Texture Playground EP1

What Keywords Do You Use to Search for Materials? When searching for materials, what keywords do you use? At Conc 2024, the most searched keyword was, unsurprisingly, “sustainability.” Material categories like metal, stone, and glass were also popular. But interestingly, adjectives ranked high on the list as well! Many people looked for words that convey uniqueness, like “new” and “distinctive,” or tactile qualities such as “soft,” “bouncy,” “rough,” and “smooth.” So! For the final installment of our 2024 review, <Texture Playground>, we've gathered materials that highlight various textures, paired with descriptive adjectives. Explore a collection of materials that engage both visual and tactile senses!

Episode 1 │ Smooth · Soft · Squishy
Episode 2 │ Bumpy · Sculpted · Rough

1. Materials with a Smooth Surface

Synonyms for “smooth”: clean, sleek
: A surface that is even and polished, like touching a well-wiped glass pane—glossy and frictionless.

a. Glass, Stainless Steel, Super Mirror, Mirror, Infinity Mirror

Smoothness is often associated with a clean and polished surface—a texture that feels like it would squeak under your hand. Well-polished glass or metal surfaces have a subtle gloss, adding a touch of luxury. When taken to the extreme, this smoothness creates high-reflection effects, as seen in mirror surfaces used as artistic elements in media art.

b. Artificial Stone, Glossy Ceramic

Perhaps because they’re easy to clean, high-gloss materials like artificial marble, ceramic, and stainless steel are especially popular for kitchen countertops. Artificial stone, in particular, can be seamlessly sanded to eliminate joints, making it ideal for long, continuous surfaces or curved applications.

c. Plastic, Recycled Plastic Panels

Plastic surfaces are naturally smooth and soft. Whether through injection molding, extrusion, or 3D printing, plastic achieves a clean, refined surface finish. Compared to earlier versions, recycled plastic panels have significantly improved in surface quality, now offering unique patterns and durability suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

d. Resin, Acrylic

From Sabine Marcelis’s buttery shower booths to Aesop Hannam’s milky-white fixtures, resin is the key material behind these smooth, glowing surfaces. With rich, solid colors beneath a glossy finish, resin offers a translucent depth. Plus, its color density can be adjusted during production, allowing for transparent effects as well.

e. Microcement, Linoleum

The matte smoothness of cement or painted walls gives a clean, refined impression—much like an eggshell. Microcement and linoleum floors, with their solid color finish, can transform a space with a simple yet sophisticated aesthetic.

f. Paper, Printing Paper, Packaging

Paper offers a wide range of textures—from the slippery smoothness of glossy CCP or art paper, to the stiffness of uncoated paper, to the soft, cotton-like fluffiness of specialty paper. Coated, smooth-finish paper is a popular choice for premium packaging materials, adding a luxurious touch.

glass, stainless steel, artificial stone, plastic, resin, acrylic, linoleum, microcement, paper

2. Materials with a Soft Surface

Synonyms for “soft”: fine, delicate
: A texture that is smooth and flexible, without stiffness. Unlike a sleek surface, soft materials evoke a sense of warmth and coziness.

Le Cagole Pop-up at Balenciaga Mount Street Store

a. Fabric, Textile, Yarn, Curtains

When we think of softness, the warmth of fabric naturally comes to mind. From the plush feel of velvet and suede to the cozy texture of bouclé and felt, fabrics provide an instantly tangible softness. Beyond that, flowing curtains, silk, and fine threads offer a light, breezy sensation that brushes gently against your fingertips.

b. Carpet, Fur

Carpets can create different atmospheres depending on the pile length. For example, Tamburins once used carpet terrazzo patterns, offering a much warmer and calmer alternative to concrete or epoxy terrazzo. On the other end of the spectrum, some designs have applied long-pile fur to entire walls and floors. In 2022, Balenciaga introduced a store interior completely covered in pink fur—from pillars to walls, floors, and furniture. Though an unexpected and bold concept, the softness of the fur invites touch, even making you want to lie down on it.

