Artstone Panel Systems.
FROM 3-5 February over 6,000 visitors flocked to London’s Business Design Centre where over 180 exhibitors showcased the best in surface and material innovation. An expanded programme saw visitors enjoy the return of popular features such as Surface Spotlight, the Innovation Gallery, Green Grads and Surface Design Awards. New for 2026 was a collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) which hosted two major events during the show. As well as discovering the best in materiality for the built environment, visitors also had the chance to join a range of diverse talks, with over 50 speakers spanning the full breadth of the industry. New for 2026 was the Workshop Stage, which gave visitors a chance to get hands on with materials in guided workshops.
This year’s Surface Design Awards were hosted by Hotel Travel editor and owner and director of Kilburn Communications, Hamish Kilburn. The evening was a great success, with awards being dominated by Studio RAP for Lighting, Hospitality, Public Realm and Facades categories and Agri-fruit-bag by Liza C Design for Regenerative Design, Innovation and Sustainability categories. Liza C Design also claimed Supreme Winner and
David McGill was awarded the very first Emerging Talent Award with his project Ruvi Acoustic Tile.
Standout exhibitors included Artstone Panel Systems, Surface Matter, A Cimenteria Do Louro S.A, Mundy Veneer and Wonderwall Studios.
Artstone Panel Systems brought a compelling international perspective to the Business Design Centre, showcasing an extensive range of wall solutions that perfectly embodied the show’s Material Evolution theme. Their display was a highlight for visitors, drawing significant interest with the Arcquitone panels and the atmospheric, nature inspired palettes of the Nevada, Dusk and Nimbus collections.
This year Surface Matter offered a tribute to transformation that was well aligned with the show’s theme of Material Evolution. Celebrating its 13th year, the studio presented an installation titled ‘Through time’, which showcased a decade of surface innovation by reimagining past exhibition displays into future-facing pieces for adaptive reuse. The exhibit highlighted the pioneering work with surfaces made from recycled paper, plastics, and textiles, while also promoting Material Rescue, a takeback service dedicated to keeping quality materials in circulation. By showcasing a new library of pieces available for rental and rescue, Surface Matter demonstrated how the industry can shift away from single-use culture, proving that exhibition stands themselves can be designed for circularity and legacy rather than waste.
A Cimenteria Do Louro.
At this year’s show, A Cimenteria Do Louro S.A. (ACL) commanded significant attention at the stand, embodying this year’s theme of ‘Material Evolution’ through their innovative approach to concrete. The Portuguese brand, which carries a 48-year legacy in technical knowledge and architecture, showcased a diverse range of products including the Design Line wall coverings and Marmocim real terrazzo slabs. The showstopper was the sample of Slimcrete, a flexible concrete which has been subjected to extreme testing, including trials in space. This groundbreaking material garnered lots of attention at the show, demonstrating how traditional concrete can be transformed into a high-performance, adaptable solution for modern interior and exterior design.
Wonderwall.
Wonderwall Studios also made a significant impact at the 2026 Surface Design Show, contributing to the event’s overarching theme of ‘Material Evolution’. The display was centred on the unique reclaimed wooden wall panels, which stood out as a primary example of how salvaged materials can be repurposed into high-end architectural features. As specialists in both wood and wall coverings, the studio attracted attention for the ability to transform weathered timber into artistic, textured surfaces that align with the industry’s shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
Mundy Veneer offered a masterclass in natural beauty and technical expertise, showcasing why it is a leading partner for luxury commercial and residential interiors. With an expansive library of over 900 individual veneers across 160 species, the company captivated visitors with its exclusive collection of Tabu Italy pre-dyed and engineered veneers. A major highlight of the display was the introduction of two new colour collections:
Bloom from Mundy Veneer.
BLOOM — a collection of dyed veneers in sophisticated, soft, gentle shades, stronger than pastels and designed to be combined in eclectic, characterful interiors.
Earth from Mundy Veneer.
EARTH — a selection of earthy neutrals in dark, moody colours, to create a sense of enveloping comfort and a touch of understated drama.
Bringing over 30 years of specialist knowledge to the show, Mundy Veneer successfully balanced aesthetic innovation with rigorous sustainability due diligence.
The 2026 Surface Design Show was a huge success, with an inspiring talks programme, innovative stands and visitors and exhibitors alike enjoying the opportunity to experience the best in class in surfaces and materials. The Business Design Centre will once again host the Surface Design Show from 2-4 February 2027 when visitors can look forward to another year of experimentation and material exploration.
See page 16-17 of our April/May 2026 issue on our Back Issues page.
