Clay Slater Thompson
Born in London’s East End and brought up in Portsmouth, on the southern coast of England, I entered the world of architecture through the Interior Architecture program at University of Westminster. After graduation, I spent time interning at Storefront for Art and Architecture in New York City and since then I have worked in London as a designer at Perkins+Will. In 2017, I entered into the MA Interior Design program at the Royal College of Art in order to develop and interrogate my design agency. During my time at the RCA I developed a design practice that focuses on urban ecology; how humans and the city shape the way in which nature exists within urban environments. Using a detailed analysis of existing architecture and its material make up, new design typologies are crafted from natural and found materials.
Material Qualities
Soft / Hard: Soft
Shiny / Matte: Matte
Smells: Sour
Texture: Slimy when wet / brittle when dry
Material Recipe
Scoop duckweed from surface of local waterway.
Spread thinly onto paper sheet and leave to dry in sun or place in dehydrator for approximately 1 hour.
Using a manual grinder, grind dried duckweed into a fine powder. Run through a sieve and remove larger pieces then
regrind these.
The duckweed should now resemble matcha tea, fine and green.
Measure out 1 part duckweed powder, 3 parts raw linseed oil and 1 part turpentine.
To combine successfully you will need a large hard flat surface, ideally a sheet of glass.
On the surface make a mound of duckweed powder scooping out a hole in the centre. Into this pour the linseed oil and
gradually fold together using a spoon or spatula. Once combined this should create a wet green paste.
Add to this the turpentine and mix well. Spread this thinly onto your surface and spend at least 10 minutes mixing
thoroughly. If the consistency is too thick more turpentine can be added.
When the desired consistency is achieved the paint liquid can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container.
Material Application
– Exterior metal paint
– Powder coating finish
– Timber oil stain
– Cement pigment
Material Method
– Lay duckweed out on paper sheets into thin layer
– Dehydrate for approximately 1 hour until dry and crispy
– Remove any larger vegetation or waste
– Grind using hand grinder (or mortar and pestle) until fine powder
– Mix duckweed powder with linseed oil to create paste
– To paste add turpentine until paint consistency
Material Narrative
dwellers and contract builders alike. This bumpy green paint would be a unifying moment in the changing landscape of east London, focusing attention on the importance of the existing natural landscape.