Sustainability In Design - Foresso
Here at Phoenix Wharf we are proud to have the coveted BCorp status. Part of this, for us, means continually striving to be more sustainable in design. When starting out on a new project, we always look to include something that’s not only sustainable but innovative too.
During our recent study into countertop materials for a new African fusion food restaurant, we came across Foresso and were immediately wowed! Not only does this material look and feel beautiful its credentials took it too another level.
Foresso was established by designer Conor Taylor as a reaction against the culture of disposable interiors and the waste produced by typical manufacturing processes.
Conor was working in a south London carpentry shop when he had the idea to reuse timber offcuts and waste in a way that celebrates the variety and beauty of woodgrain. He took his inspiration from the history of terrazzo, which was used as a way to repurpose leftover marble to make flooring, during the construction of Venice's palazzos in the 15th century.
Foresso is made using timber waste from the furniture industry that is deemed unsuitable for joinery due to splits, knots or odd sizing. The wood is combined with planing shavings from the sawmill and plaster from a nearby bronze foundry, which is processed so it can be used to create a durable binding material for the terrazzo.
The tactility and warmth of this product fitted effortlessly into our concept design and offered our client something unique that will help their restaurant ‘stand out’ from the crowd. This notion was invaluable to our client who looks to situate the restaurant in a highly competitive London town.
We love how Foresso sees waste as raw material rather than something to be discarded which aligns perfectly with our companies ethos.
Thank you for reading! If you are interested in ‘stand out’ interior design then please get in touch!
