“The London Architects Forum: A Step Towards Sustainable Design (by The Design Forums)

Our team regularly attend industry forums because they offer valuable insights into design developments within the industry, and an exciting glimpse into the future. We asked Beyza and Barnaby to talk us through the companies at this event, whose action towards improved sustainability really caught their attention.

Thank you to The Design Forum for having us!

Read on to hear more about the event.

The London Architects Forum, Royal Victoria Dock.

Beyza Kayali, one of our key Interior Designers, has a passion for sustainability having studied various aspects of this subject, including waste reduction strategies and methods to enhance sustainability within the design industry. Barnaby Webster joined Beyza as a new intern within the team and both came back inspired and enlightened.

This forum offered our team a glimpse into the future of building materials and sustainable design. Attendees included architects, designers, suppliers, and manufacturers.

“During the day companies showcased their innovative products and shared the sustainability ratings of their materials. It was an inspiring event that underscored the growing importance of sustainability in the built environment.”

Velux

Velux, a window manufacturer, is a pioneer in researching the importance of air and light quality indoors.

During the forum, Richard Williams from Velux gave a captivating talk about the company’s research into indoor air quality and the value of natural light. We were particularly surprised to learn that the air inside our homes can be up to 5x more polluted than the air outside.

Velux has made strides in tackling this issue by developing windows equipped with timers and app controls that automatically open to let in cleaner air. This technology has even been installed in schools to improve air quality, with benefits like increased focus and retention among students.

Richard also highlighted Velux’s commitment to sustainability and social value, making their work even more impressive.

Grestec

Grestec caught our attention not only for their sustainable practices but also for their super aesthetic designs.

Their architectural tiles are made from recycled materials, and the company places a strong emphasis on environmental care throughout their processes.

What’s even better is that they offer to send samples, making it easier to see how their products could fit into future projects. Their commitment to sustainability, coupled with great design, makes Grestec a fantastic option for environmentally conscious designers.

AquaCut

AquaCut provides internal and external building finishes, specialising in stone sourced from the UK.

Their use of local materials helps reduce transportation emissions, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

What makes AquaCut particularly impressive is their commitment to sustainability within their own production processes. They’ve transformed their factory to use recycled water for their machines, allowing them to continuously reuse the same water. This not only conserves a significant amount of water but also aligns with their eco-conscious ethos.

By making sustainability a priority not only in their products but in their operations, AquaCut is setting a fantastic example for the industry.

Rheinzink

Rheinzink really stood out as a leader in environmentally friendly materials.

Made from natural materials, Rheinzink is 100% recyclable zinc, meaning it has a minimal environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Sustainability is embedded in their production process, which ensures that the material is eco-friendly from start to finish.

One of the most remarkable features is that its colour does not fade over time. This makes Rheinzink not only a sustainable but also a low-maintenance option for architects seeking long-lasting materials.

CMS Danskin Acoustics

Another standout was CMS Danskin Acoustics, which specialises in sustainable acoustic products.

They impressed us with their transparency in providing CO2 information on their products, helping architects and designers make more informed decisions.

Acoustics play a crucial role in design, and it was encouraging to see how sustainability is being integrated even into this niche area.

A Fun and Insightful Experience

Beyza and Barnaby, were excited to see first hand how different companies are innovating and pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.

Beyza: “We came away with a deeper understanding of how these products can benefit not only our work but also the planet. From improving indoor air quality to reducing carbon emissions, these companies are playing a vital role in creating healthier, more sustainable spaces.

The conversations we had and the knowledge we gained were invaluable, and we are looking forward to incorporating some of these innovative solutions into future projects!”

A Broader Movement Toward Sustainability

It is exciting to see companies rethinking their entire production processes to become more sustainable.

Investing in the renovation of their factories to reuse waste goods, and embracing renewable energy sources like hydroelectric power. Some are even buying back their products at the end of their lifecycle to recycle materials and reduce waste.

It’s clear that the building design industry is moving in a greener direction, and we are excited for this change.