Dry Tech Project by Droog Design
The Dry Tech project by Droog Design (started 1996) was a bold experimental collaboration with Delft University of Technology’s Aerospace Engineering faculty. It explored merging high-tech materials with craftsmanship to push design boundaries. The series bridged engineering and design, delighting in letting materials take centre stage.
Dry Tech I (1996)
Iconic outcome: Knotted Chair by Marcel Wanders – made by knitting carbon fibres, combining them with resin, and suspending the structure to solidify under gravity. This chair became a design classic and a museum piece.
Knotted Chair by Marcel Wanders
Knitted Lamp by Hella Jongerius
Dry Tech II (1997)
Expanded the scope with 15 designers exploring innovative technical fabrics. Featured fibre‑coiled stools by Hella Jongerius, epoxy-Swiss lace tables by Marcel Wanders, and spray‑cocoon furniture by Konings & Bey.
Wrapped Stool by Hella Jongerius
Kokon Furniture by Konings & Bey
Dry Tech III (2007)
Highlights included architectural applications like the Spacer Chair and Woven Waffle Screen by Studio Samita Boon — pushing form, material properties, and spatial concepts.
Spacer Chair by Studio Samira Boon and Next Architechts
Woven Waffle Screen by Studio Samira Boon and Next Architechts
Dry Tech exemplifies Droog’s philosophy: marrying conceptual humour, unusual materials, and technical wonder. It demonstrates that engineering-led material inquiry can produce unexpected beauty, storytelling, and cultural resonance through everyday objects.
