In 2018 Grymsdyke Farm Founding director Guan Lee was commissioned to design and make a floor installation for the main shop of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). Friend & Company Architects was the lead architect for the project to replace the shop which had originally been designed by Eva Jiricna.

The project aimed to create a surface that was robust, slip-resistant, geometrically consistent, and uniquely expressive. This initiative marked a significant milestone in architectural ceramics, introducing the first 3D-printed ceramic elements in an architectural context.

Guan developed a method to 3D print each tile using a robotic arm, eliminating the need for traditional moulds and allowing for unique designs. This process combined digital precision with the tactile qualities of local clay, resulting in tiles that were both functional and artistically distinctive.

After installation the tiles were evaluated for durability and maintenance. Subsequent iterations refined the design and production process, ensuring the tiles met the museum’s standards for public use.

The project, known as Life of Clay, exemplifies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. It highlights the potential of digital tools in reimagining architectural materials, and has been recognised in various exhibitions and publications for its innovative approach to design and fabrication.