Materials and Sustainability
In this post I will talk about materials that I will use in my project and their accessibility and sustainability.
I want to use natural wooden appearance on tables, some storage furniture and shelves. I will research local sources that I can use so it will be cheaper and more accessible. English Oak mostly use on flooring as parquet and known for strength and durability. According to Todd (2023), light coloured oak is suits perfectly for Scandinavian style. Scandinavian interior design characterised by its minimalism, functionality and using natural materials and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere ( Alan and McGregor, 2022). I also want to create a functional space by using natural and local materials so English oak is a perfect material for my project.
Ash wood also strong and durable hardwood to use. Its known for elasticity and can be worked by both hand and machine tools. It has lighter colour than English oak and has more oval shapes on it. High shock resistance of ash wood making ideal for items that require durability. I am thinking to use ash wood for shelves which I'll put students artwork on it.
Then I researched the local stone types to use in lunch corner as countertops. I will place the microwave and coffee machine at that corner so it can be get dirt easily. It should be easy cleanable material like stone instead of wood. I found limestone material, it is durable natural stone which is absorbing heat well. Also it can find in various locations like marine environments, in UK such as Yorkshire, South Wales and Leicestershire (Lime Stone, 2020).
For university furniture it needs to be durable and easy cleanable. Polyester , microfiber, olefin and vinyl are known for stain resistance and durability. However synthetic fabrics like them can be harmful for skin and people. On the other hand natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool are more breathable and eco-friendly fabrics to use (Co., 2024). When we consider the price, durability, comfortability and flexibility cotton blend is best option for furniture like sofas and banquettes. The cotton blend offers an incredibly delicate texture that still retains resilience, which makes it ideal for everyday use. These fabrics combine the natural comfort of cotton with other materials such as spandex, polyester, and nylon to create a luxurious blend that is far more comfortable than 100% cotton alone could ever be (Cotton Fabric, 2023)
REFERENCES
Todd, T. (2023) Transform Your Home With Oak Flooring - Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors [online] tedtodd.com Available at: https://www.tedtodd.co.uk/journal/transform-your-home-with-oak-flooring/ [Accessed 12 August 2025]
Impression (2020) Where Is Limestone Found? - [online] Available at: https://www.limestone.com/about-us/limestone-learning-center/limestone-found-2/. [Accessed 12 August 2025]
Archipro (2025) Limestone Slabs & Tiles | ArchiPro AU. [online] archipro.com.au Available at: https://archipro.com.au/products/finishes/tiles-and-stones/stone-slabs/limestone [Accessed 12 August 2025]
Co., I. (2024) Best Upholstery Fabrics for Furniture Explained [online] mh-chine.com Available at: https://www.mh-chine.com/blog/products/upholstery-fabric [Accessed 14 August 2025]
Cotton Fabric (2023) Discovering the Benefits of a Cotton Blend Fabric [online] cottonfabric.com Available at: https://cottonfabric.com/blog/post/discovering-the-benefits-of-a-cotton-blend-fabric?srsltid=AfmBOora-V0XfiB0A_51RMvvHAyU0FPnZ5gw9pIDyAUGx44YHd3IVj8n [Accessed 14 August 2025]
IMAGE REFERENCES
Todd, T. (2023) Transform Your Home With Oak Flooring - Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors [online]
tedtodd.com Available at: https://www.tedtodd.co.uk/journal/transform-your-home-with-oak-flooring/
[Accessed 12 August 2025]
Adorno (2024) [online] adornodesign.com Available at: https://media.adorno.design/wp-
content/uploads/2024/01/24123045/murubi.in-Twofold-Shelf-contextual-3.jpg [Accessed 12 August 2025]
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