Rockwell Group unveils Casa Cork at Milan Design Week 2025.

Casa Cork, curated by David Rockwell of Rockwell Group and Cork Collective, is a space set to reimagine the role of carbon negative material, cork, in design.

Having experienced a recent resurgence due to its carbon sequestration qualities, cork has made quite the comeback in architecture and interior design. And with the built environment's net zero targets in mind, it makes perfect sense as to why.

Cork forests are carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. When the bark is harvested for use, the tree continues to sequester carbon dioxide as its bark re-grows - gifting cork its carbon negative credentials as a material.

For Milan Design Week, Casa Cork welcomes visitors into a living laboratory of sustainably focused design, comprising an immersive installation, events programme, and student competition.

The collaboration between Rockwell Group and the Cork Collective also involves a partnership with the world’s largest cork processor, Corticeira Amorim.

Spanning applications in interiors, furnishings, lighting, and student prototypes crafted almost entirely from cork, Casa Cork unearths the material’s extensive potential. A lifelike replica of a cork tree made from reclaimed virgin cork bark is the dramatic centrepiece in the showcase, connecting the multiple cork products on display to their natural origin.

Live events and discussions educate visitors on the circular economy and sustainable design, and educational initiatives highlight the importance of cork recycling and its role in responsible material use.

Demonstrating the material’s adaptability and strength, Casa Cork further uncovers innovative cork-based furniture designs from around the globe. Passionate about spotlighting the emerging creativity of tomorrow’s designers, a dedicated student design competition offers a platform for new talent to present their groundbreaking concepts.

“Rockwell Group has championed interdisciplinary collaboration and not-for-profit work since our founding 40 years ago. We all seek meaningful connections through shared goals. We hope to ignite the design community’s curiosity about this remarkable material with Casa Cork and inspire a deeper exploration of its potential.

"Craftsmanship is central to design, and we believe this immersive experience will resonate with designers worldwide." - David Rockwell, founder & president, Rockwell Group.

Casa Cork is now open at Milan Design Week - from 8-12 April 2025. Discover more here.