Silicate Research Unit

The Silicate Research Unit is firmly rooted in Ceramics. However, its research extends beyond materials that purely fit within the 'standard' classification of ceramic materials. Research interests involve related materials such as Glass, Refractory Concretes and Concrete itself. The common or unifying ‘sub-material’ found within all these materials is Silica – hence the term 'Silicates Research'.

The research unit was established in 2006 by David Binns and Alasdair Bremner. Through testing Binns and Bremner, found their individual research not only had similar philosophical elements, but technical compatibility.  Both areas of research involved the use of silicate-based materials and has since been the starting point for a number of collaborative ‘live’ projects, combining the functional and aesthetic properties of a wide range of silicate-bearing materials; ceramic, glass and concrete. Projects are often interdisciplinary, employing design, material science, sustainability, waste management and conservation. 

The broad aims of the unit are to combine materials and processes, craft and industry, in order to challenge existing narratives of form, surface and material, thereby extending the aesthetic and functional repertoire of these materials.

The SRU is currently engaged in a 2 year AHRC funded project titled The Aesthetic of Waste. The aims of the project are to: investigate recycled mineral based waste materials; explore how they might be combined within a thermal casting process, for the development of material with unique aesthetic qualities and to examine the creative and commercial potential of the material for architects, designers, artists and craft makers. It is intended that this new material may be used for making products such as interior and exterior wall tiles/cladding, flooring, bricks, urban street furniture, sculptural objects and utilitarian wares.

The scope of the project will span the entire R&D process, from investigating sustainable sources of waste raw materials to investigating potential creative applications and opportunities for manufacturing.

It is hoped that through this project, a series of new materials with unique aesthetic properties will be developed, that have both strong Eco credentials and the potential for industrial manufacture and application within a variety of architectural contexts – bridging the boundaries between craft, design, science and industry.