Casa Cork by David Rockwell for the Cork Collective with Corticeira Amorim brings together acclaimed designers and brands for an immersive installation with a dynamic events program

| March 20, 2025 | The sustainability-focused nonprofit Cork Collective and globally-renowned architecture and design firm Rockwell Group have partnered with cork producer Corticeira Amorim to launch robust programming, education workshops, food & beverage events, and a product showcase at Casa Cork by David Rockwell–a living laboratory to showcase cork design innovation at Milan Design Week.

From the Casa Cork installation to a student design competition and live discussions, visitors will perceive this 100% renewable material in an entirely new light. One of the world’s most sustainable materials, cork comes from the harvested bark of the cork oak tree and is obtained without cutting down the tree itself. Cork products can be recycled again and again, while retaining their ability to sequester carbon.

To round out the concept, Casa Cork’s interior and furnishings are made almost entirely of cork and showcase innovative cork furniture and products from emerging and established international designers and product manufacturers. These include a bespoke chandelier and bar by Artemest, the destination for Italian craftsmanship and design; custom illuminated wall feature, sconces and pendants from Thomas Cooper Studio, a Lusive company; and fabrics and tiles from 4Spaces.

Flanking the salon entrance is a display of cork’s applications in collectible design. Objects in these vignettes further highlight the versatility and beauty of the material, crafted by design-industry luminaries from around the world, including Campana Brothers, Tom Dixon, Made In Situ by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Grain, Toni Grilo (Blackcork), and Maddalena Casadei (designer) and Falegnameria Pisu (artisan) for Pretziada.

Other product partners in the experience include: Blackcork, Chilewich, Daniel Michalik, De Castelli, Maya Romanoff, Roche Bobois, Samuel & Sons, Stackabl, Suber Design, Sugo Cork Rugs, USM Modular Furniture, Vitra, V&N Interiors, and Wolf-Gordon.

Rockwell Group also commissioned Spain’s multidisciplinary art workshop Factum Arte to scan a majestic tree in a cork forest. The tree was then 3D-printed and replicated in the central gallery of Casa Cork, acting as the central visual focal point of the installation.

Lighting design for Casa Cork is by Focus Lighting, and the global design consultancy 2x4 contributed Casa Cork’s strategy and branding.

“I’m incredibly excited for the material partners and programming we’ve organized at Casa Cork. I can’t imagine a better environment to learn about this incredible material and the ways in which it can help us act on our imperative to design smarter and more sustainably. At Casa Cork, the design community will hear from the brightest minds working at the forefront of sustainable design. And in the evenings, I hope you’ll join us for a beautiful glass of wine and conversation.”
- David Rockwell, founder and President, Rockwell Group

Food & Beverage Experience
Throughout the week, Casa Cork will also serve as an event space and wine bar. Guests will be able to enjoy complimentary wines and Prosecco from sustainable winery Terre Margaritelli, Campari Group, and Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC, along with offerings provided by local artisanal microbakery Le Polveri and La Porrona. Other food and beverage partners include Dorsia, Le Specialità restaurant, and culinary experimentation project Bar Versini.

Talks & Demonstrations
Talks and demonstrations will take place against a backdrop of cork collectible design, with the aim of educating guests about cork as well as sustainable design practices.

Casa Cork Salon Series: Conversations on Designing for the Future
Monday, April 7: 11 a.m. (by invitation only)
David Rockwell and Yves Béhar on material innovation

Wednesday, April 9: 3 p.m.; aperitivo to follow
Deyan Sudjic, Suchi Reddy, and Tom Dixon on longevity

Led and organized by Tiffany Jow, editor-in-chief of the New York–based design journal Untapped, Casa Cork’s two-part talk program will explore ideas adjacent to cork, including craft, timelessness, manufacturing, and developing a circular economy.

Sugo Cork Rugs Weaving Demo
Wednesday, April 9: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Experience weaving with cork and other natural, recycled materials like cotton and wool. Led by textile designer Susana Godinho of Sugo Cork Rugs, this demo will showcase traditional and modern weaving techniques that blend innovation, tradition, and sustainability.

