A panel discussion held at the Bulgari Hotel in London highlights the integration of sustainability into high-end interiors.
On February 5, 2023, a significant panel discussion centered on the intersection of luxury and sustainability, dubbed “Luxstainability™,” took place at the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. The event brought together a group of esteemed interior designers, sustainability experts, and manufacturers to explore how high-end interiors can incorporate eco-friendly solutions. Participants included Roberto Martinez from Kaldewei, designer Stefan Diez, Positive Luxury CEO Amy Nelson-Bennett, and Siobhan Kelly, Associate Director at David Collins Studio. The panel was moderated by Carole Annett, Interiors Editor at Country & Town House.
The Bulgari Hotel served as a fitting backdrop, having first utilized Kaldewei’s sustainable steel enamel bathtubs in its rooms 15 years ago, which have since shown no signs of wear. Prior to the discussion, attendees were guided through the hotel, where they could observe these elegant bathtubs firsthand. The contrasting design of the bold orange ‘Golden Sun’ OYO DUO bathtub, created by Stefan Diez, welcomed guests in the lobby. This bathtub is notable for being 100% recyclable and is designed to hold less water, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
The importance of integrating sustainability into luxury design was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Martinez emphasized how Kaldewei has adapted its manufacturing processes over the years to reduce its environmental impact. “As we evolve, so does our manufacturing process,” he said. He noted that the company’s facility, historically located in the center of town for over a century, has a longstanding commitment to reducing pollution. Kaldewei introduced Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in 2009 to track the environmental footprint of its products.
Diez echoed the sentiment, underscoring the urgency of reducing carbon footprints across all sectors to achieve net-zero emissions within a 25-year timeline. He highlighted regulatory frameworks established by the European Union aimed at guiding manufacturers toward more sustainable practices. “Manufacturers and brands that don’t comply with this will end up going out of business,” he asserted.
Audience engagement was a key element, with questions posed about how luxury clients perceive sustainable design. Nelson-Bennett indicated that many luxury consumers are actively researching product origins and sustainability credentials. “Approximately 70% [of consumers] do research, ask questions, and want to know where their products come from,” she mentioned. This interest underscores the need for brands to provide transparent information about their sustainability practices.
The panel also addressed lifecycle impact assessment of materials used in luxury products, with a focus on educating clients about the long-term value derived from sustainable design choices. Kelly pointed out the shifting paradigm in design, where the emphasis is moving from high tech and hygiene to well-crafted, creatively sourced products. “We are at a crossroads in design,” she stated, acknowledging the importance of merging aesthetic values with sustainability.
Martinez elaborated on the concept of cradle-to-cradle design, stressing the need for products to be properly documented—referred to as “product passports.” He pointed to platforms like Madaster, which help track a product’s lifecycle, facilitating sustainability and digitalization.
Diez further encouraged rethinking the raw materials used in construction, urging a return to sustainable options that allow for reuse. He suggested that the industry’s focus should be on innovative materials that can redefine traditional surface finishes.
The event concluded with a forward-thinking dialogue about the future of luxury design, reaffirming the necessity of sustainable practices that respect both materials and consumer values. The collaboration between luxury and sustainability, as illustrated by the panel, demonstrates a commitment to rethinking consumption in the high-end market. As the landscape of luxury design continues to evolve, it is clear that the principles of sustainability are becoming deeply intertwined with the identity of luxury itself.
Source: Noah Wire Services
