sustainable materials

hotel lobby design - OCCA explores sustainable surface materials

An (unconventional) guide to genuinely sustainable surface materials

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A GUIDE TO HOTEL DESIGN PT 94:

In an era where the term ‘sustainable’ has been diluted by overuse and greenwashing, OCCA’s approach to sourcing materials stands out as a pillar of integrity. Studio Founder and Principal Kate Mooney, along with Purchasing and Procurement Director, Karen Moon, share their thoughts on genuinely sustainable surface materials…

Guide to Hotel Design

OCCA has built a reputation for creating narrative-led hospitality spaces that marry cutting-edge design with meaningful environmental practices. Founder and Principal Kate Mooney, alongside Purchasing and Procurement Director, Karen Moon, has spotlighted a selection of unconventional eco materials the studio believes will redefine sustainability in design.

Mooney explained the philosophy underpinning their selections: “The challenge today is identifying materials and solutions that genuinely live up to the promise. At OCCA, we rigorously evaluate new materials to ensure they meet the demands of our design vision and our clients’ operational needs while delivering real environmental benefits. These materials are solutions we feel confident integrating into projects without compromise.”

hotel lobby designed by OCCA with different layers and surface treatments

Image credit: OCCA

Repurposing food waste in design

To support a hospitality concept for a global brand, OCCA researched the possibility of products made from food waste – a new use of surplus resources that would otherwise contribute to global waste problems. More specifically, reusable food containers made from repurposed food waste. “These containers represent a closed-loop approach to sustainability,” Moon explains. “Not only are they made from discarded materials, but they’re also durable and endlessly reusable, which is key to reducing single-use plastics in the hospitality industry.”

Beyond containers, furniture is also being reimagined through the lens of food waste. For example, feature tables and chairs manufactured from repurposed agricultural by-products. “The craftsmanship and durability of these pieces prove that waste can be transformed into something beautiful,” Mooney adds. “It’s this kind of material innovation that challenges perceptions and elevates the conversation around sustainability.”

Fabrics from unexpected origins

Eco-conscious textiles have become a focal point for OCCA, with materials derived from milk and fruit waste leading the charge. Uniforms made from milk waste are one example. They use biotechnology to turn milk into sustainable fibre that can be used to make clothing, medical supplies and packaging. “This isn’t just a gimmick,” Moon clarifies. “The fibres are soft, breathable and durable, making them ideal for high-traffic hospitality environments. Plus, they offer an alternative to synthetic fabrics that rely on fossil fuels.”

Similarly, textiles made from pineapple leaves – an agricultural by-product often discarded – are bringing new life to soft furnishings and accessories. “What excites us about pineapple textiles is their versatility,” Mooney notes. “They can be used in everything from wall panels to upholstery, creating opportunities to incorporate eco-conscious materials in striking, tactile ways.”

render of interior design scheme in naturals and neutrals

Image credit: OCCA

Nature-inspired leather alternatives

The search for sustainable alternatives to traditional leather has unearthed a truly groundbreaking option: leathers made from mushrooms. “Mushroom leather is a gamechanger,” says Mooney. “It offers the luxurious look and feel of traditional leather, but with a fraction of the environmental impact. It’s biodegradable, cruelty-free, and incredibly durable.”

OCCA sees this material as a perfect fit for high-end interiors, particularly in furniture, headboards, and decorative finishes. “It allows us to deliver the level of sophistication our clients expect while staying true to our commitment to sustainability,” Moon adds.

render of deck with table and chairs and outdoor furniture

Image credit: OCCA

Outdoor furniture with a purpose

For outdoor spaces, OCCA is turning to furniture crafted from single-use milk cartons, an innovative material that addresses one of the hospitality sector’s biggest waste challenges. “The transformation of disposable packaging into weather-resistant, stylish furniture is a fantastic example of circular design,” says Moon. “It’s a reminder that waste doesn’t have to end up in a landfill – it can be reimagined as something valuable and enduring.”

Authenticity over aesthetics alone

At the heart of OCCA’s material selection process is a deep commitment to authenticity. “We’re not just ticking boxes or chasing trends,” Mooney emphasises. “Every material we propose has been thoroughly vetted – for its environmental credentials as well as its ability to perform in real-world hospitality settings. These are materials we trust. That trust, formed from rigorous research and development, allows us to integrate them into our designs without compromise.”

Moon echoes this sentiment: “Our role in procurement goes beyond sourcing. It’s our responsibility to ensure that every material we specify lives up to the OCCA standard. We believe our clients deserve nothing less.”

A sustainable future for hospitality

As the hospitality industry continues to grapple with its environmental footprint, OCCA’s thoughtful approach to materials sets an inspiring example. By cutting through greenwashing and championing genuinely innovative solutions that spark a deeper conversation, the studio is proving that sustainability and design excellence can go hand in hand. For Mooney, the goal is clear: “We want to create spaces that leave a positive impact on the world. These materials help us achieve that vision, and we’re excited to see how they shape the future of hospitality design.”

OCCA Design is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: OCCA

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Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

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Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
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Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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