Nature-inspired materials with organic textures

The term “eco-friendly” actually covers a much broader spectrum than we often think. It can refer to recycled materials, those produced through low-carbon processes, non-toxic substances that are safe during use, or even locally sourced resources that reduce transportation emissions. Among these diverse standards, the materials we're exploring today are specifically chosen for one common trait: they're derived from nature and retain their original, raw textures.

Think hempcrete, sisal, coconut coir, jute, seagrass, and straw. These names might sound familiar—almost rustic—but when used in a space, they bring a surprisingly fresh, modern sensibility. Their natural texture and earthy tones create visual depth while offering a calming, tactile experience. In this post, we’ll briefly introduce the unique characteristics of each material along with a few applied examples. For in-depth information and reference sources, subscribe to Conc.

Contents

1. Hempcrete – Rugged Warmth in a Natural Texture

2. Sisal – The Classic of Natural Style

3. Coir – The Tangled Charm of Coconut Fibers

4. Jute – A Rhythm of Density and Looseness

5. Seagrass – Woven Materials from the Sea

6. Straw – Gentle Texture from the Fields

1. Hemp – Rugged Warmth in a Natural Texture

1) Hempcrete Panels & Blocks

Hemp is an annual plant that grows quickly and easily almost anywhere, making it an ideal eco-friendly material in terms of supply. After all, no matter how sustainable something is, if it’s difficult to cultivate, the cost inevitably rises. The outer bark of hemp stalks is used to make fabric like burlap, the seeds (hemp seeds) are widely known as a superfood, and the woody core is used in construction materials. By mixing the inner core with a binder, we get hempcrete—which can be shaped into panels or blocks. At Conc, we have a range of hempcrete samples available to explore. (See how to use Conc.) The blocks typically come in a 300×600 mm format, with various thickness options.

2) Lighting & Objects

Hemp can also be used in lighting and sculptural objects when combined with lime plaster. The tactile, handmade finish achieved with hemp has a unique warmth and texture that’s hard to replicate with other materials. One beautiful example is an artwork by artist Na-rae Song, featured in her exhibition “Beneath, Upon, Beyond.” The hemp-based lighting piece captured the raw, grounded quality of the material while transforming it into something poetic..

3) Fixtures & Furniture

The reference below is a yoga studio in Berlin designed by Some Place Studio. The hand-crafted texture of the central reception desk and small fountain immediately catches the eye. These elements were created by Yasmin Bawa, using hempcrete finished with lime plaster. If you're looking to create a distinct, grounded atmosphere for your brand, hemp is definitely worth considering for custom-built fixtures.
→ See more in the Mix Tape

2. Sisal – The Classic of Natural Style

Sisal comes from a plant similar to hemp, though its leaves are larger and tougher. Unlike soft leafy fibers, sisal has a rugged quality that stays visible even when woven into carpets. Over time, it begins to resemble palm fiber mats—but with a softer finish that makes it more suitable for interior use.

We’ve sourced a range of woven sisal carpets, available in fine, medium, and large-scale patterns. While these include real sisal, there are also polypropylene (PP) versions that replicate the sisal look surprisingly well. They’re nearly half the cost and still deliver that raw, natural aesthetic.
→ Explore the Sisal Mix Tape

At the GRAPHIC store in Hannam-dong, sisal carpet has been installed throughout the space.
The texture gives off a casual, mat-like feeling—inviting you to sit down wherever, just like on a warm, woven floor. It's a perfect match for a relaxed reading space, like where you'd flip through a comic book.

3. Coir – The Tangled Charm of Coconut Fiber

The iconic coconut tree is already familiar to us—from its refreshing juice to its hard shell, not a single part of the coconut goes to waste. 🥥🥥 The fiber that surrounds the white meat is called coir, and it’s extracted from the outer husk. Once processed, coir is used in everyday items like doormats, mattresses, ropes, and brushes.

