Clerkenwell Design Week returns to the streets of EC1 for another year of exciting product launches, talks, presentations, and exploration of a wide range of international designers, makers, and manufacturers.
As part of this year’s event, KI will be taking space in the grade II listed building and CDW 2023’s festival hub, Old Sessions House, on Clerkenwell Green. The main feature this year is KI’s latest innovation, Clubhouse, a flexible system of acoustic frames and panels that can create a variety of private and collaborative spaces. From individual phone-booths to larger meeting areas with advanced tech integration, Clubhouse has been designed to revolutionise the way we work and interact in shared spaces.
Clubhouse’s clean and contemporary design provides a modern and innovative solution that is both visually striking yet supremely functional. Situated in this traditional backdrop will showcase its versatility, demonstrating how it can be seamlessly integrated into any setting. The crisp lines of Clubhouse’s chamfered edges throughout the structured framework paired with 10mm glass panels will juxtapose uniquely against the rustic, raw plaster walls and original chandelier of the room, creating a spectacular contrast between old and new. Clubhouse’s innovative design will offer a glimpse into the future of workplace, displaying how traditional spaces can be transformed into practical and productive environments.
Speaking about the installation of Clubhouse in Old Sessions House, KI’s President for E.M.E.A, Jonathan Hindle, said, “We are excited to showcase Clubhouse in such a beautiful and historic space. The juxtaposition of the old and new will create a visually stunning statement that highlights its adaptability. We believe this installation will offer visitors a unique and engaging way of experiencing Clubhouse’s unique features.”
KI has collaborated with Designers Guild to use their fabrics throughout the installation; chosen for their beauty, durability, and sustainability. A wide range of tonal neutrals, putty pinks, and accent crimsons in fresh linens and sheers have been selected to complement the modern design while adding warmth, colour, and texture to the space. Designer Guild’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices make them an ideal partner for the show.
KI will also be launching a Bruce Kenneth reclining chair and ottoman. Inspired by Brutalist furniture and architecture, the products have been designed with intentionally opposing smooth, organic curves and unnatural edges. Its realistic design doesn’t try to be too ‘statement’, but instead creates a timeless and practical product with seamless one-piece frame and legs.
Alongside this exclusive showcase there will also be a selection of KI’s most popular products to complete the scheme including Take5 Ottomans, 800 series storage, Grafton collection chairs, and Athens tables.
KI’s one-piece polypropylene Postura+ chair will also have focus on it as visitors are invited to explore its new colour palette and ongoing sustainability efforts towards a circular economy. The small gallery will also feature KI’s process for a new bi-product wood chip mix for Postura+ stools that reflects their commitment to eco-friendly design.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the future of open plan architecture and sustainable design with KI at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023.
About KI
KI’s furniture helps the world’s leading organisations create happy, healthy, high performing working and learning environments. Bringing together good design, advanced engineering and sustainable resources, KI’s products are durable, flexible and offer excellent value.
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Visit 100 St John Street, London, during Clerkenwell Design Week from May 23 to 25 to see the latest bathroom and kitchen launches from RAK Ceramics.
On display at the Design Hub are new ranges of surfaces, brassware and sanitaryware, all designed to create luxurious yet highly practical modern living spaces.
One of the striking bathroom displays at the Hub showcases the RAK Ceramics Designer Collection by Patrick Norguet, RAK-Valet. This is a range composed of functional elements – available in matt and glossy finishes – that serve as veritable valets and hand us the objects of our daily wellbeing via functional surfaces and stylistic solutions of great visual impact: decorative forms with slender profiles for the washbasins, top-notch stylistic research for the bathtubs, elongated lines for the toilet bowls.
For the kitchen there is CookingRAK – a one-of-a-kind hidden induction cooking system, creating a stylish impression and professional results.
Designed to create a multi-functional kitchen space ideal for daily use, the system is integrated into the countertop, opening possibilities for users to prepare, cook and dine in the same space; a seamlessly designed kitchen top made for dining and entertaining. The technology combines the high-performance of RAK Ceramics porcelain slabs, with an innovative induction system that operates through a magnetic field. Porcelain has always been the ideal choice for kitchen countertops as they are made of a durable material resistant to heat, stain, and scratch. They are also resistant to moisture and do not easily stain, making them easier to clean.
