- Professor James Roddis, Sheffield Hallam University
- Gary Nicholson, Research Assistant, 1999-2000
- Thomas Slater, Research Assistant, 2002-2004
This case study examines two linked AHRC research grant projects led by Professor James Roddis from the Art and Design Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University. The first award was for £41,644 from 1999-2000, and the second was for £119,387 from 2002-2004.
Concerns about the environment and sustainable regeneration were at the heart of this AHRC award for open loop solutions for recycled glass and translucent/ transparent architectural structures. The project team identified and collaborated with local manufacturers, using recycled materials to develop a new value added product. The developed composite was subsequently licensed to Resin Building Products Limited based in Doncaster and manufactured under the trade name TTURA™. TTURA™ is an attractive, durable material typically consisting 85% recycled glass, including previously ‘difficult’ waste from consumer, building and automotive waste streams. Combined with a solventfree resin, TTURA™ is sympathetic to the environment and reduces application hazards.
Off Shoot Company
Eight Inch Ltd was set up by Gary Nicholson in 2000. Gary worked as a research assistant on the ‘open loop solutions’ project. Eight Inch Ltd purchases the resin from Resin Building Products, mixes it with recycled glass and converts it into TTURA™. Gary’s work includes major 
commissions for interior design for nightclubs and bars throughout the UK, as well as domestic interiors. Articles on TTURA™ appear in the popular press on a very frequent basis and Gary is hoping to significantly expand his business, including international exports. Eight Inch won Manufacturing Business of the Year at the 2004 Startups Awards.
Awards
Fifth International Design Resource Award (IDRA), Seattle Museum of Art, USA - Winner of the International Design Resource Award 2001 for sustainable design; Sixth International Design Resource Award (IDRA), Winner, Japan 2003. Gary Nicholson fitting a TTURA bar In 2003 TTURA™ won the prestigious Material of Excellence title, awarded by Material Connexions. Winning this award brought TTURA™ to the attention of architects and improved its credibility and reputation.
Public Art
TTURA™ was used to make the ‘Blue Carpet’, a major public art work designed by Thomas Heatherwick. The Blue Carpet was commissioned by Newcastle City Council and is situated in front of the Laing Art Gallery. It was also used to make a translucent staircase at the fashion store B2B, and is currently being used on another major public work in Dublin’s docklands designed by landscape artist Martha Swartz.
Future Outcomes
There are many impacts arising from these projects, including environmental benefits. According to PwC, the economic impact of commercialisation activities includes:
- a projected Gross Value Award (GVA) from the new companies selling TTURA™ in the range of £2,355,295 to £3,202,663 over 25 years; and
- projected income streams from Intellectual Property royalties ranging from £530,170 to £929,478 in present value terms over 25 years.
For further details on open loop solutions for recycled glass and translucent/transparent architectural structures go to www3.shu.ac.uk/c3ri/Details.cfm?Action=DetailsOfProject&ProjectID=67.
PricewaterhouseCoopers calculated projected future economic benefits from commercialisation activities. Three growth scenarios were developed to model the benefits over 25 years (in line with HMT Green Book guidance). Scenario 1 used an optimistic growth rate of TTURA™ based products starting at 10% for 2006 and reducing by 7% year on year; Scenario 2 represents a medium growth rate starting at 8% and reducing by 7% year on year; and Scenario 3 represents a conservative estimate with growth starting at 6% and reducing by 7% year on year.
PricewaterhouseCoopers calculated projected future income from intellectual property royalties using royalty payments data from 2001 - 2006 from the University. The net present value (NPV) was presented over 25 years and was modelled using the three growth rate scenarios above.