Sustainable Spaces – September 2024

In today's rapidly evolving world, pursuing sustainability has become more important than ever.

This month, we're thrilled to have Cormac Garvey, our Assistant Technical Services Manager, Michael Harvey, Senior Technical Services Manager, and Junior Designer Sophie Fowler share their top three design recommendations that will leave your workspace destined for a sustainable future.

Building On Mycelium by Material Incubator

Mycelium, derived from fungal threads, presents an innovative solution for sustainable office design. Cultivated from agricultural waste and mycelial cultures, this versatile material offers many applications, from bricks to panels and blocks. The production process involves mixing mycelium with organic matter, a nutrient-rich substrate. As the mycelium spreads and digests the organic components, it forms a dense and interconnected structure, creating a solid mass. This material can then be moulded into desired shapes, continuing to grow and reinforcing its strength.

Key Attributes:

• Eco-Friendly: Mycelium production uses agricultural waste as a substrate, reducing the environmental impact of traditional building materials. Mycelium is biodegradable, ensuring minimal ecological footprint throughout its lifecycle.
• Versatility: Mycelium offers diverse applications in office design, from acoustic panels to structural elements. Its adaptability allows creative and sustainable solutions to meet various design needs, enhancing aesthetics and functionality.
• Carbon Negative: Mycelium sequesters carbon during its growth process, making it a carbon-negative material.

Cormac recently visited the design museum in London, where he was captivated by a dedicated section showcasing the benefits and applications of Mycelium. Inspired by its versatility and sustainability, Cormac thinks integrating Mycelium into office designs presents an exciting opportunity to redefine workplace environments with eco-conscious innovation.

SIMMTRONIC Intelligent Lighting

SIMMTRONIC represents the pinnacle of lighting technology, seamlessly integrating intelligent controls to optimise energy usage and enhance user experience. The intelligent lighting systems are meticulously engineered to precisely control lighting levels, colour temperatures, and scheduling, ensuring optimal illumination tailored to specific tasks and occupancy patterns. Utilising advanced sensors and software, SIMMTRONIC can reduce energy consumption by 70-80% while lowering Scope 2 Carbon Emissions.

Key Attributes:

• Energy Efficiency: Intelligent lighting systems are designed to minimise energy consumption by dynamically adjusting lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light conditions. This reduces electricity bills and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to a greener and more sustainable workspace.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: With its modular design and scalable architecture, SIMMTRONIC lighting systems can be easily customised and expanded to meet the evolving needs of office environments, offering flexibility and adaptability.
• Data-Driven Insights: Intelligent lighting systems provide valuable data insights into energy usage patterns, occupancy trends, and lighting performance. Leveraging this data can create informed decisions to optimise energy efficiency further and enhance user experience, ultimately driving sustainability efforts forward.

“Light plays an integral role in the workspace. The right workplace lighting aids alertness and boosts concentration in cooler white light, offering the ideal space to wind down, relax, and socialise with warmer tones. Recent studies show that office lighting is one of the key factors to consider when maintaining a healthy overall well-being”, says Michael.

Seastone - Sustainable biomaterial

Seastone is a sustainable biomaterial derived from recycled seashells, offering a unique blend of durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness. It combines environmental responsibility with stunning design. Seastone is made through a process that repurposes discarded seashells, diverting them from landfills and oceans. These shells are cleaned, crushed, and mixed with a natural resin binder to create Seastone panels. The panels are then cured and formed into Shelluminator wall panels, featuring a distinctive texture and luminous appearance reminiscent of seashells.

Key Attributes:

• Environmental Impact: Seastone is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials, with each panel containing up to 70% recycled seashells. By repurposing waste materials, Seastone reduces the need for virgin resources and minimises environmental impact, contributing to a circular economy.
• Durability and Versatility: Shelluminator wall panels offer exceptional durability and versatility and are suitable for various interior applications, including walls, partitions, and decorative features. With its unique texture and luminous finish, Seastone adds a touch of natural beauty to any workspace while standing the test of time.
• Health and Safety: Seastone panels are non-toxic and emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), promoting a healthy indoor environment for occupants. Seastone is resistant to moisture, mould, and mildew, enhancing its suitability for office environments.

“Seastone's innovative use of seashells to create a concrete-like material is groundbreaking. The concept is intriguing and holds immense potential for sustainable construction. I’m excited to explore the possibilities this unique material brings to the table, paving the way for more eco-friendly building practices,” shares Sophie, highlighting the innovative approach to sustainability.

Read our latest article to discover how to turn your eco-friendly designs into Tenant-Ready™ masterpieces.