International Design Day – Is it kind?

The theme of this year’s International Design Day; is it kind and the question of what if design was measured by how kind the design is to the world?

As interior designers we strive to design workspaces that are kind to the environment, integrating sustainable design without compromising on aesthetics or function. With our expert knowledge we pro-actively lead each project with a sustainable approach to specification based on key drivers such as the circular economy and the recommendation of products with an environmental declaration.

With that in mind we set out to find new and innovative bio-based products  and emerging technologies which encapsulate ‘kind design’ and are set to change the sustainability of office design.

CORNWALL®

Maize is the most common crop on the planet but once the corn is separated the cobs are left to degrade on the field or are burnt, both of which release carbon. CornWall is an attractive interior wall and furniture cladding product made primarily from this organic waste and is biodegradable, zero waste and climate positive. The cobs are mixed with a biodegradable pigment, pressed and heated (using energy from solar panels) and coated with a bio-based waterproof coating. The resulting CornWall product comes in two sizes and eight natural toned colours but is also customisable on request.

https://www.stonecycling.com/cornwall/

In collaboration with: https://circularmatters.com/ https://www.ninavanbart.nl/

MYKKO MYCELIUM

Not all vegan leather is created equal, many use polyurethane; a plastic material, which lowers it’s sustainability credentials with it’s poor biodegradability. But for the last few years a new vegan leather alternative has been gaining traction – mycelium. Already being used in fashion by the likes of Stella McCartney and Hermes, it is created from the branching underground structures of funghi. Mycelium is soft and strong like leather but is cruelty-free, renewable and sustainable. It’s mats grow in weeks as opposed to the years it takes to raise livestock for genuine leather and it’s compostable. There are even studies ongoing that show it can be self-healing if dormant fungal growth is reactivated!

https://www.mykko.co.uk/

SUPERDUPERTUBE LIGHT

A sustainable redesign of the 1970’s classic, the Superdupertube light is created using a bio-based material consisting of hemp fibre, wood cellulose, PLA from sugar cane and lime. The natural-coloured light fitting is strong and durable yet recyclable and compostable providing a carbon dioxide saving of 73% compared to an aluminium equivalent. Providing upward and downward lighting the Superdupertube is also available with four different glare shields for optimal visual comfort.

https://www.ateljelyktan.se/products/luminaires/superdupertube

KELSUN

Looking to make big waves is Kelsun, a seaweed-based material that can be used across the textile industry. Made from over 75% kelp, one of the world’s most abundant, renewable and regenerative resources, Kelsun uses 70x less water to grow than cotton and is harvested under strict sustainability guidelines. Soft, smooth and comfortable Kelsun can be combined with other sustainable fibers to offer a significantly lower environmental footprint.

https://www.keellabs.com/kelsun

ALTED H01

Alted H01 are recyclable, non-toxic decorative panels for interior use. Available in three debossed patterns and five beautiful colours; both elements are customisable on request. The panels are created using 98% recycled content, predominantly paper industry waste and post-consumer cardboard, and the coating is a bio-resin extracted from plant-based waste.

https://www.altedmaterials.com/products/

If you’re looking for more sustainable solutions or help with your ESG goals for your office design project, give the experienced team at Mansfield Monk a call on 01277 351981.