In today’s commercial fit-out landscape, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming a business imperative. As a leading provider of commercial interior fit-out in Manchester, Rische Group is committed to incorporating eco-friendly materials that reduce environmental impact without compromising on aesthetics or functionality.
Our in-house design capability allows us to seamlessly integrate these sustainable options into our commercial refurbishment projects, creating spaces that are both beautiful and responsible. Here’s our showcase of the sustainable materials we’re particularly excited about right now, all of which we’ve successfully incorporated into recent design solutions.
Reclaimed and Recycled Timber
Why We Love It
Timber brings warmth and texture to commercial spaces, but conventional sources can come with significant environmental costs. Our design solutions now regularly feature reclaimed and recycled timber options that tell a unique story while reducing demand for virgin resources.
Recent Applications
In a recent commercial interior fit-out in Manchester for a tech company, we transformed their reception area using reclaimed oak floorboards from a decommissioned warehouse. The character and patina of the wood created an immediate visual impact while aligning with the client’s sustainability objectives.
For office partitioning in another commercial fit-out project, we utilised FSC-certified timber frames filled with recycled acoustic insulation, providing both sound dampening and environmental benefits. The natural grain variations added visual interest that synthetic alternatives simply couldn’t match.
Environmental Benefits
- Zero additional trees harvested
- Reduced landfill waste
- Lower embodied carbon compared to virgin timber
- Unique aesthetics that improve with age
- Typically requires less energy to process than new materials
Cork Flooring and Wall Coverings
Why We Love It
Cork is experiencing a renaissance in commercial design, and for good reason. Harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree itself, it’s a truly renewable resource that offers exceptional performance characteristics.
Recent Applications
For a recent commercial refurbishment of a financial services office, we installed cork flooring throughout circulation areas. The material’s natural resilience provided comfort underfoot while its acoustic properties helped dampen sound—a significant benefit in busy office environments.
In another commercial fit-out project for a creative agency, we used cork wall coverings in meeting rooms to create a naturally sound-absorbent environment that didn’t require additional acoustic treatments. The visual warmth of the material created an inviting atmosphere for client presentations.
Environmental Benefits
- Renewable resource (bark regrows every 9-12 years)
- Biodegradable at end of life
- Natural insulating properties improve energy efficiency
- No harmful adhesives when using modern installation methods
- Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties
Recycled Plastic Terrazzo
Why We Love It
Traditional terrazzo has been used for centuries, but modern versions incorporating recycled plastics offer an innovative twist on this classic material. Our design team is particularly excited about terrazzo made with recycled plastic from ocean waste and post-consumer sources.
Recent Applications
In a high-profile commercial interior fit-out in Manchester for a retail client, we created custom countertops using terrazzo made with recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets. The vibrant flecks of colour perfectly matched the brand’s identity while supporting their sustainability messaging.
For a commercial refurbishment project in the hospitality sector, we specified recycled plastic terrazzo for bathroom surfaces, combining water resistance with environmental benefits in a high-traffic area. The material’s seamless installation minimized cleaning requirements while maximizing visual impact.
Environmental Benefits
- Diverts plastic waste from landfills and oceans
- Extremely durable, reducing replacement frequency
- Can be repolished rather than replaced when worn
- Available in endless colour combinations through recycled content
- Lower embodied carbon than concrete-based alternatives
Bamboo Architectural Elements
Why We Love It
While bamboo has been used in construction for centuries in some cultures, its application in modern commercial interiors is relatively recent. As one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, bamboo represents an extremely renewable material choice for commercial fit-out projects.
Recent Applications
In a commercial interior fit-out in Manchester for a professional services firm, we used engineered bamboo for feature wall cladding that created a sophisticated natural backdrop for their reception area. The material’s natural variations provided visual interest while its hardness ensured durability in this high-traffic space.
For another commercial refurbishment project, we specified bamboo for custom-built furniture pieces including meeting tables and storage units. The material’s strength-to-weight ratio made it ideal for these applications, while its rapid renewability aligned with the client’s environmental policy.
Environmental Benefits
- Grows up to 91 cm per day in optimal conditions
- Sequesters carbon during growth
- Requires minimal water and no pesticides
- 25% harder than oak when properly processed
- Naturally antibacterial properties
Recycled Metal Fixtures
Why We Love It
Metal elements are essential in many commercial fit-out projects, but virgin aluminium and steel carry significant environmental impacts. Our design solutions increasingly incorporate recycled metals that offer identical performance with dramatically reduced carbon footprints.
Recent Applications
For a recent commercial refurbishment of a creative studio space, we specified light fixtures made from recycled aluminium that complemented the industrial aesthetic while reducing embodied carbon. The fixtures were designed for disassembly, ensuring they could be recycled again at end of life.
In another commercial interior fit-out in Manchester, we used recycled copper accents for door hardware and decorative elements, providing an evolving patina that added character to the space. The material’s antimicrobial properties offered additional hygienic benefits in this client-facing environment.
Environmental Benefits
- Recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than virgin production
- Infinite recyclability without quality degradation
- Reduced mining impacts and habitat destruction
- Lower carbon footprint across manufacturing process
- Supports circular economy principles
Implementing Sustainable Materials in Your Next Project
Integrating these sustainable materials into your commercial fit-out or refurbishment project requires thoughtful planning and expertise. Here’s how our approach ensures success:
Material Assessment Process
Our in-house design capability includes a thorough material assessment process that evaluates:
- Environmental impact across the full lifecycle
- Performance requirements for specific applications
- Budget considerations and value engineering opportunities
- Availability and lead times for project scheduling
- Maintenance requirements and longevity
Balancing Aesthetics and Sustainability
Many clients worry that choosing sustainable materials means compromising on appearance. Our design solutions demonstrate that eco-friendly options can actually enhance the visual impact of commercial interiors, often providing unique textures, colours, and stories that synthetic alternatives lack.
Measuring the Impact
We help clients understand and communicate the environmental benefits of their material choices through:
- Embodied carbon calculations for key materials
- Waste reduction metrics compared to conventional alternatives
- Percentage of recycled or renewable content used
- Certifications achieved (such as BREEAM or SKA ratings)
- Post-occupancy evaluations of material performance
Conclusion: Creating Sustainable Commercial Spaces
The sustainable materials showcased here represent just a selection of the eco-friendly options we’re incorporating into commercial interior fit-out projects in Manchester and beyond. As material innovation continues to accelerate, our design solutions will evolve to include even more responsible choices that combine environmental benefits with exceptional performance.
At Rische Group, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond material specification to encompass our entire design and construction process. Our in-house design capability allows us to integrate these considerations from concept through completion, ensuring that sustainability isn’t merely an afterthought but a fundamental design principle.
If you’re planning a commercial refurbishment or fit-out project and want to explore how these sustainable materials could enhance your space, we’d be delighted to discuss the possibilities. From reclaimed timber reception desks to mycelium acoustic solutions, our team can help you create a workspace that’s beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible.