CookingRAK is exclusively produced with RAK Ceramics porcelain slabs in 14.5mm thickness and 135.5×305 cm size. The slabs can withstand high temperatures and with a surface hardness that resists scratching and staining. They are also an ideal material for kitchen countertops as they are very hygienic, food-safe, and less likely to harbour moulds and bacteria. To conveniently locate the cooking zones on the countertop, the RAK Ceramics slabs can be customised to add special markings in six modifications that will suit any kitchen style.
Staying with surfaces, visitors to the Design Hub can also view the stunning Metamorfosi collection, a decorative porcelain surface that will make an eye-catching impression for any interior. Metamorfosi is a large-format surface, available in two sizes – 120x260cm and 120x120cm. Inspired by the colours and shapes found in nature and responding to this important interior design trend, Metamorfosi is highly durable and splash resistant, just as porcelain should be, yet visually striking in its appeal, with several design options to choose from
An important destination on the Clerkenwell Design Week tour, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub at 100 St John Street, Clerkenwell is one of the largest in the area, with 7,276 square feet over two floors. The space gives visitors to the area the opportunity to explore the possibilities of choosing RAK Ceramics for their projects.
Designed to be an interactive and immersive environment to inspire creativity, the Design Hub includes a working kitchen display, working tap display, Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre and a Grab and Go sample area. New product launches are given their debut at the Design Hub, the company’s Mega Slab Maximus surfaces are highlighted, along with inspiring bathroom displays. The Design Hub also hosts seminars and events throughout the year and offers meeting spaces for designers and architects.
About RAK Ceramics
RAK Ceramics is one of the largest ceramics’ brands in the world. Specialising in ceramic and grès porcelain wall and floor tiles, tableware, sanitaryware and faucets, the company has the capacity to produce 123 million square metres of tiles, 5 million pieces of sanitaryware, 24 million pieces of porcelain tableware and 1 million pieces of faucets per year at its 22 state-of-the-art plants across the United Arab Emirates, India and Bangladesh.
Patrick Norguet is an essential figure on the international design scene. Drawing inspiration from everything that surrounds him, Norguet does not follow trends but seeks to give shape to products whose relevance and modernity would withstand the test of time.
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With a people-centric approach to sustainability, the UK’s market leader in vinyl flooring Karndean Designflooring is building commercial interiors that have a reduced impact on the environment whilst also delivering outstanding style, durability and performance.
Working with RFD Interior Architecture, its latest project has created an attractive biophilic design for Groupe Atlantic’s Expert Training Academy in East Yorkshire that combines sustainable performance with thermal and acoustic comfort.
Groupe Atlantic’s mission is to help society rise to the challenge of reducing energy consumption and increasing the use of renewable energy whilst still satisfying the demand for thermal comfort. Its new Expert Training Academy has been established to further these goals, training the heating and hot water industry in the next generation of renewable energy sourced appliances. With the business’ clear focus on sustainable development, it was key that the academy’s interior should itself have minimal impact.
Project designer and principal contractor RFD Interior Architecture has reflected Groupe Atlantic’s ambition to create a greener built environment with a comfortable yet practical interior in a biophilic style that supports health and wellbeing, meeting its sustainability brief with a focus on decarbonisation and recycled materials.
A terrazzo design floor from Karndean Designflooring sits alongside a natural moss wall and FSC certified oak cladding with recycled plastic acoustic backing. The furniture and accessories were also chosen for their superb eco credentials, including ultra-low carbon furniture made with recycled upholstery materials.
Jamie Shaw, head of ESG at Karndean Designflooring, said: “The Groupe Atlantic project amply demonstrates how our flooring can balance on-trend biophilic aesthetics with practicality and sustainability.
“Like all our designs, our new Opus Abstracts capsule collection replicates the beauty of natural materials using cutting edge technology to provide a hard wearing flooring that also improves indoor environmental quality and reduces a project’s impact over its entire lifecycle.
