Noemi Cortizas
I work at the intersection of industrial design, engineering, and material research. Investigating how materials, manufacturing, and emerging technologies shape the future of luxury.

FDIA Awards Finalist

Home
Projects
Material Intelligence
Creative Lab
Profile
Contact

I work at the intersection of industrial design, engineering, and material research: investigating how materials, manufacturing, and emerging technologies shape the future of luxury.

CLIENT: Arkhose

cmf design · material r&d

Beercraft x Arkhose.

Transforming brewing byproducts into ephemeral, biodegradable design systems for packaging and furniture.

Arkhose is a brewing company that merges craft beer culture with indoor climbing and community spaces. Their brand ethos revolves around nature, sports, and sustainability, demanding an interior experience that reflects these values without compromising on performance.

For this project, in collaboration with the architect Lèa Ingold, we led the material research to valorize Brewer’s Spent Grain (BSG), transforming this wet organic byproduct into a viable composite for ephemeral furniture and spatial equipment. The goal was to create a closed-loop system where waste from the bar is molded into functional objects for the same space, designed to be fully biodegradable at the end of their lifecycle.

The research focused on three core pillars: particle cohesion, binder compatibility, and structural limits. We analyzed how varying particle sizes influence the mechanical strength of the composite and tested a range of bio-based binders to identify the optimal formulation for short-lived, high-impact applications.

A critical challenge in the process was moisture management. As an organic residue, spent grain retains significant water, complicating molding and drying times. We developed a protocol for rapid dehydration of molded parts to prevent degradation. Furthermore, we explored surface treatments to enhance durability, testing natural varnishes derived from lignin (a wood industry byproduct) and assessing their compatibility with natural pigments. This created a protective shell that extends the object’s life while maintaining its compostability.

Strategic Takeaway

True circularity in hospitality means designing for the end of life from the start. By converting wet, perishable waste into durable yet biodegradable furniture or packaging, we created a material narrative that reinforces the brand’s commitment to nature. The object’s ephemeral nature is not a limitation, but a feature that deepens the connection between the consumer, the product, and the environment.

Beercraft

Material outcomes

Potential Applications

Biodegradable packaging
Emphemeral equipment (covers, panels, decoration)
Translucent applications

Project Information

Client: Arkhose Brewing & Climbing
Role: Material Researcher & Product Designer
Focus: Bio-Composites, Waste Valorization, Circular Hospitality
Materials: Brewer’s Spent Grain, Bio-Binders, Lignin Varnish

Index