Sustainable Interior Design FOR Houses and Hotel: Part ii
Sustainable joinery manufacture design By WOOLF Interior Architecture & Design
In a world of seemingly unlimited options, how do we ensure that the materials and products we specify for interior refurbishments meet WOOLF’s ‘ Green Credentials’? Explore our hospitality projects
Architectural practices have historically benefited from a more clearly defined and comprehensive set of standards for gauging ‘green impact on the built form’. However, the challenge for interior decorators and interior architects is complex, because we design spaces that are layered with multi-faceted products. Designers rely upon the originality and authenticity of products, from a wealth of suppliers on each and every project. So right from the outset when we are planning a design project, how do we include the use of sustainable materials that are essential to tackling the job?
WOOLF Interior Architecture & Design - Recycled and low emission textiles and lighting
WOOLF Interior Architecture & Design - Recycled and low emission textiles
At WOOLF we have compiled a list of some of the most popular, effective and reusable materials which allow us to achieve our green goals. Currently available are:
BAMBOO One of the top sustainable materials for design and construction, bamboo is highly versatile. A member of the grass family, it grows incredibly quickly, making it a leading green material. It is extremely strong, meaning it can be used for both making durable furniture bases and easily cut and shaped for interior décor pieces.
CORK Taken from the bark of the cork oak, this useful material can be harvested without harming the trees themselves. Even better, the bark grows back within nine years meaning, with proper rotation, cork can be sustained indefinitely. As a design material is can be used for décor purposes, but also as cladding for walls and floors. Because it is porous, it also makes for effective insulation and is better for the environment than fibre glass or foam rubber solutions.
RECLAIMED WOOD When old buildings are demolished, wood is one of many materials that can be repurposed for other projects. Often the timbers are in perfectly usable condition. Indeed, reclaimed wood has already been aged and toughened through years of use and is normally highly durable.
GLASS provides inherent sustainable qualities because it does not reduce in quality when recycled. Many design projects incorporate glass in pieces like cabinet doors and ornaments, but it can go much further than that. In construction for insulation and road surfaces, the insides of table tops and work surfaces, homeware or candle holders, and there are plenty of ideas around for garden landscaping.
TEXTILES Certain textiles are sustainable, particularly materials such as linen, wool and hemp. Production of these textiles takes a far smaller toll on the planet than comparable fabrics like cotton, whilst still providing a beautiful and luxuriant material for everything from rugs and runners to bedding and blankets.
WOOLF Interior Architecture & Design - Recycled and low emission glass & timber
WOOLF Interior Architecture & Design - Recycled and low emission dyes
WHO’s WHO ???
Who is capturing usable data on sustainable suppliers and renewable resources for interior designers in the UK?
Stone Fireplace - Bespoke Commission
THE GREENGUARD CERTIFICATION ensures that a product has met some of the world's most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low down emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Program provides assurance that products designed for use in indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits, gives credibility to manufacturers’ sustainability claims, backing them with empirical technical data from an unbiased, third-party organization.
THE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (FSC) certification provides assurance that forest products, including wood and paper, have been sourced from responsibly managed forests. For interior designers who want to incorporate sustainable wood and paper products into their projects, the FSC certification is an important indicator of environmentally and socially responsible sourcing. Explore WOOLF’s bespoke joinery design
Bedside Tables - Bespoke Commission
CRADLE TO CRADLE PRODUCTS INNOVATION INSTITUTE: Is a non-profit organization that promotes the design and manufacture of environmentally friendly products. They offer a certification program called Cradle to Cradle Certified, which assesses products based on their environmental and social impact across five categories.
BREEAM The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a widely recognized in the architectural industry as an environmental assessment method for buildings. It includes criteria related to sustainable sourcing and materials, and interior designers can refer to BREEAM guidelines and certifications to identify some suppliers and resources that align with sustainable practices.
Collision Console - Bespoke Commission
BUREAU VERITAS is a “Business to Business to Society” service that leads testing, inspection, and certification services across various industries, by conducting audits and inspections of supply chains to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards. This can be useful for interior designers who want to ensure that their suppliers and manufacturers follow sustainable practices.
THE STONE FEDERATION Has developed a British Stone Sourcing Tool. Their British Quarry Forum tool enables designers to find which stones are quarried close to your project. Water and fuel are key contributors to the quarry process. The tool contains over 80 indigenous stones covering a wide range of colours and textures.
THE ETHICAL STONE REGISTER (ESR) is a resource primarily focused on promoting ethically sourced natural stone for use in construction and design projects. The register aims to promote transparency and responsible sourcing in the stone industry by verifying and documenting the origin and production practices of the stone suppliers.
