Sustainable Spaces – July 2024

As we strive to build a better tomorrow, designing sustainably driven workspaces are crucial.

From recycled materials to energy-efficient technologies there are an abundance of unique ways to reduce our carbon footprint and create healthier work environments.

This month, we’re thrilled to bring insights from Kristina Neveriova, our Design Manager, Assistant Technical Services Manager Cormac Garvey, and Junior Designer Sophie Fowler as they share their top three recommendations for sustainable workplace design.

Diamik Recycled Glass Surfaces

Crafted from recycled glass, Diamik surfaces are manufactured to transform discarded glass into sleek, stylish countertops. The recycled glass is carefully sorted, cleaned, and crushed before being combined with a resin binder to create a durable composite material. This process not only reduces waste but also minimises the environmental impact of traditional manufacturing methods.

Key Attributes:

• Sustainability: Diamik Recycled Glass Surfaces are made from up to 85% recycled glass, diverting waste from landfills and reducing the demand for raw materials.

• Durability: Despite its eco-friendly origins, Diamik surfaces are incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas in commercial settings, ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance requirements.

• Design Versatility: With a wide range of colours and finishes available, Diamik Recycled Glass Surfaces offer endless design possibilities for office interiors. From sleek and modern to rustic and industrial, these surfaces can be customised to suit any aesthetic vision, making them a versatile choice for design-conscious clients.

“We’re excited to be using this product on one of our current projects; utilising the glass from the windows strip out from the building, we’re creating new vanity and tea point benchtops, even wayfinding signage.  What I like the best about this product is that it allows full creativity: by changing the resin colour and glass mix, we can explore infinite designs.” 

Kristina Neveriova, Designer Manager.

Casambi Lighting Control

Developed with advanced technology, Casambi offers intelligent, wireless lighting control that enhances energy efficiency while providing flexibility and convenience. Casambi’s wireless control system utilises Bluetooth technology to seamlessly integrate with LED lighting fixtures, enabling precise control over brightness, colour temperature, and scheduling. This innovative approach eliminates the need for complex wiring and traditional lighting control systems, reducing installation time and costs.

Key Attributes:

• Energy Efficiency: By allowing users to customise lighting levels and schedules based on occupancy and natural light conditions, Casambi Lighting Control significantly reduces energy consumption in office spaces. This not only lowers utility bills but also minimises the carbon footprint of the building, contributing to environmental sustainability.

• Flexibility and Scalability: Casambi’s wireless design offers unmatched flexibility, allowing for easy reconfiguration and expansion as office layouts change or grow. With its scalable architecture, Casambi Lighting Control can accommodate the needs of both small startups and large corporations, providing a future-proof lighting solution.

• Intuitive User Interface: Casambi’s user-friendly interface and mobile app make it simple for occupants to adjust lighting settings according to their preferences. Whether dimming lights for a presentation or creating personalised lighting scenes for different tasks, users can effortlessly tailor their lighting environment to enhance productivity and well-being.

“The Casambi system symbolises innovation in sustainability. It’s seamless integration and advanced features enhance energy efficiency and adaptability, aligning perfectly with our commitment to environmentally responsible office spaces, which is why we used it in our recent project – Voysey House!”

Cormac Garvey, Assistant Technical Services Manager 

Smile Plastic

Smile Plastic is not just about repurposing plastic waste, they are converting it into something beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible. Smile Plastic surfaces are made using a process that transforms discarded plastic waste into vibrant sheets of material suitable for various applications, including furniture, wall panels, and decorative accents. By repurposing plastics that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans, Smile Plastic reduces waste and helps mitigate the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

Key Attributes:

• Eco-Friendly: Smile Plastic is made from 100% recycled plastics, diverting waste from landfills and contributing to a circular economy.

• Durability: Despite its eco-friendly origins, Smile Plastic is incredibly durable and resilient, making it suitable for high-traffic areas in commercial spaces. Its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising environmental impact.

• Design Versatility: With a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures available, Smile Plastic offers endless design possibilities for office interiors. From bold statement pieces to subtle accents, this versatile material allows designers to unleash their creativity while incorporating sustainable elements into their projects.

 “Smile’s entire process is one to admire. Easy to work with, care for, and maintain, Smile Plastics deliver dependable goods that resonate with everyone. It’s inspiring to see a company prioritise environmental responsibility and user satisfaction, setting a high standard for the industry.”

Sophie Fowler, Junior Designer

Read more about how we incorporated Casambi Lighting Control in our Voysey House Project here.