Would you like a small piece of future design history — shimmering wood?

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Would you like a small piece of future design history — shimmering wood?

Published: 24.8.2026

Coming to the Aalto University Shop this September: a limited batch of 20 unique, handmade works by Shimber, crafted entirely from wood. Each piece is finished with Shimber’s wood‑based structural colour — a material that makes the surface shimmer and come alive with the light.

Shimber's decorative wooden blocks and cones with floral and mosaic patterns — Shimber’s colour does not come from pigments or dyes. The shimmer arises from a nanoscale structure that reflects light at different wavelengths. Structural colour can be seen, for example, in butterfly wings and peacock feathers. Photo: Shimber

A colour is never completely static. It shifts with the viewing angle, the light, the underlying material and the shape of the surface. Shimber doesn’t merely coat a material; it interacts with it. That’s precisely why each outcome is slightly different.

Shimber was born from the idea that colour can be made in an entirely new way. Instead of adding pigment to a surface, the colour is built structurally from wood‑derived nanocellulose. The result is a naturally shimmering, optical surface whose deep hues respond to light and surroundings — without pigments, dyes or plastic.

Founded in 2025, Shimber channels years of materials research into applications for design, art and architecture. The company is developing a new colour language that brings together material surface structures, visual expression and material technology.

The 15 × 15 centimetre wooden sculptures made for the Aalto University Shop are all unique. They are created by combining different techniques developed by Shimber, giving each surface its own character. Subtle variations, tonal differences and the material’s own mark are an essential part of the works.

A batch of 20 pieces will be available at the Aalto University Shop during Helsinki Design Week from 1 September 2026 at 9 am. The price per piece is €150.

Shimber limited edition artworks (a batch of 20 unique designs)

Abstract leaf artwork on a wooden panel, pale blue and yellow petals against a plain wall — Shimber artwork #1

Shimber's square iridescent tiled panel leaning on a pale wall and grey surface in a minimalist setting — Shimber artwork #2

Shimber's small mosaic artwork with pale iridescent pattern on wood, leaning against a soft pink wall — Shimber artwork #3

Shimber's small iridescent wood panel with blue‑green sheen leaning on a pale wall and grey surface — Shimber artwork #4

Shimber's small square artwork with blue and yellow sheen leaning against a pale wall on a grey surface — Shimber artwork #5

Shimber's iridescent abstract painting on wood leaning against a pale wall on a grey surface — Shimber artwork #6

Small iridescent abstract painting with wavy lines on wood, leaning against a pale wall — Shimber artwork #7

Small pastel artwork with iridescent flower shapes on wood, leaning against a pale wall — Shimber artwork #8

Small panel with iridescent vertical stripe pattern leaning on a pale wall and grey surface — Shimber artwork #9

Small abstract canvas with pale green and white texture, leaning on a soft pink wall above a grey surface. — Shimber artwork #10

Wooden plaque with shimmering pale blue and yellow floral inlay, leaning against a light pink wall — Shimber artwork #11

Small shimmering abstract blue and green painting leaning on a pale wall above a grey surface — Shimber artwork #12

Small iridescent wooden panel leaning against a pale pink wall on a grey surface — Shimber artwork #13

Small wood panel with shimmering pale floral inlay, leaning on a light wall above a grey surface — Shimber artwork #14

Small iridescent abstract painting with blue and yellow tones leaning on a pale wall and grey surface — Shimber artwork #15

Small wood painting with pastel abstract pattern leaning on a pale wall, on a grey surface — Shimber artwork #16

Small abstract painting with blue and beige tones, leaning on a pale wall above a grey surface — Shimber artwork #17

Small abstract canvas with blue and beige textured crack, leaning on a pale wall — Shimber artwork #18

Small abstract painting with pale blue, green and beige cracks, leaning on a soft pink wall — Shimber artwork #19

Small iridescent abstract panel on wood, leaning against a pale wall on a grey surface — Shimber artwork #20

Monika Nars, Konrad Klockars, Noora Yau and Anna Semi pose by an ornate fireplace in a bright room with wooden doors and parquet floor — Shimber's team: Monika Nars, Konrad Klockars, Noora Yau and Anna Semi. Photo: Shimber

What is Shimber?

Shimber is a Helsinki-based design and materials-innovation company commercialising a new generation of wood‑based surface materials for luxury design, architecture and fashion. Its clients include several international premium and luxury brands, with whom Shimber develops future material solutions and new applications.

The founders — designer Noora Yau, materials scientist Konrad Klockars and fashion designer Anna Semi — began their collaboration in Aalto University’s Shimmering Wood project. The founding team is complemented by CEO Monika Nars, who is responsible for commercialisation, business development and international growth.

Shimber is the first arts and design spin‑off from Aalto University. Its materials and prototypes have been showcased, among others, at Salone del Mobile in Milan, Stockholm Creative Edition, the main exhibition of Helsinki Design Week, and in several editions of Aalto University’s Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition.

Close-up of an iridescent swirl pattern with shimmering rainbow colours on a smooth surface.

World’s first bio-based, microplastic-free coating derived from deconstructed wood creating vivid, living surfaces that shift with every angle

Innovation portfolio

Biomaterials and 3D-printing conjure a sparkle out of wood without harming people or the environment

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Updated: 24.8.2026
Published: 24.8.2026

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