Hush | Freyja Sewell

Open plan offices and public buildings, CCTV, online profile sharing, cameras built into our laptops; never has it been easier for us to connect, but what about when we want to withdraw? There are now 21 cities with populations larger than ten million, and it is predicted that there will be many more in the future. It is essential to continue to develop new ways of allowing people to comfortably co-exist in these increasingly densely populated environments. By creating an enclosed space HUSH provides a personal retreat, a luxurious escape into a dark, hushed, natural space in the midst of a busy hotel, airport, office or library. HUSH provides a quiet space in an age of exponential population growth, where privacy and peaceful respite is an increasingly precious commodity. The main body of HUSH is cut from a single piece of 10mm industrial wool felt. Wool is naturally flame retardant, breathable, durable and elastic; it is also multi-climatic, meaning it is warm when the environment is cold and cool when it’s warm. It is of course biodegradable and so won’t clog up landfill after disposal. It is produced sustainably from animals out in the open, with each sheep producing a new fleece each year. The internal padding of HUSH is made from recycled wool fibers, produced as a by-product of the British carpet industry. HUSH is manufactured in Durham by Ness Furniture, by skilled craftsmen and women, supporting and revitalizing Britain’s ancient heritage of makers. HUSH was selected by Kevin McCloud as a “Green Hero” for Grand Designs Live.