Matter in Practice NEB Festival 2026
12-06-2026 · 1:30 pm - 8:00 pm
We are pleased to present an event in collaboration with the New European Bauhaus, an initiative of the European Commission that aims to rethink how we design and inhabit our built environment by combining sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion.
Each year, the NEB Festival activates a network of events across Europe, and this year Materiatek has the pleasure of hosting one of these gatherings in Brussels.
We invite you to immerse yourself in a dynamic experience designed for professionals and enthusiasts of design and construction: architects, interior architects, designers, students, and curious minds eager to explore the future of materials.
The workshops will be led by the following studios, choose the workshop that interests you most and come along!
Blackwool:
BlackWool is a research studio founded in 2019 by Pauline Dornat, focused on promoting sheep’s wool at a local, artisanal scale. The workshop introduces wool and its uses in architecture and design.
Participants will experiment with felt using wet felting and needle-punching to create material samples. Everyone will take home their own set of samples.
Sonian Woods:
Sonian is a Brussels-based cooperative that works exclusively with wood from the Sonian Forest, an UNESCO World Heritage site known for its sustainably managed, biodiversity-rich ecosystem.
The workshop will combine a brief introductory presentation on the issues surrounding local wood valorisation with a practical session during which each participant will craft a simple object.
Grond Studio:
Grond Studio, led by designer Pieter Van Bruyssel in Belgium, works with earth and natural materials, exploring vernacular architecture as a source of place-based knowledge.
The workshop combines a hands-on exploration of clay and earth construction with a discussion on the designer’s role, focusing on both the technical importance of foundational layers and broader questions of responsibility in contemporary building practices.
Materiatek:
Materiatek is an independent materials library and creative hub, strategically located in the heart of Brussels.
The workshop explores ceramic upcycling, where participants transform broken tiles and fragments into a mosaic piece. No experience is needed, and everyone leaves with their own handmade creation.
No prior experience needed. All materials are provided.
Throughout the day, you will be able to enjoy:
- A guided tour of Materiatek
- Inspiring talks and conferences
- Hands-on workshops to experiment with materials
- A wrap-up session to share ideas
- And to finish, a networking moment with drinks and snacks
Book your Tickets