“The durability of Karndean flooring is key to product longevity and in commercial environments this can result in a carbon footprint that is up to 85% lower than other flooring products. These sustainability credentials were a key decision point for RFD Interior Architecture when specifying for Groupe Atlantic’s academy.”
Dalmata from Karndean’s Opus abstracts capsule collection has provided a statement floor that can stand up to the academy’s heavy footfall yet is easy to maintain. Featuring large black marble chips that stand out against a simple white background in a striking ‘dalmatian’ effect, the flooring brings an impactful neoclassical look to the clean lines of the interior. Introducing additional visual interest and comfort underfoot, breakout zones have been highlighted with thick pile rugs.
Alex Jenneson, design director at RFD Interior Architecture, explained: “From a design aesthetic, the newly launched Karndean terrazzo was a great looking product for our story. This design statement of monochrome maximalism stands out perfectly as a confident stone effect feature juxtaposed against the neat, uniform oak panels and earthy fabric colour tones. Natural materials, controllable low carbon lighting, biophilic elements and the clean yet playful interior design speak volumes about how workplaces can look and operate in the market today.”
The Opus abstracts capsule collection presents a range of bold contemporary designs and offers designers complete creative freedom of expression with endless options to create intriguing and impactful bespoke floors. Suitable for installation alongside other Opus wood plank and stone tile designs, these new abstract designs have expanded the boundaries of design and opened up new opportunities for personalised interiors.
Karndean products are manufactured in factories certified to the ISO 14001 Environmental Management and ISO 9001 Quality Management International Standards and meet LEED Credit 4.3 and CAL 01350 standards. Using production and operating processes that are increasingly energy efficient and making use of renewable energy sources, Karndean flooring provides a resilient, comfortable and attractive flooring that is the ideal choice to meet the sustainability challenges of the future.
For more information on Karndean’s Opus Abstracts capsule collection, visit www.karndean.com.
About Karndean Designflooring
Our design process begins with a meeting…with nature. We see flooring differently. Pushing the boundaries has to be an adventure of discovery. It’s why we travel the world for inspiration. From the ancient European woodlands to the Australian outback, we pack our bags and go there. Every time, we connect with something extraordinary that shapes our every step. It’s how we bring the unimaginable, inspired from the outdoors, indoors.
Leeds-based surface material supplier, CDUK, announces that PaperStone® – the award-winning innovative material made from FSC-certified paper and cardboard combined with a natural resin – has been awarded with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certificate.
The certificate follows the FSC-certified supplier’s ongoing commitment to help the design community to make informed decisions when specifying surface materials, ensuring that all designs are built to last and with as little impact as possible on the planet and consumers’ health and wellbeing.
Achieving an EPD certificate for PaperStone® allows CDUK to provide transparent data about the environmental sustainability of the innovative material and to support architects and designers to get their projects recognised by building assessment schemes including BREEAM, LEED and WELL Building Standard®.
The EPD certificate is just the latest achievement for PaperStone®, which is made from FSC-certified paper and cardboard combined with a petroleum free and VOC-free phenolic resin (PetroFree™), as well as being NSF certified and meeting Euroclass C-s1,d0 Reaction to Fire Classification.
The certificate covers popular colours Charcoal, Graphite, Gunmetal, Pewter, Sand and Slate, and is expected to be extended to the whole range later this year.
This achievement further demonstrates the environmental impact of PaperStone®, following a series of recognitions from industry awards, including Mixology Awards, SBID International Design Awards and Designer Awards.
Vicki Richmond, Marketing Director of CDUK, said:
“A key focus for CDUK is to provide the architecture and design community with all the necessary tools to create outstanding designs that are built to last and to be kind to both our planet and human wellbeing. PaperStone® perfectly encapsulates aesthetics, functionality and sustainability and achieving an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certificate is a testament to the first-class credentials of the new generation material”.
About CDUK
CDUK is a supplier of surface materials and complementary products to the specification market in the UK and Ireland, including architects, interiors designers, kitchen designers, fabricators and contractors. Having built a strong reputation as the exclusive distributor of Corian® Solid Surface in the UK and Ireland, CDUK now offers an extended range of services as well as products from a number of leading brands.
