No longer bottled up, cork is popping off throughout interiors and exteriors as architects highlight the lightweight material across flooring, cladding, and wall coverings. And while its earthy quality makes it an eye-catching choice, cork’s strongest appeal goes beyond the surface: it's surprisingly eco-friendly.
The renewable resource is harvested primarily in Portugal and Spain from the bark of cork oak trees, which are never cut down or harmed in the process. And as far as natural building materials go, the perks are legion. Cork is sustainable, recyclable, water and fire-resistant – the list goes on. "It ticks all the boxes when it comes to thermal and acoustic performance, but is also breathable, free from chemicals, synthetic resins, and carcinogenic materials, and creates a healthy environment inside the house," says Nimi Attanayake, co-founder and director of London’s Nimtim Architects. No wonder it's such a coveted interior design trend right now.
