Future-Driven Design: Spradling® x University of Westminster Competition Winners Announced

London, UK – The University of Westminster and Spradling® are proud to announce the winners of the Designing Tomorrow Today competition, a collaborative initiative empowering BA Interior Architecture students to create sustainable architectural and interior design solutions using Spradling’s cutting-edge coated fabrics.

 

A total of 120 first- and second-year interior architecture students, divided into 10 work groups, collaborated from January 20 to 24, 2025, to develop pioneering designs aligned with sustainability and adaptability principles. This competition, held as part of the TransPlantia Festival, challenged students to create innovative installations built from living willow rods and Spradling®’s coated fabrics, exploring the interplay between natural growth and modern material advancements. The structures were designed to respond to human scale and environmental conditions, addressing key aspects such as light, rain management, and long-term material sustainability.

 

Spradling® played a pivotal role in the competition by donating all the materials the students worked with, including Hitch® C5, MagliaTM, Carbon Fiber, Silvertex®, Mardi Gras, ValenciaTM C5, and Chronos. These high-performance coated fabrics provided students with a hands-on experience in designing for both functionality and environmental responsibility.

 

THE WINNING DESIGNS

 

Spradling® not only provided all the materials for the competition but sponsored the prizes awarded to the winning teams, reinforcing its commitment to supporting emerging design talent.

 

A panel of judges, composed of experts from Spradling® and the University of Westminster, evaluated the projects based on their structural ambition, environmental performance, and creative use of materials. The top prizes were awarded to:

Most Ambitious Construction: Rain Trap. A design that ingeniously harnesses water through our coated fabrics, demonstrating adaptability and sustainability.
Best Performance with Water: Rain Flower. This project showcased outstanding water management, enhancing the functionality of coated fabrics.
Most Inventive Pleather Work: Solitude Space. A highly creative exploration of Spradling®'s coated fabrics, pushing the boundaries of material manipulation.

 

SPRADLING®'S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

 

The Designing Tomorrow Today initiative reflects Spradling®’s unwavering commitment to fostering young talent and promoting responsible design practices. By equipping students with high-performance coated fabrics, Spradling® empowers the next generation of designers to think critically about sustainability and make informed choices prioritising quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal in their work.

 

David Sentance, General Manager of Spradling® UK, commented:
“This competition exemplifies our dedication to supporting the next generation of designers. By donating high-quality materials and engaging with students, we aim to inspire creative solutions that merge practicality with sustainability. Seeing these young designers push the boundaries of material application has been truly rewarding.”

 

A Step Towards Sustainable Design Excellence

This partnership aligns with Spradling®’s vision of sustainability, longevity, and innovation in material development. Additionally, it contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By investing in educational collaborations, Spradling® is actively shaping the future of interior architecture, ensuring that emerging designers have the resources to create impactful and responsible solutions for the long run.

Share on