RAK Ceramics PJSC (Ticker: RAKCEC: Abu Dhabi), one of the leading ceramics brands in the world, announced today a USD 14 million investment in its sanitaryware production line in the UAE, upgrading the facility with the latest cutting-edge technology kilns and elevating sustainably the company’s sanitaryware operating model.
RAK Ceramics aims to begin installation of the new machinery in 2023, with the aim of going online in the first half of 2024. The investment will allow the sanitaryware line to incorporate latest technology into the heat exchanger system of kilns, with the capability for future conversion to hydrogen fuel and waste heat recycling given advanced features. Once operational, the Company will be able to maximize and optimize efficiency during production, enabling the realization of significant savings in both energy consumption and carbon emissions. Additionally, the process allows for an enhanced yield during production, reducing as such waste and increasing capacity utilization.
Commenting on the investment, Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said:
“As a responsible manufacturer and as the fourth largest ceramics player in the world, we have an important role to play on the global stage to make the industry more sustainable. This investment and the launch of this project in our sanitaryware business truly anchors our commitment to sustainability and our drive to long-term value for our stakeholders.”
“For this year, we aim to stimulate sustainability further through our functions and businesses, as we established a clear commitment to prioritize and support sustainable investments, and we are currently working alongside experts in the field to help us in our sustainability journey.”
Over the years, RAK Ceramics’ emphasis on sustainable production has expanded as the demand for distinctive and sustainable ceramic items develops and as the Company continues to reap the benefits of sustainable long-term investments on the environmental front, especially in terms of energy conservation and waste management.
The Company has outlined in its 2023 Priorities that it is working on defining and implementing a sustainability strategy for the short-to-medium term, incorporating further ESG practices and initiatives and adopting it across all its operations.
Zetta Scope Interiors designed a new office for Rontec. In a 10,800 sqft space the team aimed to create an environment that enhances both the client experience and the office atmosphere.
The team carefully chose furniture and finishes, using bespoke features that were designed to maximize space usage and design input, and placing them in the reception, boardroom, and offices. In order to reduce carbon footprint and minimize the project’s impact on the environment the designers repurposed the existing furniture, and new pieces were ordered from companies committed to the cause. More than 50% of the existing furniture was repurposed and reused for the new office, while the rest was sent to the charities to be repurposed for a second life.
A careful selection of finishes was chosen to utilise those that are designed with recycling and afterlife in mind. Some of the finishes include: FENIX – a durable material that has obtained various certifications related to interior design applications; Quartz – inherently eco-friendly since the natural quartz material that composes much of it comes directly from the earth; Tarkett carpet tiles – a global leader in sustainability.
About Zetta Scope Interiors
At Zetta Scope, we design places that inspire people and work for our clients over the long term because they balance the needs of the business, occupants and environment. Conceiving a successful interior design is a collaboration. For some clients, that means developing a design brief from scratch. In all cases, we work closely with you and your team. Our concept designs will be informed by an evaluation of the building, how your people work now, what you need to change and retain, and your corporate brand, values and ethos.
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Opitome is a one-of-a-kind luxury hardware concierge that boasts a rich heritage in both traditional and modern architectural hardware design and manufacturing. Our team of qualified and passionate experts, possess unparalleled knowledge of specification, design, and quality craftsmanship.
Through consultation and supply services, we work with interior designers and architects from around the globe to deliver the highest quality, luxurious fittings that meet their specific requirements. A full support service which includes detailed door and window scheduling.
The Opitome brand was founded in 2013 by a team of experienced architectural ironmongers who recognised the lack of flexibility and customisation with regards to hardware, offered to specifiers within the industry. We set out to create a company that could provide unique, tailored solutions for each client’s individual needs, along with unrivalled support.
Opitome’s hardware concierge service sets us apart. This bespoke service helps clients navigate the technical and aesthetic specifications of architectural hardware, ensuring that each project is completed to the highest standard possible. Today, Opitome’s combination of high-quality hardware solutions and exceptional customer service makes us the go-to choice for designers and architects looking for a reliable and trusted partner for their architectural hardware needs.
