Van slib naar tegel

From sludge to tile

Architecture firm Inbo designed a new sustainable and circular groundwater production plant for Brabant Water in Eindhoven. Together with designers Kirstie van Noort and Lotte de Raadt new and innovative ideas for the use of iron sludge in this sustainable design have been developed. The water production plant is where our tap water is being sourced which contains large amounts of iron. The iron oxidizes as soon as it gets in contact with air and so forms iron sludge. With this residual material designers Kirstie and Lotte have designed wall tiles in different shades and in a particular pattern. More than a thousand liters of iron sludge will be processed through the clay to produce 10.000 tiles for this wall. The design refers to the reflecting character of water. The reflection of sunlight on the glazed and matte earthy colored tiles gives the illusion of a shimmering water surface within the building. At this moment ceramics company Koninklijk Tichelaar is taking care of the production of the 10.000 tiles. The realization of the water production plant is planned in 2023. We would like to welcome you in our studio at Nul Zes to show the first results of this collaboration.