Cover photo: ALGÂU by Tŷ Syml, Baroo Los Angeles, ph. Wonho Frank Lee
Based in Wales, Tŷ Syml is an experimental design brand founded by brothers Adam Davies (co-founder and CEO) and Daniel Davies (co-founder and Managing Director). The brand focuses on innovation by utilizing local waste materials to minimize environmental impact. Through continuous experimentation, Tŷ Syml refines materials and production techniques to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The company particularly supports projects involving algae and mycelium, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
Collections Created from Algae: ALG U and DISG
Through extensive material testing, the company has developed a new biomaterial made from algae and paper waste. This innovative material serves as a composite for various products. The algae are cultivated responsibly by Câr-y-Môr, a new local social enterprise focused on seaweed cultivation. The resulting material is strong, durable, and has a cork-like texture. Utilizing different varieties of algae allows for a range of colours and characteristics. Two collections have emerged from this experimentation: ALG U is a sea-inspired lampshade created within the sand, which serves as a mould.
The final product’s aesthetics reflect its natural materiality and exude a pleasant sea scent. For the new FREA Bakery – not far from the zero-waste restaurant FREA in Berlin – Tŷ Syml designed a variant of ALG U, FREA: in this case, the lampshade was elongated to 1 meter in length to fill the space above the counters in the venue.
Disg, on the other hand, was designed for Jolene Hackney, the satellite bakery of Big Jo Bakery. In this case, seaweed is combined with pulp waste. Each lamp boasts a unique wave pattern due to the natural air-drying process.
Collections Made from Mycelium: Silo and Duved Light
Tŷ Syml has developed numerous processes that allow mycelium to be combined with various types of waste to obtain new materials that are strong, lightweight, and fully compostable within about 5-10 days. The Silo Light, a lampshade crafted from wood waste and mycelium through a growth process that integrates waste within a 3D-printed mould, is specifically designed for Silo London & CRATE Brewery in collaboration with Nina+Co.
All products are already available for purchase on the Tŷ Syml website, where you can also explore the various processes and materials created by the company.
Duved Light is the first product developed by Tŷ Syml for Duved Framtid, a project based in Duved, northern Sweden.
The lamp’s design draws inspiration from the surrounding natural landscape, reflecting the city’s goal to become zero-waste and self-sufficient. The lampshade draws inspiration from Sweden’s largest waterfall, Tännforsen, which, when partially frozen, creates intricate, step-like ice formations.
