Floc’s wool acoustic panels at Lincoln University.
Floc’s wool acoustic panels at Lincoln University.
David Trubridge Design Studio and T&R Interiors are collaborating to combine wool, wood, and light in interior design. Kem Ormond finds out more.
The warmth of New Zealand wool meets the artisan in a new collaboration between the David Trubridge Design Studio and T&R Interiors.
The two established, family‑owned businesseshave each made significant contributions to contemporary interior design.
David Trubridge is well recognised in New Zealand and internationally for artisan-designed wooden lighting inspired by natural forms and underpinned by a strong sustainability ethos.
His lighting graces many homes, foyers, boardrooms, and office buildings globally.
T&R Interiors is the manufacturer of Floc, a wool-based acoustic material.
Floc is used in wall linings and acoustic panels, an innovative use of New Zealand wool within commercial and residential buildings.
Both businesses say they align with biophilic design, an evidence-based architectural and interior design approach that uses the interwoven properties of nature to enhance human wellbeing.
With the addition of natural light, plants, water, and organic materials, biophilic design is said to reduce stress and improve cognitive function, creating restorative, calming spaces rather than sterile, unnatural ones.
Each business holds Environmental Product Declarations, which are independently verified and registered documents that provide transparent, comparable data on the life-cycle environmental impacts of its products.
This shared foundation in sustainability has created a natural basis for collaboration.
“Initial discussions began last year, centred on opportunities to explore new materials and extend the functional and aesthetic possibilities of wool and wood within interior spaces,” Tom O’Sullivan, Business Development Manager for Floc, said.
Floc acoustic panels.
“I have always wanted to use sustainable, raw materials from our own land, and this is the perfect opportunity to do just that,” David Trubridge said.
While the partnership remains in its preliminary stages, it signals the potential for distinctive product development that merges acoustic performance, natural materials, and high-quality lighting design.
“With woollen acoustic products remaining the brand’s core focus, adapting our product for use in lighting presents an opportunity to develop a flagship offering and further showcase the versatility of New Zealand wool,” O’Sullivan said.
David Trubridge in his workshop.
More about Floc
Floc is made from New Zealand crossbred wool — a resource that has struggled in recent years.
Floc acoustic products are widely used in schools, commercial offices, cafes and restaurants, hotels, and transportation.
They are also used in residential homes and apartments – anywhere people congregate, and the acoustic environment is important.
The company has recently commenced export activity to Australia, with its first container departing just before Christmas.
Further market development is planned, with longer-term aspirations to sell the product globally.
Achieving this growth will require continued refinement of production processes and scaling capability.
“Collaboration is another measure of how businesses are going to succeed, expand, and keep the excitement alive, and we are thrilled to be along for the ride,” O’Sullivan said.
