Biomaterials and Design with Manuel
Discover a one-of-a-kind creative journey with Manuel in the heart of Spain’s Redes Natural Park. Learn to craft innovative biomaterials from chestnut shells, blending digital fabrication and 3D printing with traditional handcraft techniques as you design and create your own vessel or sculpture. Outside the studio, find endless inspiration in lush forests, and scenic mountain trails.
- Breakfast, Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $2045
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $1550
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $375
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $65
Meet the Artist
Manuel is a designer living in Redes Natural Park, Spain, where chestnut forests and regional traditions shape his creative life. With a background in graphic and multimedia design and early roots in his carpenter grandfather’s workshop, Manuel combines drawing, building, and craftsmanship with a passion for sustainability.
He is best known for creating a biodegradable material made from chestnut shells—an agricultural byproduct often discarded. This material stands out for its natural texture and warm appearance, evoking the aesthetic and emotional qualities of the forest. It can be molded like ceramic, sanded like wood, and naturally dried by mountain air. Using 3D printing, handcraft, and natural drying, Manuel transforms this material into furniture, lighting, and sculptures.
Manuel collaborates with local artisans, incorporating traditional techniques like “cebatu” and basketry to preserve cultural heritage while advancing bio-inspired design. Surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Redes Natural Park, he draws inspiration from nature’s harmony, which guides both his life and work.
As a teacher, Manuel invites guests into his “mad scientist” studio to experiment with wild materials and inventive methods, encouraging them to reconnect with the natural world—one chestnut shell at a time.
He is best known for creating a biodegradable material made from chestnut shells—an agricultural byproduct often discarded. This material stands out for its natural texture and warm appearance, evoking the aesthetic and emotional qualities of the forest. It can be molded like ceramic, sanded like wood, and naturally dried by mountain air. Using 3D printing, handcraft, and natural drying, Manuel transforms this material into furniture, lighting, and sculptures.
Manuel collaborates with local artisans, incorporating traditional techniques like “cebatu” and basketry to preserve cultural heritage while advancing bio-inspired design. Surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Redes Natural Park, he draws inspiration from nature’s harmony, which guides both his life and work.
As a teacher, Manuel invites guests into his “mad scientist” studio to experiment with wild materials and inventive methods, encouraging them to reconnect with the natural world—one chestnut shell at a time.
VAWAA Includes:
- Introduction to bioinspired design and biomimicry principles in art and craft.
- Exploration of the Redes Natural Park to observe natural patterns, textures, and species.
- Nature journaling and scientific illustration during guided forest walks.
- Silent morning meditation overlooking the valley for deeper connection to place.
- Learn to create a biodegradable material made from chestnut shells.
- Preparation of 3D printed molds and modeling techniques using biomaterials.
- Design and crafting of a unique, hand-modeled piece to take home.
- Natural drying, sanding, and finishing process using non-toxic coatings like shellac.
- Visit to Manuel’s research and production workshop in the forest.
- Conversation about sustainability, material life cycles, and circular design practices.
- Traditional Asturian lunch made with local produce.
- Exchange with other rural artists to discuss biomaterials and contemporary craft.
Stay at Manuel's
Stay in one of several independent apartments located in a mountain village within Redes Natural Park, walking distance from Manuel's studio. Each apartment includes a private kitchen and bathroom, double or twin beds (based on availability), Wi-Fi, oil heating, wood-burning fireplace, and mountain views. One unit is mobility-accessible and allows service animals. Pets are welcome in the studio but not in other apartments. No air conditioning is needed, as temperatures remain comfortably cool year-round, except for a few days in August.
Explore Ladines, Asturias
Ladines, or Llaíñes in Asturian, is a small village perched at 620 meters in the Redes Natural Park of Asturias, northern Spain. With a population of just 62, it offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The village features traditional stone houses with wooden balconies, hórreos (elevated granaries), and ancient mills, reflecting its rich rural heritage. The local community maintains age-old practices like livestock farming and woodworking, deeply connected to the natural environment. The slow pace of life and close relationship with nature stands as a testament to sustainable living, where creativity and mindfulness flourish in harmony with the landscape.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Redes Natural Park and Ladines is between May and October, during spring and autumn, when the landscape is at its most lush. Asturias is a humid and often rainy region especially in early spring (March-April), but if you wish to avoid rains, make sure to schedule your travels for later in the season. It's best to avoid the colder months (November to April) as the studio is not heated, and temperatures can be chilly.
This session can be extended for up to 15 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with accessibility or special needs are welcome to participate. The studio is located on the ground floor with wide access doors, and the experience can be adapted to ensure safety and comfort for all participants.
Manuel speaks Spanish and basic English. He doesn't believe language is a barrier when we work with our hands, eyes, and curiosity, though he can arrange a translator if requested.
This session can be extended for up to 15 days. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children accompanied by a guardian, elders, and people with accessibility or special needs are welcome to participate. The studio is located on the ground floor with wide access doors, and the experience can be adapted to ensure safety and comfort for all participants.
Manuel speaks Spanish and basic English. He doesn't believe language is a barrier when we work with our hands, eyes, and curiosity, though he can arrange a translator if requested.