Nordic Homeworx and Studio Thirteen Collaboration at Sikka Art Festival 2025

March 7, 2025

Sustainability and creativity come together at Sikka Art Festival 2025 with Renewal, a unique art installation led by Pauline Madani, founder of Nordic Homeworx. In collaboration with Studio Thirteen, this project transforms Swedish Kährs wood flooring into artistic sculptures, each painted featuring the skills and capabilities of local artists.

The Renewal project highlights the potential of upcycling, showing how materials can be repurposed instead of discarded. This installation is all about giving Swedish Kährs wood flooring a second life. Floorboards that once served as a foundation in homes and businesses have been reshaped into striking sculptures, demonstrating that something as practical as flooring can become a powerful expression of art and sustainability.

Turning Wood Flooring into Art

For nearly two decades, Nordic Homeworx has specialised in high-quality Kährs wood flooring and is known for its craftsmanship and durability. Instead of disposing of used floorboards, the company saw an opportunity to repurpose them for Renewal.

The expert installers of Nordic Homeworx carefully set up each wooden pillar, preparing them as canvases for local artists. The result is a collection of sculptures that showcase new life into materials that would have otherwise been discarded.

A Partnership Built on Sustainability

When Rabab Tantawy, founder of Studio Thirteen, approached Nordic Homeworx with the idea of repurposing used wood for an art installation, the collaboration felt like a natural fit.

“Wood is more than just a building material, it carries history and tells stories,” says Pauline Madani. “By working with artists, we’re giving these materials a second life while reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and creativity.”

The partnership for Renewal reflects shared values of eco-conscious design, longevity, and artistic expression, proving that sustainable choices can be both practical and inspiring.

Swedish Sustainability in the UAE

Sustainability has always been at the core of Nordic Homeworx, influenced by Sweden’s design principles of simplicity, functionality, and environmental responsibility. The company’s approach focuses on long-term value over short-lived trends, ensuring their flooring solutions are built to last.

Nordic Homeworx encourages a shift towards more thoughtful material choices. Instead of constantly replacing materials, they advocate for preserving, maintaining, and repurposing, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Renewal.

Dubai is known for its fast-paced growth, but Renewal invites visitors to pause and reconsider how materials can be reused in new and meaningful ways. The installation serves as a reminder that sustainable design is not just about using eco-friendly materials but also about rethinking waste and extending the life of existing resources.

Encouraging Sustainable Design Choices

The Renewal installation is a clear example of how sustainability can drive innovation in art and design. It challenges the idea that materials lose their value once they have been used. Instead, Renewal shows that with the right approach, discarded materials can be repurposed into something entirely new and meaningful.

Upcycling does not mean compromising on quality or creativity; it opens the door to new design possibilities. The Renewal project also sends an important message to the wider design and architecture industries. By exploring alternative ways to reuse materials, designers can create more sustainable and forward-thinking spaces.

Nordic Homeworx’s Ongoing Sustainability Efforts

Nordic Homeworx has always prioritised sustainability, and Renewal is just one of many ways the company is reinforcing its commitment. Moving forward, they plan to:

• Help clients extend the lifespan of their flooring through proper maintenance and care.

• Continue exploring new collaborations with artists, designers, and architects to promote sustainability in creative ways.

• Advocate for eco-friendly material choices that balance durability, beauty, and environmental responsibility.

• Support community initiatives that encourage mindful consumption and resource conservation.

Sikka Art Festival 2025: A Platform for Creative Sustainability

Sikka Art Festival 2025 provides a space for local artists, designers, and creative minds to showcase innovative projects that challenge traditional perspectives. Renewal stands out as an installation that not only highlights artistic talent but also sparks important conversations about waste, sustainability, and the future of design.

Through the Renewal project, Nordic Homeworx and Studio Thirteen hope to inspire more people to rethink materials, embrace upcycling, and consider more sustainable choices in their own spaces.

The transformation of Swedish Kährs wood flooring into art proves that even everyday materials have the potential for a second life. As sustainability becomes a greater focus in design and construction, projects like Renewal serve as a reminder that with creativity, everything has the potential to be reimagined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to the Renewal installation after Sikka Art Festival 2025?

After the festival, Nordic Homeworx and Studio Thirteen plan to preserve and showcase the artworks in different locations across the UAE. The goal is to keep the conversation about sustainability and upcycling alive, inspiring more people to think differently about materials and their potential for reuse.

How were the used floorboards selected for the Renewal installation?

Nordic Homeworx carefully chose previously installed Kährs wood flooring that had reached the end of its use in homes or projects. Instead of discarding these materials, they were cleaned, prepared, and transformed into sculptures for the installation.

How did the artists contribute to the transformation of the wood?

Each artist brought their unique vision to the project, painting and sculpting the reclaimed wood into meaningful pieces of art. Their creativity turned simple floorboards into visually striking sculptures that tell a story of renewal and sustainability.

What message does Renewal aim to share with the design and construction industries?

The installation highlights that sustainability does not mean compromise. It shows that used materials can be repurposed in creative ways, encouraging architects and designers to adopt more sustainable practices in their projects.

Does Nordic Homeworx plan to do similar sustainability projects in the future?

Yes, Nordic Homeworx is always looking for new ways to promote sustainability. They plan to explore more collaborations with artists, designers, and architects while continuing to encourage the responsible use and maintenance of quality materials.