Sibley Grove

We recently completed the design and redevelopment of Clarks Lane Farm for Titsey Brewing Co. in Westerham, Kent. For us, this is a fascinating project because it merges interior and architectural design to create both a functional brewing space and a smart, but laid-back taproom experience for customers. It was important to the clients that project used our #circulardesign principles and the materials, fixtures and fittings all had longevity. The objective was to transform the existing agricultural barns into a commercial brewery and a taproom with areas for hosting events. Working in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) meant we had to think carefully about how the existing structure could transform into a building that would still work in the landscape. There were also significant technical challenges, for example maintaining the optimal climatic temperature for brewing beer. You can read more about how we approached the project here: https://rb.gy/md7mme #designthinking #taproom

To understand #regenerative design is to better understand how natural systems work. In nature, nothing is wasted. What might seem like the end, say a leaf falling from a tree in autumn, becomes the beginning of a new cycle - fungi that break the leaf down and feed on the nutrients. And on it goes in circles of life, death, transformation... but never waste. Somewhere along the way, we lost connection with the rhythms and cycles of life. We began to extract from the world, without thought of replenishment or replacement. And #design can often follow this linear pattern; fitting-out a hotel room without thought for what happens to the component parts when fashion or wear determines a refurbishment. It's a waste of resources and money. As designers, we can do better. But first we urgently need to reconnect to the natural world...

We are currently working on a dream project, converting a 19th-Century country house into a spectacular #luxury hotel. Part of the design journey has included visiting several high-profile hotels that have freely opened their doors to show us around, sharing their experiences of what works for them and what doesn’t. It is a reminder of why collaboration in the #design industry is so important. No one benefits from closing their doors and being secretive. Collaboration and the sharing of ideas is crucial if everyone is to achieve the best outcomes...not just for a design project, but in collectively tackling pressing issues such as waste and carbon production. Here's a brief, but hopefully interesting read on why good design thrives in a culture of collaboration: https://rb.gy/79mo20 #sustainabledesign #collaboration

Timber as a sustainable material is often misunderstood... In today's world, the environmental and social impact of design is just as important as style, cost or function. Producing outcomes that positively impact the planet and people is not a question of sustainability - simply good and bad design.   Timber is the most obvious example of a renewable material, which has been valuable to humans for thousands of years, used for shelter, tools, boat building and fuel. It remains one of humanity’s most vital natural resources. A wide variety of timber species provide variations in strength, durability and flexibility and many aesthetic options. It never fades in and out of fashion; it is a staple part of the built environment. However, it is a good example of a renewable material that is often misunderstood and considered to be a ‘sustainable option’, when this isn't always the case... You can find out why and what we can do about it here: https://rb.gy/gystaj #sustainable #designthinking

Truly sustainable design is only possible with circularity and quality...   One thing we regularly tell clients is that sustainable design is fundamentally an issue of quality, because with quality comes lasting value. Take, for example, a beautiful historic building with handsome timber floors, foot-high skirting boards, ornate cornices and intricately carved hardwood panelling. As a designer, you wouldn’t dream of taking these away - the quality and value is clear, so you work with what you have. All too often, interior designers tend to strip spaces back to square-one, because they perceive that there is little value in what has previously been built. This can often lead to huge increases in wasted carbon (four to five times compared with a typical interior fit out), not to mention an increased spend and vast quantities of wasted materials.    The historic building is an example that most people can relate to, and it is easy to understand. But the same principles of inbuilt quality and lasting value should apply to every aspect of interior design. A couple of years ago I was speaking to a company who refurbish vintage lighting from the 1920’s to the 1970’s. I asked why they don’t refurb anything from the 80’s onwards – is it merely a question of style or what the market desires? No. It’s that the quality of fixtures and fittings dropped dramatically since the 80’s and even now, many fittings are either sealed units or designed in such a way that refurbishment is highly problematic.    In our recent project for the Titsey Brewing Co., we worked with a fantastic company in Cornwall called skinflint Ltd. They have a scheme called ‘full circle’ – a take-back system designed to keep high-quality fixtures in use. After one year, you can sell the fitting back to the company and receive credit for future purchases. Their team will ensure the fitting is refurbished, brought in line with modern regs and kept in use. It is a fantastic example of why quality design is not just about the initial outcome, but about the products legacy. Once you build badly, it is impossible to achieve sustainable outcomes. But quality design can last for many, many lifetimes. 

Here are ten easy steps to help you create the ideal hotel guest room. While appearance is important, it's essential to prioritise the fundamentals. Neglecting them can compromise the entire design. #hoteldesign #interiordesign #hospitality #guestroomdesign #sibleygrove

How to refurbish a hotel sustainably on a tight budget. Designing a hotel interior sustainably can be costly. But it is not all about innovation and the latest materials. Often, focusing on these can become a distraction. It is far more effective to focus on first principles before looking at the latest materials and products. Start with a clear brief and a plan for the present and the future. From our decades of experience implementing hotel schemes with environmental and social principles at their core, we have compiled some simple tips for designing a hotel sustainably on a tight budget.

