Behind the Design: Our Sustainable Sofa Range
Words by Emma Hughes
August 17, 2022
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3m
For many years now, Barker and Stonehouse has been working towards a better future for our planet.
From our eco-friendly store designs to our fuel-efficient deliveries, we're always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact and promote a more sustainable way of living.
And when we can combine this ethos with our passion for furniture, what could be better?!
We were thrilled to launch our very first sustainable sofa, Big Blue, back in 2020. This was later followed by our second model, Lotus, in 2022. A huge amount of work and research went into developing these innovative ranges, and we couldn't be happier with the results.
But just how did the team pull it off?
We caught up with sofa designer, Paul Ainley, to find out!
Creating our sustainable sofas
Both the Big Blue and the Lotus feature recycled elements, reducing our use of raw materials and removing harmful waste from the environment at the same time. For the Lotus, we also introduced textile offcuts from the fashion industry, giving a second purpose to waste which would have otherwise ended up in landfill.
“As designers, we have a responsibility to create products that are sustainable. We wanted to create a sofa range made entirely out of materials which are recycled or sustainably sourced.”
- Paul Ainley, Sofa Designer
We've also looked ahead and thought about what will happen to the sofas at the end of their life. That's why we brought in as many recyclable components as possible, and used water-based glue to make extracting these components easier.
How is recycled fabric made?
Plastic waste, such as shopping bags and bottles, is collected by locals in some of the poorest communities in the world. Plastic Bank then pay the locals for this waste, which helps fund their food, healthcare and education.
Repreve collect the used plastic bottles, wash them, chip them into flakes, and the flakes are melted and extruded into polyester yarns. These yarns can then be woven on looms into fabrics.
We really wanted to challenge the common misconception that recycled fabrics can look and feel second-hand. This goal was more than achieved, as they’re just as soft and supple as normal upholstery fabrics. Your guests would never guess!
You'll also find a beautiful selection of colours and finishes available across the two sofa ranges.
From soft blues and greys to bold mustard, there's a look to suit every modern home. Proving that style and sustainability can certainly go hand in hand!
Comfort and quality
While good looks are a given, we're always committed to delivering quality products to our customers. Each step of production takes place right here in the UK, and far exceeds the high standards we've come to associate with British craftsmanship.
From the frame milling and assembly to the fabric cutting and sewing upholstery, we entrust the whole process to experienced sofa makers based in Nottingham.
This also adds to the sofa's green credentials, as they needn't travel overseas to reach your home.
Of course, comfort is also key when it comes to seating. It took more than two years to perfect our Big Blue design, as we wanted to make sure everything was just right.
It was incredibly important to give these sofas a really deep, sumptuous sit. We've achieved this with spacious seats and cushions that offer the perfect balance between softness and support.
What else is inside?
Want to know more? Watch the video to hear Paul talk us through the design and creation process.