c. Recycled Textile Panels, FabBrick, Plusnel

Made from shredded textile waste, FabBrick's bricks are both soft and durable. The compressed fibers form a sturdy structure, while fabric scraps and fiber clusters remain visible on the surface, creating playful patterns. Occasionally, you might even feel loose threads along the edges, adding to its charm.

d. Recycled Paper, Refit

There are also papers made from textile waste. Refit paper, created from recycled pulp and textile byproducts, features tiny, irregular fiber specks embedded in the material. This unique texture was even used for the cover of "The Aesthetics of Mending," recently published by Sojanggak.

e. Hanji, Mulberry Fiber, Paperweave Wallpaper

Among all types of paper, hanji (traditional Korean paper) is known for its exceptional softness. With a texture that resembles woven fibers, hanji is not only soft but also flexible. Paperweave wallpaper, made from twisted hanji threads, further enhances this woven softness, bringing a warm and serene ambiance to interior spaces.

f. Mycelium, Acoustic Panels

Some mycelium-based acoustic panels by Mogu feature a truly one-of-a-kind texture—resembling both the color and softness of lion’s mane mushrooms. The moment you touch it, it feels as if it might melt away in your hands. Its fine, velvety fibers create a sensation similar to brushed velvet.

velvet, boucle, felt, silk, curtain, fur, carpet, fabbrick, recycled paper, hanji, paperweave wallpaper, mycelium

3. Materials with a Squishy Surface

Synonyms for “squishy”: soft, pliable, flexible
: A texture that is not hard or rigid, with a gentle and flexible feel. It has a playful and free-flowing quality, without sharp edges.

a. Silicone

Soft and bouncy textures naturally evoke a sense of playfulness. Think of a baby’s cheeks or a cat’s pink jelly-like paw pads—there’s something irresistibly touchable about them. When this sensation is translated into materials, it creates a fun and dynamic mood. For example, colorful silicone cords can be knitted into rugs that are both waterproof and stain-resistant. Depending on how the cords are woven, they can also be shaped into furniture or sculptural objects.

b. Rubber, TPV, Rubber Flooring

The springy texture of jelly, yokan (sweet bean jelly made of agar), and pudding is best represented by elastic materials like rubber. Rubber’s superior flexibility and shock absorption make it an excellent flooring material. When combined with 3D printing technology, it can be transformed into creative designs like oversized bouncy balls or stretchable rubber arms.

c. Sponge, Urethane Foam Furniture

Sponge is another material known for its exceptional elasticity. No matter how much you squeeze or twist it, it quickly returns to its original shape. While commonly used as cushioning, it can also be coated with urethane and shaped into standalone furniture pieces without the need for additional covering.

d. Gelatin, Agar, Bio-Textiles

Before being recognized as materials, gelatin and agar were first known as food ingredients. These natural substances are essential in making jelly and yokan, providing a chewy, rubber-like texture. When mixed with glycerin and water, they can be developed into textiles. By adjusting the ratio of glycerin to gelatin, different levels of flexibility and strength can be achieved. Conc even experimented with making gelatin sheets, resulting in a texture reminiscent of chewy dried taffy. You can check out the samples in the our library!

e. Gel Pads

Gel pads, which resemble jellies in both appearance and texture, were originally designed for medical use to support the ankles or head during surgery. Since they are made by pouring polymers into molds, they can be customized into various shapes and levels of softness. Depending on the formulation, they can be made firm like gummy bears or ultra-soft like pudding.

silicone, rubber flooring, TPV, sponge, foam furniture, bioplastic pellets, alginate sheet, gel pad

📼 <Texture Playground> Mixtape – More Samples to Explore!

The Mixtape is exclusive content for Conc Master members. If you're curious about the features Conc offers, check them out here!

❋ Next Episode │ Texture Playground EP2