Photo: Katrin Kabun. The photograph shows prototype wall panels made from synthetic material and natural sheep's wool placed side by side.

Research objective

To improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks for building occupants through the development of an innovative composite material based on renewable resources.

The broader aim of the research is to assess, through artistic research and creative practice, how materials used in interior environments affect the physical and mental well-being of the people who occupy them. The project investigates how innovation can create new applications for low-quality sheep's wool, currently classified as waste, beyond its traditional uses. In doing so, it seeks to restore the material's historical, cultural, and economic value while contributing to healthier and more environmentally sustainable living and working environments.

The project addresses the following key research questions:

• Can an interior material made from low-quality waste wool be manufactured on an industrial scale?
• Does sheep's wool-based interior material have a measurable positive effect on indoor air quality?
• Is this effect also perceptible to the people using the space?

Project partners

• TalTech Institute of Materials and Environmental Technology, Laboratory of Biopolymer Technology
• Paragon Sleep OÜ
• Silen OÜ
• Karin Reinhold, Associate Professor of Occupational Health and Safety and Researcher at TalTech

Project team

Katrin Kabun, Anete Kruusmägi, Karin Reinhold

Funding

Ministry of Culture of Estonia, Artistic Research Support Programme for the Cultural and Creative Sectors

Project period

10 May 2023 – 1 July 2023