Our extensive portfolio includes door and window fittings, cabinet hardware, and other interior and exterior fittings made from the finest materials such as brass, bronze, leather, and resin. Our products are not only functional but also add an element of luxury and style to any project, enhancing the overall interior design aesthetic.
When it comes to Opitome’s service, firstly our qualified team has extensive knowledge and experience in architectural ironmongery, and work with a wide range of high-end manufacturers in the UK and overseas to provide the finest fittings on a global level. This allows us to provide a wider portfolio of products and solutions to clients, with the ability to tailor bespoke options to meet specific design briefs, timescales, and budgets.
Our team provide exceptional customer support and advice, including a complimentary detailed door and window scheduling service, we will organise samples and swatches, onsite support and provide a centralised procurement service to help clients streamline their supply chain and ensure that all fittings are delivered on time and within budget. We also provide expert advice on the correct specification of locks, latches, hinges, and other associated fittings, helping clients to avoid potential issues and the reassurance that their projects are safe and functional.
Finally, Opitome’s passion for craftsmanship and hand finishing is evident in our products, ensuring that each fitting is of the highest quality and built to last.
Opitome understands the complex challenges faced by designers and architects in managing multiple suppliers per project, especially when it comes to the technical specification of architectural hardware. Getting it right is not only an investment for the client but also impacts the reputation of the designer. Aesthetics and functionality must be balanced, which can often be a daunting and very time consuming task.
This is where Opitome comes in. We provide the technical assurances and help with time management for designers. We become an extension of the team, working closely with designers to provide the right solutions quickly, whether it is regarding the design, price point or technical aspect. With Opitome, you are in safe hands. Our years of experience and expertise in the industry have earned us a loyal client base. We help elevate interior design projects to new heights with our unparalleled services and solutions.
We work closely with interior designers to understand their vision, timescales and budget for a project and provide tailored hardware solutions that complement the design aesthetic while meeting practical requirements such as security and accessibility.
Organising samples can be time consuming, especially when short notice is given, so our support in sourcing and delivering samples and swatches, often hand-delivering them at short notice, is always appreciated by our clients and helps to ensure that projects remain on schedule. Our all-inclusive approach means that we will write the detailed schedules to include all associated products such as locks, latches, hinges and so on. This not only free’s up the time for the design teams but also provides the assurances that everything will be fit for purpose and within budget. Finally, we ensure that the goods receive one final quality check at the Opitome offices, before being packed into labelled door sets and sent to site or the client.
The company has gone from strength to strength and there are many significant highlights. I’d have to include the successful completion of several high-profile projects, including luxury residential developments in Mayfair, Kensington and the Cotswolds, where our teams consulted and supplied all hardware throughout. Plus a major commercial office building in the Middle East, along with a royal Palace! We hold a really strong mix of specialisms.
Our team is also growing and Natalie Kelly joined us at the end of 2022 as Opitome Client Relationship Manager, with a specific focus on the interior design partners. Natalie comes with much experience within the industry and from a luxury hardware manufacturing background, bringing a different aspect to our team strengths. Her client centric approach ensures we’re continuing to provide the best level of support as our company and teams grow.
In the last year or so, there has obviously been an increased focus on the use of natural and sustainable materials in luxury architectural hardware design. This has led to an increase in the popularity of quality, more robust materials such as brass, bronze, and leather.
In terms of finishes, we have seen a continued trend towards the use of matte and brushed finishes, as opposed to high-gloss or shiny finishes. This gives a more understated and refined look to the hardware. Antique Brass also continues to be as popular as ever.
Another design trend that has emerged is the use of organic and fluid shapes in architectural hardware design. Rather than the traditional geometric shapes, we are seeing more curves, twists, and asymmetrical designs. Although the classic designs are still extremely popular, particularly in the antique brass and dark bronze finishes.
Finally, there has been an ever growing interest in customisation and personalisation of architectural hardware. Clients are looking for unique and bespoke designs that reflect their personal style and taste, and manufacturers are responding by offering more customisation options.
The interior design industry is constantly evolving, and trends are likely to continue shifting towards sustainable, natural materials and innovative technologies. Designers who stay ahead of these trends and adapt to changing client needs will be well-positioned for success in the future.
