[ Materials ]

At 3to5, materials are the starting point of every interior. Our Materials research lab is not simply a library of samples but a working space where material and solution research meets craftsmanship and technical development. For architects and designers, we support custom materials development, exploring textures, finishes, and material combinations that go beyond what is typically available in standard catalogs. In this process, materials become the physical language through which design ideas take form.
Our teams in Italy continuously explore the possibilities of innovative materials, working with wood, stone, metal, and glass to address both technical and aesthetic challenges. This research also supports the development of mixed materials interiors, where different elements are carefully integrated within a coherent architectural system. The work carried out in our laboratory feeds directly into our engineering coordination, ensuring that each selected material performs as beautifully as it appears.

Our work often begins with the exploration of innovative materials, developed to expand the architectural possibilities of an interior. Through research and prototyping, we study how traditional materials can be adapted, combined, or re-engineered to respond to contemporary design challenges. These solutions are developed in our Italian Lab, where materials undergo careful testing for humidity resistance, surface durability, and long-term performance.

Marble and granite composites with honeycomb backing that significantly reduce weight, allowing stone to be used in elevators, yachts, and large-scale ceiling applications.

Beyond traditional species, we explore processes such as fuming, bleaching, and hand-applied patinas to create finishes with greater depth and long-term stability.

Custom patinas for brass, copper, and blackened steel, developed to achieve surfaces that feel both refined and durable.

A defining aspect of the 3to5 portfolio is the careful integration of mixed materials interiors. Contemporary design often finds its richness in the dialogue between textures, the warmth of walnut alongside the precision of steel, or the transparency of glass set against the weight of stone. Bringing these materials together requires precise engineering and custom manufacturing expertise, capable of resolving differences in structure, weight, and material behavior.
Sustainability is also a central part of our research. We prioritize responsible sourcing, working with FSC-certified timber suppliers and exploring the use of upcycled materials, including acoustic panels developed from production waste. This approach reflects a broader philosophy of quiet, thoughtful design, where material quality, longevity, and environmental responsibility remain closely connected. Clients are welcome to visit our laboratories in Italy or our hubs in New York and Miami to experience these materials directly and understand the tactile depth that defines the 3to5 approach.