Coir and palm-fiber mats are commonly seen at construction sites or landscaping zones, often used for soil protection or temporary walkways. But their raw, rustic appeal also gives them design potential. One such example was spotted in a store inside Hyundai Department Store in Sinchon—where a palm mat typically seen on a job site became a surprising design accent.

Another stunning use comes from March Studio’s design for the Aesop store in Singapore. Over 30 km of coconut fiber string was suspended from the ceiling, woven into a dramatic lighting installation. The golden aura of the tightly arranged coir strands is instantly captivating. The flooring and fixtures also feature coir carpets and ropes in compact, refined forms, creating a consistent and grounded visual language throughout.
→ Curious how coir is made and used? Explore our Coir Study

4. Jute – A Rhythm of Tightness and Looseness

Jute is a perennial plant native to India, belonging to the mallow family. Over 90% of the world’s jute is still cultivated in India today. It’s stronger than cotton, easy to grow, and highly durable. Thanks to its resilience, insulation properties, and resistance to UV and moisture, jute is widely used in industrial applications like sacks and ropes. You’ve likely seen it in coffee bean bags.

At the Granhand Seogyo store, jute fabric was applied to the ceiling. The fabric was cut and layered directly onto the surface, then adhered using glue across the entire ceiling. The irregular seams created by the overlapping pieces emphasize the natural rhythm of the material—it’s raw yet intentional. I’ll make sure to go back and get some close-up shots next time. It’s hard to capture clearly from a distance.
→ See more on the materials used at Granhand Seogyo

One of the most interesting material uses for jute is linoleum. The backing of linoleum is actually made of jute, and it’s so visually appealing that many designers ask if they can use it as the front side instead. At Conc, we’ve received several of these requests. Interestingly, a recent exhibition by Tarkett at Dutch Design Week showcased exactly that—the jute backing brought to the front. The interplay between the "right" and "wrong" sides, and the use of fully natural materials throughout, beautifully communicated their commitment to sustainability.

Exploring the natural beauty of linoleum

5. Seagrass – Woven Material from the Sea

The use of seagrass in architecture is nothing new. In Korea, it was traditionally mixed into lime plaster for finishing walls, and across Northern Europe—including Denmark—seagrass has long been used in home construction. On the Danish island of Læsø, you’ll still find traditional houses with thick seagrass-covered roofs. Inspired by these structures, architect Kathrine Larsen began researching seagrass in depth and developed prefabricated panels using it as a primary material.
→ See more in the Seagrass House Mix Tape

One notable example is Søuld, a Copenhagen-based brand whose seagrass panels are a modern reinterpretation of the Læsø tradition. We first discovered them at 3 Days of Design in 2022. Their panels offer natural humidity control, fire resistance, antimicrobial properties, and insulation—all wrapped in a warm, organic aesthetic. At the time, they were still in testing, but recently, they’ve been installed in the ceiling of IKEA Copenhagen.

6. Straw – Gentle Texture from the Fields

This eco-material from Austria uses hay and flower petals sourced directly from local farmers to produce surface materials like film, wallpaper, and HPL panels. The backing can be customized for different applications, making it as functional as it is beautiful. Since uploading it to Conc, we’ve had a flood of inquiries—it’s one of those materials that’s impossible to forget once you’ve seen it. (Well, except for the price 😅.) It’s on the expensive side, but its texture is truly one-of-a-kind, with flower petals visibly embedded in the surface. Nothing feels quite as organic and visually rich.
→ View Details

Perfect as an accent material in commercial spaces. Even when used in retail fixtures, it delivers a clear ESG message.

It also looks beautiful in small neighborhood cafés—warm and inviting.

This one’s from a window display at a department store in London. Definitely giving it the top spot on our #FavoriteNaturalMaterial list. 💯

Through this journey, we've explored a range of eco-friendly materials that carry the raw, rich textures of nature—hemp, sisal, coir, jute, seagrass, and straw. These materials go beyond the label of "sustainable"—they bring warmth, depth, and a sensory richness that synthetic materials simply can't replicate.
If you're curious to see them up close, visit Conc—we have them all, ready for you to experience.