Creating beautiful spaces that minimise impact on te taiao is trending up. But how do you achieve this with sustainable materials that fit seamlessly into diverse design styles?

I remember back when materials came with "eco-friendly" options. Today's innovative sustainable materials like Cleanstone offer a spectrum of textures, colors, and finishes. Sustainability is the new playground for designers.

A Harvard Business Review study from 2020 highlighted that customers' ongoing demand for immersive experiences are also trending up. Combine the sleek minimalism of a charcoal coloured panel like the Obsidian Cleanstone with a 'firey' orange Cleanstone like today's Cleanstone sample 025 to create a contrasting and exciting workspace.

Today's sample is the orange version of our Forest Cleanstone. Made using 100% orange recycled commercial plastic fishing nets with soft plastics diverted from landfill, this unique looking panel is used for another set of table tops being shipped to Manurewa High School as part of their classroom tabletop refit programme.

Here are 3 practical tips for how you as a designer might leverage the new sustainable materials playground.

🔭 Embrace Texture & Dimension: Don't be afraid to experiment! Combine smooth panels with textured options for added visual interest. Play with different thicknesses to create dynamic wall features.

📚 Let Color Tell a Story: Bold hues like emerald green can add a pop of personality to a hospitality setting. Opt for natural tones for a calming atmosphere in a healthcare facility or playful colours for education spaces.

☀ Finish it Right: Different finishes like matte or high-gloss can drastically alter the feel of a space. Consider the desired ambiance when making your selection.

By mastering the new sustainable materials playground, you can transform sustainable design from obligation into opportunity.

I run a green building materials company called Critical. and we help designers create beautiful spaces that are low carbon and endlessly recyclable. If you're working on a fit out project and need some material inspiration, we'd love to help. Send me a DM or reach out to our team on our website criticaldesign.nz!

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