3form expands its Varia Artisan Collection with two new handcrafted interlayers, Knotted Hemp and Woven Bamboo, each made by artisans and hand-laid in 3form’s Salt Lake City facility. Alongside these interlayers, 3form introduces three etched glass interpretations of woven bamboo and hemp patterns, offering a versatile way to bring textures into a variety of spaces.
This latest cross-material launch allows designers to integrate artisanal craftsmanship into projects with distinct approaches. Varia panels encapsulate handwoven, organic materials, adding dimension and durability, while etched glass interprets these intricate patterns into a refined and elegant solution for spaces where organic materials may not be practical. By blending tradition with modern innovation, 3form’s latest additions bring authenticity, texture, and a deeper connection to nature into built environments. “In a highly digitized world, our Artisan Collection reflects a deep desire for connection—to connect to our surroundings, the skilled artisans behind the materials, and the people we share those environments with,” said Ryan Smith, Chief Creative Officer. “This collection not only preserves cultural heritage but fosters sustainable livelihoods, bringing time-honored craftsmanship to modern built environments.”
Knotted Hemp: A Tribute to Craftsmanship Inspired by the intricate Incan khipu knot, Knotted Hemp is a hand-knotted hemp interlayer crafted by artisans in Rolpha and Kathmandu, Nepal. Designed and sourced in collaboration with Docey Lewis, a designer and consultant with over forty years of experience, the collection features the artistic work of spinners, knotters, dyers, and weavers. The process begins with artisans in Rokum Rolpha, who prepare the hemp fibers by pounding the yarns with a wooden mallet and followed by a tooth-and-spindle technique to hand spin them. The yarns are delivered to Kathmandu and are knotted and sun-dried pigment-dyed before being woven into an intricate pattern. The materials are then shipped to and hand-laid in Salt Lake City before being enveloped in 3form’s translucent Varia material. Encasing Knotted Hemp into Varia allows designers to heat-form and add additional color to the panel, providing a versatile, durable, and easy-to-clean solution that celebrates the tactile richness of the hemp. Knotted Hemp is available in three hemp colors: Ember (black), Wheaten (natural), and Snow (white), allowing architects and designers to bring color and a nature-inspired element to a space.
“Hemp is an ideal building material because the fibers are more durable than and outperform natural materials such as wool or cotton,” explains Docey Lewis, textile expert and designer. “In addition to its sturdiness, hemp string’s ability to be easily manipulated offers ample opportunity for designers to develop unique visual texture through different ancestral knotting and weaving techniques.”
Woven Bamboo: Fusing Tradition and Innovation Scoured from rapidly renewable bamboo groves in Java, Indonesia, Woven Bamboo celebrates the natural beauty and sustainability of this versatile plant. After being harvested, split, and treated for durability, the bamboo is woven in by Indonesian artisans using time-honored techniques to plait it into one of two basket weave designs: an octagonal pattern called Woven Bamboo Open and a grid-like pattern called Woven Bamboo Square. By embedding hand-plaited bamboo mats into translucent resin panels, 3form eliminates issues related to bamboo’s porosity while preserving its intricate, natural beauty. This collaboration bridges traditional craftsmanship with technology, creating versatile and practical products for modern spaces. Ideal for partitions and wall features, this collection combines natural elements with Varia for easy maintenance, making it especially suitable for hospitals and healthcare settings to promote well-being.
Expanding the Artisan Story with Etched Glass Interpretations Moved by the texture, look, and feel of Woven Bamboo and Knotted Hemp, the brand was inspired to create new etched glass patterns that accompany the whole collection. 3form Glass, a modifiable high-performance, architectural grade glass, captures the artisan look of Woven Bamboo and Knotted Hemp through intricate etching, making it accessible for spaces unsuited to organic elements. Available in both monolithic and laminated glass, this etching technique creates a crisp, monochromatic interpretation of natural materials. It ensures perfectly aligned pattern repeats across multiple panels and offers customizable color options for greater design flexibility.
Enhancing the Design Experience Designers can use 3form Glass and Varia throughout their spaces to create a seamless and continuous design experience. By using the right material for each application, designers can harmonize the organic textures of Knotted Hemp and Woven Bamboo with the durability and flexibility of glass and resin panels. This allows for a cohesive aesthetic that honors the artisanal craftsmanship while adapting to the needs of different environments.