Description:

The Wool Hoop is a high-performance lighting range created to showcase the unique qualities of New Zealand’s underutilized strong (coarse) wool. Crafted from certified regenerative wool sourced from a single New Zealand farm, the design elevates coarse wool, traditionally considered a by-product of the meat industry, into a premium material for interior lighting.

New Zealand’s strong wool industry, which accounts for around 85% of the country’s wool production, faces significant challenges, including low prices and a market that often does not cover the cost of shearing. This project began with the goal of repurposing “waste” wool to create a high-value, beautiful lighting product that highlights the potential of coarse wool. Supported by a grant from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, the development process spanned four years of research, prototyping, and design experimentation.

The design process followed a material-led approach, starting with sourcing wool directly from Palliser Ridge Farm in the Wairarapa. Early experiments included hand dyeing, hand knitting, and exploring digital weaving and whole garment knitting technologies. These tests revealed that flat knitting, using local machinery, was the most suitable method for mass production. In collaboration with Woolyarns in Wellington, a unique yarn was developed to accommodate the thickness of coarse wool. The Wool Hoop’s honeycomb knit pattern emerged after extensive testing, blending aesthetics and functionality. The geometric pattern serves to diffuse light beautifully while enhancing the acoustic properties of the light.

The Wool Hoop’s use of wool is key to its functionality as a light. Wool’s natural properties—such as its ability to absorb up to 96% of harmful VOCs, such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, within 24 hours—make it an ideal material for creating a healthier indoor environment. Additionally, wool’s flame resistance enhances the safety and suitability of the material for lighting applications.

The Wool Hoop also embraces a local, traceable supply chain, supporting New Zealand wool growers and revitalising the country’s textile manufacturing sector. The entire process, from farm to assembly, is based in New Zealand, ensuring minimal environmental impact and supporting local industries. The design also promotes the principles of circular design, ensuring the product is durable, repairable, and biodegradable at the end of its life.

Beyond being a lighting fixture, the Wool Hoop is a commitment to material innovation, elevating wool to its rightful place as a premium resource. By utilising locally sourced wool and a transparent supply chain, the Wool Hoop supports the growth of New Zealand’s wool industry while contributing to the broader movement toward a more sustainable future in lighting design.

With its unique blend of soft materials, material innovation, and sustainability, the Wool Hoop redefines the potential of wool in design, offering a lighting solution that is both functional and environmentally responsible.