We just went through a little about how to think regarding making purchases or decisions regarding interior and/or design alterations. But with that in mind what materials should one use? Here are some of the "basics" but there is of course alternatives that has a more advanced approach to them. If interested in one, HERE is a post about alternative terrazzo.
Let's go through a few.
Cork
When we think about cork, we usually think about a pinboard on the wall. But, there is endless ways to use cork and can be used in many different patterns and ways. Cork comes both in sheets and tiles which makes it very flexible as well. It can be applied both vertically and horizontally. The cork is also a hypoallergenic material and a great sound absorber. It is also one of the materials with the absolute lowest environmental impact. In addition to that, it is very cost efficient. I personally love the warmth of the cork and think it works in a lot of settings.
Why is it environmentally sustainable?
First of all, there is no need to take down the tree to get the cork, but it is just the bark that is used. The quality of the cork
actually gets better after a few times being peeled.
Because it is so flat a lot can be transported at the same time lowering the amount of transportation.
For commercial use, it is mainly grown in the Mediterranean Basin, which links to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. So, a lot of people can get it rather close by.
Floor from Real cork floors
Wood Wool
If you are from a Scandinavian country (or maybe not?) you probably connect wood wool to something being in the ceiling of the gym hall or corridors of your school. However, that concept is still very efficient for many reasons, such as sound absorbing, fireproof, moisture regulating etc. But thanks to BAUX that concept have been expanded to something even more interesting. With almost unlimited designs and a lot of colors they have pushed through in the design world and now we can see it a little here and there. This also, of course thanks to Träullit who started it all
Why is it environmentally sustainable?
All of the materials creating wood wool are all natural: wood, cement and water. Read about the work with the cement HERE.
It is recyclable and reusable (without color and glue)
All wood is FSC and PEFC certified, collected close to the factory in Sweden.
The waste from the wood is reused to heat the factory.
And the list actually goes on a bit.
Wood wool tiles, By Baux
Bamboo
This one you probably saw coming. But bamboo is really changing the sustainable game right now. From beauty/hygiene products and packaging to construction and interior. Bamboo can be used in a diverse different settings and can be transformed in many ways. Even though the more "raw" the material is the better. Before I used to connect bamboo to Asian designs and architecture but now I recognize its heritage but appreciate its use in the rest of the world.
Why is it environmentally sustainable?
Just like cork it grows very fast. This is more important than the cork in this case because you have to shop it down to use it. Some kinds can even grow close to 1m in 24h (!). It is also a very light material which makes it less energy intensive. Even though it does not look like it is a very strong material, I has a very high strength-to-weight-ratio and durability. This leads to the fact that it does not need to be replaces very often. Which makes it a great flooring for example.
Let us start with these three materials and then we can go on from there
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