As people become more conscious of their environmental impact, the interior design industry is likely to continue evolving towards a greater focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials. This trend has already been seen in the increased use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and plant-based fibres in interior design. Not only are these materials more sustainable, but they also add a sense of warmth and comfort to spaces.
In addition to sustainable materials, technology and innovation are expected to play a significant role in the future of interior design. Smart homes, for example, are becoming increasingly popular, with homeowners using apps and voice control to control their lighting, heating, and security systems. A very interesting time.
We’re thrilled to again be working on some incredible projects this year, and we’re currently busy writing schedules and organising samples for sign off, to ensure everything runs smoothly. We have a range of exciting overseas developments lined up, as well as work across London and the rest of the UK. Our focus remains on maintaining strong relationships with key manufacturers, so we can develop products that truly meet the needs of our clients. We’re always listening to our customers and looking for ways to further improve our service, so we can provide even better support to our partners.
In addition, we’re excited to announce that this year marks Opitome’s 10th anniversary! To celebrate this milestone, we’ll be collaborating with select partners to develop new and innovative designs. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with architectural hardware, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the years to come. So watch this space!
Opitome is proud to be an SBID Accredited Industry Partner, which is a significant achievement and reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, innovative hardware solutions for the interior design industry. We are proud to have met the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and customer service required to become a partner.
Being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is not only a recognition of our achievements, but it also provides us with a platform to connect with other industry professionals, attend networking events, and participate in prestigious awards programs.
These events are a great opportunity for us to showcase our products and services, collaborate with other experts in the field, and keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
In short, being an SBID Accredited Industry Partner is an important part of our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with SBID in the years ahead.
Questions answered by AJ Powell, Founder & Director, Opitome.
About Opitome
As industry leading experts, we specialise in the consultation and provision of truly exceptional door, window, and interior fittings for high nett worth projects globally. Providing a fully complimentary service, you will benefit from our 360 degree approach. From design concept through to after project care. We’ll work with you to understand your design brief, take care of organising samples and swatches, create detailed door and window schedules, provide technical and onsite support and much more. This is where we are exceptionally different. We look forward to supporting you on your next project.
EDGE, a hub for sustainable design and building materials has launched its online marketplace for sustainable construction and interior brands.
EDGE, an acronym for Eco Design Green Environment, has been hard at work building a new marketplace that will allow you to buy directly from planet-friendly construction and interior brands with the highest standards in waste-minimisation, energy efficiency, sustainable product manufacturing and materials sourcing, whilst also setting industry standards for design and aesthetics.
The marketplace can be used by specifiers for their projects as well as members of the general public and DIY ers’ wanting to design or build a more environmentally friendly building or space.
Due to the demand of eco-friendly materials in the building and interior sector, EDGE launched the marketplace to guide traffic of sustainable shoppers for home projects or large-scale construction builds to one destination where they can browse multiple brands across a variety of categories.
It accompanies EDGE showroom in Marylebone where most items can be seen, felt and tested before buying online.
To find out more, please visit www.edgelondon.eco
About EDGE
EDGE is London’s first interior design and construction showroom dedicated to sustainable products and materials. Working with some of the most sustainable and innovative brands in Europe we also curate an online shop where architects, interior designers, specifiers, construction professionals and DIYers can purchase products from these brands in order to make homes, offices and commercial spaces more sustainable.
Biophilia can be defined as an inherent human desire to connect with the natural world and elements of Arteriors’ interior décor encourage this. Biophilic design isn’t just trendy from an aesthetic perspective – surrounding ourselves with nature has additional benefits elevating our mood and creating a holistic environment.
In residential design, a biophilic environment can encourage relaxation and a separation from bustling outside life. In an office space, benefits include increased productivity and creativity. In both instances, including elements of nature into the design of a room boosts overall physical and mental health.
Natural materials are the obvious addition and just one of the ways we can ensure we are benefitting from mother nature’s touch. Materials such as rattan, wicker, and various woods are great additions and can be used in furniture, lighting and accessory design. Season upon season we’ve seen more brands offering designs that integrate natural weaves and raffias, making it easier for designers and their clientele to create a grounded, organic décor scheme.
