The 2024 Dezeen Awards celebrated creativity and innovation in architecture, interiors, and design—and we were honoured to be shortlisted for our mycelium packaging alongside such inspiring company.

 

 

Ever since we introduced mycelium plinths to Chiltern Street Store, we’ve been fascinated by Fungi. Catalysed by this fascination, we worked with the Magical Mushroom Co to develop a new packaging. With the aim to take the pressure off of our already broken recycling systems. Grown from mycelium, the root-like system of fungi, our new packaging is home compostable within 45 days. Upon returning to the earth, its carbon remains safely locked away, all the while nourishing the soil with helpful nitrates.

 

 

Although we didn’t take a home an award this year, we’re were excited discover the amazing designers, brands and agencies that did. Below we’ve highlighted some of our favourites.

 

 

In our category, sustainable design - consumer side, Paul Crofts won with Tejo, designed for Isomi. A recycled and recyclable sofa system, made using cork waste from the production of wine stoppers. By replacing plywood in the construction, the Tejo is crafted from natural, renewable and recyclable cork, taking out the traditionally unsustainable materials from the process. The soft elements use natural latex and wool as opposed to polyester, and fabrics are all sourced in the UK and harvested from hemp. Not only have all the materials been carefully selected, but the modularity of this design makes it even more sustainable, and an element we deeply admire.

 

 

Something we’re always especially interested in is the material innovations category. This year, the winner was Ame by Kvadrat. Created at Kvadrat’s Innovation Lab, Ame is the first textile-to-textile project they’ve done, woven with recycled polyester made entirely from textile waste. Inspired by the traditional Japanese mending technique Sashiko, Ame makes use of existing raw materials instead of creating new ones.

 

 

Finally, seeing inside the studio of Fernando Laposse, who earned the Bentley Lighthouse Award, was a joy. By partnering with local communities to regenerate farmland and crafting with biodegradable materials, Laposse’s designs tell a story that’s as much about people and place as it is about beauty. The outcomes are beautiful heirloom furniture pieces. 

 

Explore THE MONC BLOG

MEET THE TEAM: CHRIS

MEET THE TEAM: CHRIS

With years of experience under his belt, our store manager Chris possesses the uncanny ability to match a frame to any face perfectly - and ever the natural conversationalist, he’ll always give you his honest opinion and valuable advice. Meet Chris and learn about the niche background that makes him an expert on choosing a frame. 

ON OUR RADAR

ON OUR RADAR

Eats, visits and innovations kicking off 2025. From Miga, a modern take on Korean traditional dishes, to innovations in 3D printed wood and exhibitions from renowned artists Mickalene Thomas and Noah Davis, take a look at what’s getting us inspired in the first few weeks of January. 

A MONC GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE GIFTING

A MONC GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE GIFTING

With an abundance of food, gifts, lights, sparkles and excitement, the last thing anyone needs at Christmas is a tonne of rubbish. Sadly, the holiday period is 30% more wasteful than any time of year. So, instead of being a Scrooge, we thought we would share a few ways you can reduce your impact this year.