Aesop Hainan

Set on a tropical island, Aēsop Hainan sought to evoke the sensation of sunlight refracted through water—using sustainable materials rooted in place and environmental ethics. While the region has a tradition of natural latex harvesting, industrialised rubber production led the team to seek a regenerative alternative. Other Matter’s algae-based polymer offered a circular solution, but its hydrophilic nature posed a challenge in Hainan’s extreme humidity. No similar material had been tested architecturally in such conditions. In response, Other Matter collaborated with conservation scientists to develop a novel biodegradable sealing method—preserving both performance and circularity at architectural scale.

More than 2,000 aluminium elements were individually coated in Other Matter’s biopolymer and suspended within two large ceiling oculi—each piece flickering with refracted light, simulating the ocean floor. A sculptural column at the entrance and a large façade are wrapped in the material, amplifying this spatial storytelling. The polymer was hand-poured, patterned, and sealed using a novel biodegradable method developed with conservation specialists, specifically designed to withstand Hainan’s humidity. Modular and circular by design, each component is removable and reusable. Aēsop Hainan demonstrates that luxury retail can be materially innovative and environmentally responsible.

Aēsop Hainan sets a new benchmark in sustainable retail design by replacing petrochemical finishes with a regenerative algae-based material that significantly reduces toxicity, waste, and embodied carbon. Its lightweight nature eases structural demands and lowers transport emissions. Crafted within a zero-waste system, each element is designed for disassembly and reuse. Beyond environmental impact, the interior evokes an emotional, tactile response drawing visitors into a space where light, material, and atmosphere converge. The project demonstrates the feasibility of architectural-scale regenerative materials, offering a compelling model for future adoption in high-end commercial interiors.

Regenerative algae-based material: Patent-pending, non-toxic formulation made from algae and mineral pigments—entirely non-petrochemical and capable of being fully recycled through a non-industrial process. Already deployed commercially to replace PVC, resin, and stone in premium environments. Biodegradable sealing technology: Developed in partnership with conservation scientists at The Metropolitan Museum of Art to ensure resilience in tropical humidity without compromising recyclability. Immersive spatial language: Over 2,000 algae-coated aluminium elements suspended in twin ceiling oculi, casting shifting aquatic light patterns that echo Hainan’s marine context. Architectural integration: A four-metre biopolymer-wrapped column and backlit sculptural entry treatments provide tactile continuity and spatial legibility. Circular lifecycle: All biopolymer components are reheatable, reformable, and reusable—supporting decentralised reuse models and extending material life. Cultural context: References Hainan’s natural latex harvesting traditions and marine landscape—prioritising local narratives and rejecting extractive materials. Atmospheric craftsmanship: Each element is hand-poured, patterned, and assembled with care—creating a layered, ephemeral interior expression. Future-ready scalability: This is the first architectural-scale application of the material, proving its feasibility for widespread commercial use. Stone alternative: Offers a lightweight, regenerative substitute for materials like marble or composite stone—avoiding the embodied carbon, mining impact, and logistical burden of traditional surfaces.