Fibo UK are expanding their presence within the architecture and design community with a new permanent home at Material Source Studio London, giving specifiers direct access to wall panel systems, samples, technical expertise and support.
As material choices continue to evolve, architects and designers are increasingly looking beyond traditional solutions to products that can respond to demands around installation, performance, design flexibility and sustainability. For Fibo, this presents an opportunity not only to showcase wall panelling as an alternative to tiles, but to build greater understanding of the system and where it can be used.
Located at Saffron Hill in Clerkenwell, Material Source Studio is a permanent materials destination for the architecture and design community, bringing manufacturers, products and materials together within a dedicated specification environment.
Fibo’s new presence will provide the opportunity to experience wall panel systems first-hand, explore a range of designs and finishes, access samples and discuss individual projects and technical requirements with the Fibo team.
The move forms part of Fibo’s wider ambition to strengthen relationships with the specification community by combining physical access to products with technical support and education.
Manufactured at Fibo’s factory in Norway, the waterproof wall panel systems provide an alternative to traditional tiling across bathrooms, kitchens and other interior environments. Available in a wide range of colours, finishes and tile-effect designs, the panels use Fibo’s Aqualock tongue-and-groove system to create a watertight installation without the need for grout.
Chris Bugg, Sales Director at Fibo, added, “As the first wall panel manufacturer to establish a presence at Material Source Studio London, we see a real opportunity to introduce more architects and designers to what wet wall panel systems can offer. We’re seeing growing demand across the market for solutions that can help projects move more quickly, support sustainability objectives and deliver long-term performance.
“Wall panels are still relatively new to many within the specification community, so early engagement is incredibly important. We want to work with architects, designers and other key decision-makers across the construction supply chain to build understanding of the technology, demonstrate where panels can add value and help drive the shift towards alternative ways of delivering wet wall environments.”
Danielle Kingswell, Head of UK & Export Marketing at Fibo, added, “For us, this is about creating a much more direct relationship with architects and designers. Being able to see and handle materials is such an important part of the specification process, but we also want people to be able to sit down with us, ask questions and really understand where wall panels can work for their projects.
“Material Source gives us a permanent space to do that. It allows us to bring together the product, samples, technical knowledge and support in one place, rather than simply asking specifiers to understand the system from a brochure or website.”
Alongside the permanent display, Fibo will use its Material Source presence as a platform for a wider programme of education and engagement with the specification community.
This will include Fibo’s CPD programme exploring wall panels and traditional tiling, helping architects and designers understand the different considerations around specification, installation and performance. Future Lunch & Learn sessions will provide further opportunities for practices to engage directly with the Fibo team and develop their understanding of wall panel systems and their applications.
The partnership will also create an important two-way conversation. By engaging directly with architects, designers and the wider market, Fibo will be able to gain greater insight into the challenges facing the specification community and use this understanding to inform ongoing product development, technical support and approach to the market.
The move builds on more than 70 years of Norwegian manufacturing and product development for Fibo. From beginnings in Lyngdal in the 1950s, the company has continually evolved its products in response to changing requirements within the built environment, with wall panel systems now specified across residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, social housing applications and beyond.
Danielle continued, “There is still an important education piece around wall panels. Tiles are an established and familiar specification, whereas panelling can offer architects and designers another option that they may not have previously considered.
“We want to make it easier for the specification community to understand the system, its technical credentials and the design possibilities available. Having a permanent home at Material Source, supported by CPDs, Lunch & Learns and direct technical support, gives us the opportunity to do exactly that.”
Fibo will mark their new presence at Material Source Studio with a ‘Norway Night’ on the 28th of October 2026, an event celebrating the company’s Norwegian heritage and bringing the architecture and design community together at the London Studio.
For Fibo UK, the move represents more than a new place to showcase products. It is an opportunity to become a more active part of the specification community, build new relationships and contribute to a broader conversation around the materials being considered for tomorrow’s interiors.
