Dezeen · Creativity & design

HS2 Excavations Transformed into Biscuit-Inspired Tiles

Designers Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad and Rafael El Baz created wall tiles for HS2's Old Oak Common station using clay excavated from the site. The tiles are inspired by traditional Ma'amoul cookies.

The project used 12 tonnes of clay from the station's construction. The tiles feature reliefs made with moulds based on traditional tools for Ma'amoul cookies, drawing inspiration from local Middle Eastern bakeries.

The designers aimed to create "hyper-local objects" that add meaning and connect with communities, contrasting with standard products and humanizing infrastructure.

The Sweet Terrain tiles are intended for "quiet spaces" within the station, such as multi-faith zones and corridors. Thousands are expected to be installed.

The process involved refining 12 tonnes of construction soil for tile production, with manufacturing by historic tilemaker Craven Dunnill Jackfield.

Tiles were designed with varying sizes and depths for durability and tactility, balancing aesthetics with practicality.

The team is experimenting with glaze finishes to add a "human touch." Local bakers view the project as an "act of recognition" for their communities.

The HS2 network has faced controversy, including environmental concerns. Old Oak Common station will be a major UK transport interchange.

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