Chester Road - Showing how luxury can go hand in hand with environmental sustainability

Introduction

London is a city that exudes an aura of vibrant cosmopolitanism, but at the same time it's conscious of the pressing need for environmental sustainability. In contemporary times, sustainable design has become paramount in the way we practice interior design.

This project featured sustainable design in a residential apartment in Chester Road, London, and aimed to create an aesthetically pleasing environment with minimal energy consumption and waste - and all whilst conserving resources.

Brief

This project involved the complete redesign and redecoration of a private second home. The client wanted a space that reflected their sustainable lifestyle and their love for nature, whilst complying with the luxury trend and history of the area.

The objectives were to create a comfortable, well-lit and well-ventilated living space that would consume less energy while incorporating sustainable materials.

Sustainable Materials and Resources

A lot of research went into selecting appropriate materials for this project. The team ensured everything used was eco-friendly, recyclable and locally sourced.

Flooring, walls & furniture

The flooring material was reclaimed wood, along with the furniture that was either made from reclaimed wood or recycled plastic. The walls were decorated using paint which was low VOC thus producing fewer harmful emissions.

Lighting and Ventilation

To minimise energy consumption, LED lighting was installed throughout the apartment. LED lights are more energy-efficient and last longer than incandescent bulbs. In addition, the apartment was fitted with large windows to allow for natural light and ventilation.

Water Conservation

The bathroom was fitted with a low-flow toilet, and the shower-head and taps were fitted with aerators to conserve water. Aerators are components that give the impression of high pressure flow so the experience won’t be compromised.

Waste Management

The apartment was designed to incorporate a recycling system, with designated bins for paper, glass, and plastic waste. The furniture and fittings were also chosen with the end of life cycle in mind, and the designer provided information on how to dispose of them sustainably.

Conclusion

This unique project showcased how it was possible to create a beautiful living space while operating sustainably. The use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation, water conservation measures, and waste management strategies all contributed to reducing the apartment's carbon footprint.

We also incorporated the client's love for nature by including greenery in the form of indoor plants and a beautiful green wall with access to rain for self watering. The result was a happy client and a sustainably designed living space that demonstrated how sustainability could be brought into the interior design practice.