Holistic Beauty and Why it Matters. In the last decade, the concept of beauty and value has evolved immeasurably. Take ivory for instance. Half a century ago, ivory was aspirational. A sign of quality, luxury and sophistication. Fast forward to today and it has become the symbol of a brutal and illegal poaching trade. Regardless of its aesthetic qualities, it is largely unwanted by the vast majority of the global population. Holistic beauty is the idea that materials and products possess aesthetic qualities and value beyond the surface. In the 21st century, this matters. As we look to tackle issues such as climate change, waste, resource depletion and exploited labour markets, designers need to look beyond the surface. Since the turn of the century, the market has demonstrated the importance of values, principles and impact. Customer expectations have risen, and client’s appetite for investment and industry change has also grown. For this reason, the concept of holistic beauty has become increasingly relevant to designers and businesses. One of the mistakes we made when we set up Sibley Grove in 2010 was to become fixated on sustainability in a design industry driven by trends and aesthetics. Trends are inherently unsustainable because they drive consumption and force products and spaces to become redundant ahead of their time, impacting the planet and costing clients. When trying to make a broken process ‘more sustainable’, the focus is on being ‘less bad’, and limiting the negative impact of the work you’re delivering. With this mentality, it is hard to justify doing anything. It is not possible to be sustainable; everything has an impact to some degree — both positive and negative. A designer’s job is to ensure that the positives outweigh the negatives and to help clients understand the far-reaching implications of the decisions they make. In 2011, we were invited to Hamburg to meet Michael Braugart, co-author of Cradle to Cradle, and he turned our approach to design upside down. He encouraged us to forget sustainability and focus on impact (positive and negative), quality and holistic beauty. It is far better for designers to think in terms of quality and holistic beauty because holistic beauty encompasses aesthetics, history, culture, people and the environment. There is nothing beautiful about a toxic product or a material created using exploited labour, but there is something wonderful about products of cultural value, clean air, clean oceans and a closer union between humanity and the natural world. Clearly, there is a commercial aspect to the role of a designer. But design can also inspire and motivate people. There are only a few ways to make people less bad, but millions of ways to support people to be good. Designers should thrive when confronted with a problem or a challenge, and holistic beauty can be a positive mechanism to generate designs of value and lasting relevance.

Embracing Sustainable Materials: A New Era of Design As we navigate through the 21st century, it has become increasingly clear that our traditional modes of design and production need to evolve. Climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation are pressing issues that demand immediate attention. As designers, architects, and creative professionals, we have a responsibility to address these challenges head-on. One significant way we can contribute is by incorporating sustainable materials into our designs. This approach not only minimizes our environmental impact but also paves the way for innovative solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Sustainable materials have the power to redefine the way we perceive design. They are not just materials; they are stories of resilience, innovation, and hope. They symbolize our collective commitment to preserving our planet and creating a world where design and sustainability go hand-in-hand. The use of these materials is not just about 'being green'. It's about creating designs that are beautiful, durable, and beneficial to both people and the planet. It's about reimagining the possibilities of design and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved. For example, creating a space with reclaimed timber or beautifully restored, pre-owned furniture is not only a unique aesthetic appeal, but it also tells a story - a story of resourcefulness, resilience, and respect for the environment. Similarly, a product made from high quality regenerative fibres like Econyl, is not just functional; it also serves as a testament to our potential to innovate and adapt in the face of environmental challenges. Incorporating sustainable materials into our designs also has economic benefits. With consumers becoming more environmentally conscious, there is an increasing demand for sustainable products. By embracing sustainable materials, businesses can tap into this growing market and gain a competitive edge. However, the transition to sustainable materials is not without its challenges. It requires a shift in mindset, a willingness to experiment, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. But the rewards - for our planet, our society, and our economy - are well worth the effort. As we look to the future, let us embrace the potential of sustainable materials. Let us create designs that inspire, innovate, and make a positive impact. After all, design is not just about creating beautiful things; it's about shaping a better world.

At Sibley Grove we are not just a business, we are a family. With a combined experience of over 60 years in the design industry, we've forged our individual talents into a dynamic unit. Sibley Grove delivers design solutions that speak volumes about our commitment and craftsmanship. Our family - consisting of Kate, Tim and Jeremy - each bring unique experiences from interiors, graphics, and architecture, converging our skills to create a cohesive, comprehensive approach to design. We're not just another firm; we're a familial hub of innovation, integrating our individual expertise to deliver unparalleled design experiences. #SibleyGrove #DesignInnovation #FamilyBusiness #InteriorDesign #GraphicDesign #Architecture #UnparalleledDesign #DesignSolutions #DesignExperience #Craftsmanship