a significant part of their work culture, extends beyond practical functions to enrich relationships with clients and visitors, offering a social experience that encapsulates the joyful and lively lifestyle within the studio.
- Recognizing the importance of home and garden, the practice uses robust materials in student housing projects, ensuring the design elements age well and require minimal maintenance, promoting a positive living experience and sustaining a sense of community between residents.
