• Durability, a connections between design and sustainability.

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A well-designed interior, is also about how materials perform together, how they affect the indoor environment, how long they remain functional and what is required to maintain them. 

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Durability and sustainability begins with using the right material for the right application, and materials have to be selected not only for their appearance, but as part of a complete interior system, that continues after the project is completed.

Not only the material itself but also the installation and its maintenance requirements can have a significant influence on its overall lifecycle.

A surface that requires frequent replacement, aggressive cleaning products or specialist treatments creates a greater long-term impact than a material that can be maintained simply and repaired when necessary.

 

Sustainability doesn't mean selecting materials solely because they are marketed as “natural”. A natural material can still require high-emission treatments or require an energy consuming maintenance, while a manufactured material can sometimes provide excellent performance with a lower maintenance.

Durability is not to be understood simply as “the strongest material possible”. It means selecting a material whose expected service life is appropriate to the space.

​This is why maintenance should be considered beforehand, as an overall decision between design and functionality.

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For example, a porcelain surface (mainly used for flooring and counter top) can be particularly effective in kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas because of its resistance to moisture, abrasion, staining and frequent cleaning. The installation itself is equally important. A bad installation can lead to cracking, detachment or water penetration, shortening the life span of an otherwise highly durable material. When correctly specified and installed, its technical performance significantly reduce the need for replacement.

For plywood (furniture, cabinetry and wall paneling), performance depends on selecting the appropriate board specification for the application.
and may require different grades, thicknesses, and surface treatments, according to the expected loads, humidity, exposure and level of use.

A well-constructed piece of cabinetry or bespoke furniture can remain functional for many years, while individual components or finishes may be repaired or renewed rather than replacing the complete element.

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