BRIEF
To curate a collection of 100+ unique materials with an objective to immerse and educate the user
The Material Lab at Nilaya Anthology by Asian Paints brings together a curated collection across three categories: Crafts of India, Sustainable Materials, and Tech-Forward Materials from around the world. It serves as an educational space for designers and architects bridging traditional Indian craftsmanship with next-gen materials to inspire future-forward, rooted design.
Every region of India has a distinct geography that shapes its way of life. In ancient times, art and craft began as a form of expression and entertainment, eventually evolving into livelihoods across modern India. These crafts carry stories rooted in local materials and techniques. We reinterpreted these narratives through a contemporary lens retelling traditional stories with a modern voice.
As awareness around sustainability grows, more designers are choosing eco-friendly materials. At the Material Lab, we explored sustainably innovative materials from around the world and curated a collection that’s both inspiring and practical. These materials can be used in interiors, architecture, and furniture proving that sustainable design can be beautiful, functional, and future-ready.
Technology is reshaping the way we think about materials making them smarter, more efficient, and more adaptable to our changing needs. We focused on materials that either incorporate embedded technology or are developed through advanced processes. From interactive surfaces to high-performance composites, this collection invites designers to imagine bold, future-forward solutions grounded in material intelligence.
This space is a conversation starter for how we shape the material world ahead. It enables designers to make material-first decisions by showcasing textures, applications, and narratives in one cohesive platform. Whether it’s for interiors, architecture, product or spatial design, the Material Library offers an evolving vocabulary of materials that are tactile, responsible, and future-facing.