Since I am an interior architect it is not only important to think about sustainability in my everyday life but in my designs as well. As a consumer we often buy temporary furniture and change our interiors all the time. Many of these furniture items are not recycled or end up in a landfill. As interior architects, we need to tackle the problem by using more sustainable materials in our own designs as well as choosing sustainable furniture and decor pieces. This last one goes for consumers as well. This post will show you some easy ways in which you can incorporate sustainable elements in your interior. Be inspired!
First, we have the Parisian brand TIPTOE whose mission is to make sustainable furniture that is well-designed, well-made and built-to-last. They rethink the way furniture is designed, since we are living in a world of fast- furniture. TIPTOE tackles this problem by making their designs simple, doing more with less, using the right materials (FSC or PEFC labeled wood, recycled plastic terrazzo, steel and aluminum), building to last and designing for disassembly. A few furniture examples are: a table where the legs are clamped to the table top, making disassembly so easy or a stool where you can slide the legs underneath the top and clamp them. This approach also makes it possible to transport the furniture as a flat pack.
Next we have these beautiful basins from Woodio a Finnish eco-design company with sustainable choices throughout the whole production proces from material and manufacturing to long-term use and disposal. They introduced the world’s first 100% waterproof solid wood composite with a minimal carbon footprint with which they create beautiful basins and tubs. The wood chips are locally sourced aspen or birch from Finnish forests. For colouring, water- soluble stains are used or just the natural wood color. These colours may vary, which makes every piece unique. This product is sustainable, lightweight which helps reduce emissions, durable and maintenance free. I absolutely love them!
Furthermore, MOGU creates mycelium based floor tiles and acoustic panels. By doing this they found a way to incorporate such a natural structure into an interior design element. The floor tiles consist of a mycelium composite core, coated with a patented formulation of 90% bio-based resins. The traditional industrial pigments are replaced with low-value biomasses, such as rice straw, corn crops, spent coffee grounds, discarded seaweed and clam shells. The acoustic modules are made from soft, foam-like mycelium materials and upcycled textile residues. These panels have a velvety finish and 3D shape to maximize sound absorption. Both pieces are modular and available in different shapes and/or natural colors.
Lastly, we are ending the blog post with the VELDA Resleep from the Belgian manufacturer Veldeman Bedding. They incorporate the cradle to cradle principle in this design as well as improving their overall production process. The various parts of the bed can be disassembled into individual parts by hand since they don't use glue and staples. This procedure ensures the protection of value of the components and reduces costs of collecting, sorting and reprocessing. Parts of the bed can be recovered after a first lifespan and worn parts (such as upholstery) can be replaced instead of producing a fully new one.
If you know some other sustainable brands or materials make sure to mention them down below. I would love to read all about them!