Cork Molding Demo
Thursday, April 10: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Led by Students from Parsons School of Design

Student Design Competition
Cork Collective is launching its inaugural Student Design Competition, supported by Chilewich and Amorim Cork Italia, as a way to engage younger generations and invite them to experiment and innovate products made from cork. Students from Parsons School of Design in New York and Politecnico di Milano are participating in simultaneous spring studios. Six finalists from each school will be chosen to present their concepts at Casa Cork by an international jury that includes Paola Antonelli, Senior Curator, The Museum of Modern Art; John McPhee, CEO, Chilewich; Susan Sellers, Co-Founder, 2x4; Giulio Cappellini, Designer and Art Director; Carlos Veloso dos Santos, CEO, Amorim Cork Italia; and Carlos Bessa, Director of Corporate Communications, Corticeira Amorim.

“At Chilewich, we’re excited to explore the possibilities of cork—a material that perfectly aligns with our commitment to sustainability, versatility, and innovation. Partnering with students from Parsons School of Design and Politecnico di Milano gives us a chance to bring fresh perspectives into the conversation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with innovative materials. We’re proud to support this initiative alongside Rockwell Group and Amorim Cork Italia, and I can’t wait to see how these young designers reimagine the future of sustainable design with their creativity and vision.”
- John McPhee, CEO, Chilewich

“Cork is such a versatile product that can be used in so many applications. Now a new horizon is emerging with the collection of used corks to create a new circular economy cycle. Consider that in Italy alone, more than 1 billion cork stoppers are thrown away each year. With Progetto Etico and Suber Design we’ve demonstrated that it is possible to create a new life for used corks and collaborations with design universities like Politecnico di Milano will reinforce this strategy.”
- Carlos Veloso dos Santos, CEO, Amorim Cork Italia

Address:
31 Via Solferino, Milano, Italy

Press Preview:
April 7, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Opening Dates and Hours:
April 8-9, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

April 10-12, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Website and Social Media
www.corkcollective.org
@corkcollective

About Cork Collective
Casa Cork is a project of the Cork Collective, an exciting new sustainability initiative focused on cork collection and recycling, and dedicated to transforming used natural cork stoppers into valuable resources, showcasing its versatility and sustainability. Through the collection, recycling, and repurposing of natural cork stoppers, the Cork Collective’s mission is to galvanize the hospitality industry and the public to envision new possibilities for cork, one of the most sustainable and remarkable natural resources in the world. Fueled by expertise and passion of founding partners Rockwell Group, Amorim, BlueWell, and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the Cork Collective creates a ‘closed-loop’ system where resources are reused, recycled, and regenerated to minimize waste and promote sustainability.

About Rockwell Group
Based in downtown New York with satellite offices in Madrid and Los Angeles, Rockwell Group specializes in a wide array of work from luxury hospitality, cultural, and healthcare projects, to educational, product, and set design. Founded in 1984 by David Rockwell, Rockwell Group takes a cross-disciplinary approach to its inventive array of immersive projects. A strong commitment to explore and experiment resulted in the formation of the LAB at Rockwell Group, a design innovation studio that blends interactive technology, architecture, strategy, and storytelling. Crafting a unique and individual narrative concept for each project is fundamental to Rockwell Group's successful design approach. From the big picture to the last detail, the story informs and drives the design. www.rockwellgroup.com. Follow on Instagram @rockwellgroup.

About Corticeira Amorim
Corticeira Amorim is the world’s largest cork processing group. Founded in 1870, the company now operates dozens of business units across five continents, with a diverse network of 30,000 clients generating 986 million Euros in annual revenues. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Corticeira Amorim offers a portfolio of solutions, materials, and products for some of the most advanced and demanding industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, design and architecture, as well as wine and spirits. www.amorim.com. Follow on Instagram @amorimcork.