SÕÕR: Circular Living Lab for Biomaterials, Prototyping and Craft-Based Experimentation / HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-HERITAGE-03: Crafting routes to a circular economy

SÕÕR (NGO Kultuurtaim) is a circular living lab based in Estonia, working with biomaterials, prototyping, and craft-based experimentation, connecting students, designers, researchers and entrepreneurs. I work at SÕÕR as a Laboratory Services Coordinator and I am a certified circular designer from the Estonian Academy of Arts Circular Design MA curriculum with an additional experience in interdisciplinary research and development of durable, recyclable and biodegradable textile fibres from urban fallen tree leaves in collaboration with Aalto University. 

With SÕÕR (NGO Kultuurtaim) we are looking for a consortium to join in the Cluster 2 call HORIZON-CL2-2027-01-HERITAGE-03: Crafting routes to a circular economy. 

NGO Kultuurtaim is not a purely research or policy organisation.
Our role is to test ideas in practice – through materials, making, and collaboration. We value supporting the local economy and sustaining traditional methods by adapting them into new modern contexts.

We operate as an open living lab and workshop platform, where circular concepts are explored through:

- biomaterial experimentation (e.g. plant fibres, cellulose, natural composites, biowaste) 

- prototyping and small-scale production 

- structured workshops and co-creation sessions

- adapting traditional methods for contemporary use

Our work is built around three pillars:
education – experimentation – access

Contribution to expected outcomes

SÕÕR contributes directly to the expected outcomes of the call by:

– advancing the cultural dimension of circular economy through craft-based and biomaterial practices rooted in local heritage

– co-developing and testing scalable and inclusive circular business and production models through hands-on prototyping and stakeholder engagement

– contributing to the development of a circular solution toolkit through real-life testing, iteration and validation in a living lab environment

– generating evidence-based insights and recommendations based on user engagement and material experimentation

– supporting skills development through workshops, training formats and experiential learning in circular design and biomaterials

What we bring to a consortium

We contribute to:

– validated biomaterial prototypes 

– tested co-creation methodologies for circular design. We involve participants directly in material processes, not only in discussions or surveys. 

– input to circular toolkits and guidelines based on real-life experimentation. As certified in circular design, we have an in-depth knowledge of the circular design approach, which is the key driver for circular economy. Through direct collaboration with diverse stakeholder groups, we are able to map their needs and perspectives, ensuring inclusive and well-informed outcomes.

– documented living lab case studies for policy and replication

Strategic positioning

Based in Estonia, a small country with a strong cultural heritage, we are deeply driven to sustain both local traditions and the environment. We draw on biomaterials available in our natural surroundings and the knowledge embedded in our cultural practices to promote their sustainable use. By translating this heritage into a contemporary circular design approach, we contribute to the cultural dimension of the circular economy and inspire scalable, inclusive solutions rooted in local contexts.

Website: www.s66r.ee