The positive influence on people is paired with the sustainable credentials of using these materials. Inherently biodegradable and regenerative, the resulting products are crafted with the future in mind.
Striving to further our connection with nature, our design team has endeavoured to include additional materials such as corn husk, coconut shell and abaca fibres that give a varied aesthetic but provide the same benefits. We’ve always wanted to ensure we honour the ingenuity of master artisans, where skills are passed down from generation to generation – particularly in places such as Southeast Asia, where the incredible artistry has inspired our collection of natural materials where we’ve weaved in inventive details (pun intended). Combining contemporary form with rich texture and traditional craftsmanship evokes a warm, welcoming aesthetic.
Another key element to consider is the colours used in a space – neutral tones, and earthy hues are grounding and provide an effective canvas to incorporate additional elements of biophilic design. Pops of green are also proven to reduce heart rate and promote calm whether selected as a key colour in furniture choice or across a statement wall.
Final additions make a world of difference, with planters and hanging baskets, dried flowers and fresh posies quite literally adding an element of the living natural world. More than aesthetic, plants and flowers work like gentle air purifiers moderating temperature, humidity and levels of toxins present to create a more pleasant living environment.
Key to a positive outlook and beneficial to health in all senses of the word, it’s no wonder designers are keeping this as a priority for residential, commercial and hospitality design. Each season, we want to make sure we’re creating products that work with, not against the environment and encourage biophilic living.
About Arteriors
For over 30 years, Arteriors delivers impeccable style and artisanal quality craftsmanship within the lighting, furniture, wall décor and home accessory categories to discerning customers worldwide. This three-decade journey in pursuit of extraordinary product – from the understated to the unexpected – had been and remain at the core of what Arteriors do each day. Arteriors’ business has matured and expanded into a timeless lifestyle brand that has become premier resource for interior designers and retailers worldwide.
Today, Arteriors continues to reinterpret materials, forming objects of perfect proportions and scale, resulting in bold interiors that bring ease to everyday luxury.
KI has confirmed that Postura+ will begin a transition to a circular economy, with all one-piece chairs manufactured from December 2022 set to contain at least 30% recycled polypropylene.
Following over 3 years of trials and testing, this achievement sets an important milestone on KI’s journey towards taking a leading position in the circular economy. Over the coming years, KI will work towards increasing this percentage to future milestones 50, 80 and ultimately 100%, bringing all standard colours into line with the increasingly popular Jet Black chairs which are already made with 100% recycled content.
The unique, UK-based supply chain development will see 600 tonnes per year of waste plastic being fed into the standard production process, the equivalent of over 2,000,000 food containers per annum. These new mixed virgin/recycled polypropylene chairs have been rigorously tested and have achieved the same certifications and standards as the fully virgin plastic chairs, so the unparalleled, proven Postura+ 20-year warranty remains in place.
Jonathan Hindle, President, KI EMEA comments: “We manufacture approximately 400,000 one-piece Postura+ chairs alone each year, making it one of our most successful and high-volume product lines. Eliminating 600 tonnes of virgin polypropylene from this supply chain demonstrates our commitment to realistic, impactful steps towards sustainable practices, without compromising colour options, quality, durability and warranties.”
Jeremy McWhinney, KI’s Finance & Operations Director adds: “Whilst other products in our lives have been able to utilise recycled polypropylene for years, they are routinely single or limited use items – Postura+ chairs must withstand the toughest learning environments for decades. The testing and production processes involved have been years in the making, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards our ambition of 100% recycled content in the future.”
This innovation in Postura+ chair production further enhances the product’s environmental performance, outlined in its independently verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Manufactured in the UK, these chairs are transported in 100% recyclable packaging, and are themselves 100% recyclable at their end of life.
Alison Mallett, KI Europe’s Director of Education Furniture comments: “Our customers both in the UK and across Continental Europe are looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of their procurement practices, without adding unrealistic cost or compromising quality. What we’ve managed to achieve with Postura+ chairs is a fantastic step in the right direction and we are confident that this exciting news will be met with great enthusiasm from our customers.”
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