DURAT which for more than 30 years has been developing and producing a unique, sustainable solid surface material and furniture that contains recycled post-industrial plastic and is 100% recyclable, is back at Milano Design Week, April 15-21, 2024 with the installation PORTA DEI COLORI. At Alcova, in the fascinating setting of the ancient Villa Bagatti Valsecchi immersed in the lush greenery of a beautiful park. Concept and design by designer Linda Bergroth.
A bold and sustainable work of art
The installation is a polyphony of bold colors and essential forms in an exciting fusion of design and beauty. Almost a work of abstract art, it juxtaposes geometric elements in different scales, to become true architectural walls and furniture that seem to emerge plastically from the material. Designed for DURAT by Finnish designer Linda Bergroth, PORTA DEI COLORI rises between the columns of the North Gate of Milan’s Lazzaretto, relocated in the late 1800s to the exterior of Villa Bagatti Valsecchi. DURAT benches in saturated colors, spaced throughout the park, visually guide visitors to the installation.
“For personal and historical reasons, it seems meaningful to set up DURAT’s installation in Milan and the surroundings of Villa Bagatti Valsecchi. Like the DURAT material based on recycled plastic, the Lazzaretto’s Porta Nord as a building is ‘upcycled’.“
“The installation intertwines both my own vision as a designer and DURAT’s role as a material manufacturer in a longer arc as part of a continuum of architecture and design.”
Creative and versatile circular economy
In harmony and at the same time in inspiring contrast with the historic architecture that hosts it, PORTA DEI COLORI recounts DURAT’s research around sustainability, generating surprising and extremely versatile creative solutions. A vast palette of more than 300 colors, enhanced by original grit effects for ever-changing patterns. Warm, silky textures and heat- and water-resistant surfaces for materials and furnishings that are transversal to every type of contract space, from schools to public bathrooms, from retail to offices, to domestic scenarios, in indoor and outdoor settings. With the added security of EPD certification, which DURAT has obtained for its commitment to monitoring and reducing its environmental impact.
The debut of DURAT Plus, a new responsible milestone
Prominent within the installation is a large monochrome table made of DURAT Plus, marking a major new milestone for the Finnish company’s research. DURAT Plus is the world’s first commercially available solid surface material combining recycled PET resin and recycled solid surface. The result is a distinctive appearance of solid surface, containing up to 80% recycled materials.
Turning waste into pure beauty
PORTA DEI COLORI is a manifesto installation of DURAT’s vision. A pioneer in the circular economy, the company has always worked to free the world from waste and plastic and transform it into pure beauty through creations that are a source of continuous inspiration for architects and designers who share the principles of ethical and responsible design.
Other images can be seen in the gallery down below
Photographer: Paavo Lehtonen
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