In a world where the terms “sustainable”; “eco”; and “green”; are being used (and abused) ever more frequently, we at Boaz Studio decided it was about time we shed some light on what sustainability means to us.
As an interior design studio, we take our role very seriously. We recognise the short and long-term impact that the design industry can have on the planet. We understand that sustainability is all about balance with the intention of achieving eco-effectiveness environmentally, socially, and economically.
We’re here to research and recommend the best products and methods according to your budget, desired lifestyle, location, and project goals. Selecting sustainable solutions is not only better the planet, but also your health and should be saving you money in the long term!
Adding greenery to a space can instantly bring it to life and strengthen your connection to nature.
From an economic perspective, choosing sustainable options should result in savings on utility bills, have lower construction costs and higher property value for building developers, and bring increased occupancy rates or operating costs for building owners. (ugreen, 2021).
Choosing products that are natural keeps VOC’s (volatile organic compound) to a minimum. VOC’s are unstable chemicals which let off gasses that are harmful to both people and the environment. They are commonly found in paints, which is why it’s important to go for the least toxic paint you can find. These are labelled as “non-toxic” or “natural” and should contain no extra additives or solvents.
Another term you might be hearing a lot of these days is “biophilia”. Biophilic design improves human connection to nature through the addition or use of plantation, natural imagery, fresh air, and natural light. Studies have shown that people perform and feel better in biophilic environments: “workers in green, well ventilated offices record a 101 per cent increase in cognitive scores (brain function).” (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2015).
Our very own Alice goes litter picking on hard-to-reach beaches when she explores the Cornish coastline with her kayak.
We have broken our Environmental & Sustainable Policy into the following key areas:
We will prioritise projects where we can help to rehabilitate unused buildings, using the materials within the space and honouring the building and its history. This practice applies to all projects; residential and commercial; as we assess a property’s existing assets, flaws, and resources to create a truly unique proposal.
The Old Library, Bodmin, Cornwall. Boaz Studio worked with the building’s existing features to create a cohesive and flexible space for community use. Photo: Emily Whitfield-Wicks.
We work closely with local craftspeople and material suppliers to help ground the spaces we work on whilst minimising the requirement for transportation. This will establish projects in the communities where they are based by driving money back into the local economy.
We endeavour to use local suppliers, craftspeople, and businesses where possible to increase connection within your community.
We begin choosing materials and furniture by identifying the product’s complete life cycle – where did it come from and where will it end up? We adopt the product’s ‘story’ and offer it new life to form a cyclic approach and reduce the amount of furniture going to landfill. Our method is to reuse and reclaim where possible, or alternatively investigate new and innovative sustainable products.
We endeavour to showcase the most sustainable approaches and materials with our clients and through our online platforms. Boaz Studio aims to offer conversational concepts that will drive the sustainable agenda further. We are committed to keeping up to date with sustainable research by reading published articles, books and attending courses so we can offer our design services with confidence.
he Boaz Team keeps their knowledge fresh by constantly researching and attending masterclasses to make sure they’re in a good place to practice what they preach!
We aim to improve the working life of buildings and the spaces within through thoughtful design. We take steps to enhance indoor environmental quality, reducing the risk of sick building syndrome (illness from the building one resides or works) and making spaces more pleasant through the use of biophilic design. This addresses elements such as improved air quality, lighting and ventilation, whilst increasing human connectivity with the natural environment.
Interior design is ever-changing, be that from fashions, innovations, technology, or simply wear-and-tear. So, our goal is to produce a concept and design that will stand the test of time, even after requirements evolve. We assess all areas of our process – from our own studio, the products we specify, to the prospective maintenance practices of the build – in a bid for total project eco-effectiveness
