Sheffi eld Sustainable Kitchens | KITCHEN RETAILER PROFILE
This modern kitchen, with bold countertops, contrasts nicely with the period property it is specifi ed in
Sustainable designs
A sustainable kitchen – or indeed bedroom or bathroom – has two key elements. The products have to be sustainable in the fi rst place, and the fi nished design has to have longevity. Both have to be considered in tandem to make sure the design is as environmentally-friendly as possible. Cole explains: “There are several sides to sustainability. One is the materials. We use a lot of highly recyclable materials, such as recycled paper and glass, and our cabinets are made from 100% recycled timber – it’s a quality board and no trees have been chopped down to make it. The second is to make sure that our designs are built to last – making sure that the design is spot-on, and the client loves the space and can work in it. We want to be able – where possible – to give people a lifetime guarantee.” The timber SSK uses is sourced locally and is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)- and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certifi cation)-certifi ed and the cabinets are made from 100% recycled wood particles set in resin. Other materials like reclaimed wood are used for surfaces and worktops as well as recycled paper, plastic or glass. Even though each of the materials is sustainable, they each have their own pros and cons. Recycled glass has a unique look, but it is more expensive than a quartz worktop. Reclaimed timber has to be cared for and can be ruined by water, so wouldn’t suit a family with children. “We try to talk to pros and cons on each material,” says Cole “We try to give clients the full picture. For example, bamboo grows quickly, but it is shipped from China. A recycled school bench might be a hardwood that was originally sourced from a rainforest, but we are reusing waste material.”
The second part of sustainability is longevity, because if the kitchen is going to end up in a skip in fi ve years’ time, it is not an environmentally-sound design. The kitchen has to be sutible for the customer’s needs for 30-plus years.
The majority of the kitchens SSK produces are hand-painted, so they are easy to sand down and repaint, if desired. Refurbishment is a part of the business anyway and it gives clients fl exibility if they
May 2020 ·
This kitchen was designed to be a highly functional space that also packed a bold punch
Trying to be timeless in our designs means
making sure we are not missing something they may need down the line
go off that on-trend blue kitchen a couple of years down the line. “There is a bit of timelessness to our styles that makes them more resistant to new fads. If trends do change and the kitchen looks dated in a couple of years, then the customer can repaint it and give it a new lease of life,” says Cole.
A top conversation they have with clients is the future of the kitchen. Will it need to be accessible if the clients are nearing retirement age? Or will there be children in the picture in the future, if the clients are a young couple? Cole adds: “It’s talking about things that are right for them now, but also important for the future. Trying to be timeless in our designs means making sure we are not missing
SSK offers a wide variety of styles and designs including this Scandi Modern option
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