We are all trying to make more low-impact choices here at Remodelista, so it was with a particular thrill that we recently stumbled upon Sustainable Kitchens, a kitchen design and manufacturing company based in Bristol, England, that prioritizes ethical materials. Its core principles—a reliance on solid, responsibly-sourced wood and non-toxic materials; an emphasis on locally sourced products; and a commitment to reducing waste and replanting trees—grew out of founder Sam Shaw’s interest in sustainable forestry (he has an environmental management degree) and passion for woodwork.
What we especially admire about Sustainable Kitchens’ projects is that they are both eco- and design-conscious. Take this London townhouse kitchen designed by the firm in collaboration with architects at Conibere Phillips. It’s housed in a bright new addition to the home. And while the joinery is sleek, modern, and minimalist, its heart beats green.
Above: The extension is light-filled thanks to a skylight, an oversized window, and a large glass pivot door that leads to the patio. Above: Sustainable Kitchens offers three levels of service: Honest (self-installed cabinets in a choice of three styles); Bespoke (custom cabinets installed by the company); and Concept (cabinets made of “new and tricky materials involving lots of R&D,” says marketing manager Zoe Holland). This kitchen is bespoke, using the company’s flat-panel style. Above: The space is “color-blocked” not with paint but via materials. Here, oak paneling and built-ins offer a warm visual break from the white cabinets. The faucet is Perrin & Rowe’s Metis Sink Mixer. Above: The arresting two-material palette extends to the kitchen island, where the countertop is part Bianco Beleno, a quartz material, and part solid oak. Above: The built-in oak window seat features hidden storage. From the website: “We use the most sustainably and responsibly sourced timber available from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) suppliers only.” In addition, their workshop runs on renewable energy and in winter, it’s heated by burning their offcuts. Above: The floor-to-ceiling glass pivot door blurs the line between outdoors and in. Above: The cabinets are painted Farrow & Ball Wevet; the island, Farrow & Ball Hague Blue. The left two tall cabinets comprise the double pantry; on the right is the integrated refrigerator and freezer. Above: A sliding door separates the kitchen from a hallway, where a utility closet conceals the washer/dryer.
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