Embassy of Sweden,
WASHINGTON DC
Custom furniture made from proprietary spruce bark beetle-damaged wood composite material.
Simon Mattisson recently completed the design and installation of a new lounge area for the Swedish Embassy in Washington, D.C. The project merges the elegance of Scandinavian design principles with groundbreaking advancements in large scale 3D printing and sustainability, showcasing the studio’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern furniture design.
Central to this project was the further development of our custom proprietary gWood composite. A velvety black variant of the material was created specifically for this collection. The innovative material, containing wood from Spruce Bark Beetle-damaged spruce wood and biodegradable resins, was formulated to not only reduce environmental impact but also provide a way of communicating the Spruce bark beetle problem as well as finding a use for this otherwise refused, damaged wood material.
Each piece in the lounge area — from the curved, velvety black benches to the compact, elegant tables — reflects a careful balance between form and function. The furniture’s organic shapes, paired with neutral, calming color palette, evoke the spirit of Scandinavian simplicity while offering both durability and comfort.
Designed to provide a welcoming and serene environment for embassy visitors and staff, the lounge area aligns with Sweden’s global reputation for environmental leadership and cutting-edge design. This project stands as a testament to our studio’s vision of merging art, technology, and sustainability to create unique, functional spaces that contribute positively to both people and the planet.
The furniture pieces and the composite material they’re made out of was crafted and 3D printed by our partners at Circlab, using they’re advanced robotic cells allowing for precision and minimal waste throughout the entire production process.
The use of the studio’s custom gWood composite ensures that the furniture is fully recyclable and biodegradable, further enhancing the project’s sustainable footprint. By combining advanced 3D printing techniques with this eco-conscious material, we achieved a seamless integration of innovation, design flexibility, and environmental responsibility.
