Latex

BETWEEN_SPACES Ver. 2

The participation in the MaDe workshop and competition series is based on the master project BETWEEN_SPACES and was the beginning of BETWEEN_SPACES Ver.2.
It served the deepening and further study of contemporary lace by using sustainable materials for the manufacturing process. Lace is a material with filled and empty spaces. Therefore the background of the material always plays an important role.

Certain properties of lace were investigated with natural latex on an experimental level and already-gained knowledge was used to take the project to a new standard.

The material natural latex is extracted from rubber plants. With a few additives, it becomes an extremely elastic and resilient material. Natural latex is pourable and extrudable, which makes it particularly suitable for the production of contemporary lace. For the textile and fashion industry, its strong elasticity is a positive aspect. In combination with other natural materials natural latex offers a wide range of experiments that allow the typical appearance of latex goods to be skipped and visually redefined. Natural latex is a purely biological product. It is Co2 neutral, biodegradable and free of harmful substances. Thus the circularity can be guaranteed. It dries translucently and can be dyed well. The short drying time allows quick processing.

The main countries of origin are Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, which is a disadvantage from a transport point of view. European spurge plants could be investigated in the next step and similar properties could be generated.

Making process

Multi-stage pouring processes enable differentiated colouring of flat yet openwork textiles. In interaction with light, exciting surfaces and a variety of patterns are created.
Natural latex can be excellently extruded, which enables a new approach.

In combination with copper wire, the materials change parts of their properties and can be shaped for a long-term effect. By using conductive wire, externally controllable movement and heat mechanisms can be developed.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.