Should sustainable materials be prioritized over recycled materials?

Sustainable materials are viewed as the future of interior design, focused on creating long-lasting structures using new-age materials and innovative techniques. They aim to reduce the number of times efforts are required to renovate and preserve the structural and overall integrity of the structure. Its focus is to create a financially and ecologically sustainable design while being energy efficient. On the other hand, recycled materials are built from the debris of used and discarded materials and are majorly focused on reducing waste. It is imperative to note that the concept of recycled materials arose due to the previous and long-term usage of non-sustainable materials that were not eco-friendly. 

The concept of recycling materials arose as a solution to the problem of waste generation created by more primal design structures and due to a lack of sustainable design. As the world of design evolves and realizes that it is imperative to co-exist with the environmental needs of the planet, the use of sustainable materials and design becomes more and more crucial. While the use of recycled materials does contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations by efficiently managing waste generation, it cannot solely bear the responsibility of reaching those goals. It is the symbiotic existence of recycling materials and using sustainable materials that can ensure the harmonious co-existence of design with the environment in the near future. 

Recyclable materials: Project Big Top, Bengaluru

Project Big Top is a restaurant inspired by the circus, built in Bengaluru, India, that has heavily used recyclable materials for its interior design. The project has used more than 90 percent recycled material to create a state-of-the-art, multi-functional, and dynamic space (Garg & Tiwari, 2022). The project strategically used a variety of recyclable materials like reclaimed wood, salvaged metals, and repurposed textiles that had been largely sourced from demolished sites, discarded cloth, and furniture. These materials were amalgamated innovatively to create a vibrant and unique design aesthetic.  

One of the biggest advantages of using recycled materials in a new-of-age restaurant is reducing waste generation and minimizing the demand for brand-new and exclusive resources, hence contributing to a circular economy (Aditya et. al, 2020). Using recycled materials, further reduced the cost of building a restaurant, when compared to a restaurant that uses brand-new resources, further making the project financially sustainable. The use of a variety of materials, in different combinations and patterns further gave the restaurant a unique and visually striking design, enhancing customer engagement and boosting the restaurant’s marketing (Shah, 2020). On the other hand, the heavy use of recyclable materials brought into question the overall structural integrity of the restaurant. Recycled materials are more prone to easy wear and tear, hence demanding a careful assessment and heavy restoration before being finally used in the project (Tiwari, 2019). Further, resourcing a wide variety of high-quality recycled materials and maintaining its consistent supply can be challenging, hence affecting the project’s timelines, quality, and project outcomes (Asif et. al, 2021). 

Sustainable materials: The Aangan, Guwahati

The Aangan is a minimalistic residential project in a small city in India called Guwahati. The project has used a variety of sustainable materials to create a tranquil and eco-friendly living environment for its residential members (Chakraborty & Das, 2021). The project has used locally sourced sustainable materials like bamboo for building furniture and creating the structure of the flooring. The complex has also used clay-based plasters for walls and organic, locally produced cotton textiles for furnishings. These materials were particularly selected for their properties of renewability and low carbon footprint. 

A major advantage of using renewable materials like bamboo and clay is that they are rapidly renewable, hence generate a minimum amount of waste, are easy to maintain, are energy-efficient, and create an extremely low environmental impact (Gupta & Suri, 2022). Further, using low volatile compounds (VOCs) in natural materials contributes to improved indoor air quality and ventilation and reduced internal temperature of the house, further minimizing the need for artificial cooling and heating. This reduces the emission of greenhouse gasses in the air and reduces energy consumption. This directly leads to creating a healthier living space, impacting the health of the residents positively (Chakraborty & Das, 2021). In addition to structural and ecological benefits, the project has placed a heavy emphasis on using locally sourced materials and focusing on supporting regional craftsmanship and preserving traditional building practices that have further increased the cultural preservation of the region. On the other hand, a disadvantage of using sustainable materials is their high initial cost, low supply, limited availability, and specialized production methods (Gupta & Suri, 2022). While some sustainable materials like bamboo are easier to maintain, more delicate materials like linen and cotton can demand extensive maintenance and additional treatment to match the performance and aesthetics of conventional materials (Aditya et al., 2020). 

Both projects showcase the potential of eco-friendly practices in interior design. The Bengaluru project demonstrates how recycled materials can transform waste into functional and visually appealing spaces, though concerns around material consistency and durability remain. The Guwahati project exemplifies the integration of sustainable materials, promoting health and cultural significance, albeit with challenges related to cost and performance. Both approaches highlight the importance of balancing environmental goals with practical considerations. Sustainable materials shall be prioritized for long-term benefits, however, their integration with recyclable materials remains essential to reduce waste production and promote circularity in the use of resources. 

References List:

1. Aditya, L., Mahlia, T. M. I., Rismanchi, B., Ng, H. M., Hasan, M. H., Metselaar, I. H. S. & Muraza, O., 2020. A review on insulation materials for energy conservation in buildings: Conventional vs. non-conventional materials. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 73, pp. 1352-1365.
2. Asif, M., Muneer, T. & Kelley, R., 2021. Life cycle assessment: A case study of a dwelling home in Scotland. Building and Environment, 57, pp. 58-64.
3. Chakraborty, S. & Das, S., 2021. Integration of Sustainable Design Principles in Residential Interiors. Journal of Green Building, 16(1), pp. 45-60.
4. Garg, A. & Tiwari, R., 2022. Role of Circular Economy in Sustainable Design Practices in India. International Journal of Sustainability in Built Environment, 15(3), pp. 21-29.
5. Gupta, R. & Suri, P., 2022. Bamboo as a Sustainable Material in Construction and Interior Design. Materials Today: Proceedings, 51, pp. 234-240.
6. Shah, M., 2020. Sustainable Materials in Architecture and Design. Architectural Science Review, 63(4), pp. 235-245.
7. Tiwari, R., 2019. Challenges in Recycled Material Applications for Sustainable Design. Sustainable Cities and Society, 45, pp. 56-63.

Image References:

1. Sitwala, I. (2021). Big Top. Available at: https://multitudeofsins.in/big-top.html# [Accessed 24 Nov. 2024].
2. ‌Baishya, L. (n.d.). The Aangan. Available at: https://www.designpataki.com/aangan-the-courtyard-house-in-assam-brings-the-outdoors-in/ [Accessed 24 Nov. 2024].