BUILD Q2 2018

35 Q2 2018 Build ero Kitchens’ sustainable and green designs and products are a credible alternative to mainstream furniture supply, and it is these aspects which helps Tim and the team attract clients from all over the country. Tim starts off the discussion by telling us his company’s overall mission, describing what steps the team takes in order to achieve this. “Here at Zero Kitchens, we want to broaden people’s choice and awareness, and so we are supplying sustainable products to the retail market, meaning there is a choice for clients if they want to choose a sustainable supplier for their bathroom and kitchen furniture. “As such, the core materials of our products are fully sustainable and eco-friendly, and we ensure all our suppliers manufacture processes are as green as possible.” Discussing his previous experiences and how they contributed to him producing environmentally friendly designs, Tim is keen to tell us about which particular aspects of his past career he draws on now. “I have been in the kitchen and bathroom industry for over 20 years, having worked on both sides of the table running showrooms throughout the south East, as well as acting as an agent for European kitchen and bathroom furni- ture manufacturers. Having toured plenty of manufacturers factories, I have had a good insight into what materials are used throughout our industry and know that scant attention is paid to the sustainable element or eco-friendliness of the core products that are used generally in all furniture manufacture. This needs to change now and we, and others, are hopefully forging that process and mind set.” To succeed in the sustainable design industry, it is important that the team takes a considered approach to each individual client, in order to ensure that the overall outcome meets the needs of the client’s expectations. “When approaching any new project, we have a comprehensive meeting with the client, be it retail or commercial, and listen to their design specification and overall aspiration. As a result, we are able to deliver our interpretation of the brief, and given our ability to produce a bespoke element and have the flexibility to be creative with our furniture finishes, we can ensure the client will enjoy a unique and encompassing installation.” Within the UK market, environmentally friendly products have seen a rise in production and suitability. Tim tells us what challenges he and his team have had to overcome in order to become established within the sustainable design industry. The Sustainable Solution Zero Kitchens manufactures sustainable kitchen and bathroom furniture, using recycled or eco-friendly core materials which ensure the company’s furniture are a true element to the circular economy and deliver carbon benefits for home interiors. We spoke to Tim Burgess to find out more about the environmentally friendly and truly sustainable furniture the team produces. Z “The UK market is trying to show willing with various green products making a token appearance in the sector, both commercially and residentially, but there is not enough drive to make these markets aware that not only there is the availability of an alternative, but it should be their default setting to opt for a sustainable supplier first as we are facing so many global issues. All help, even if small, can help the environment. Given the green credentials required by most fitout companies and developers currently these issues can be readi- ly addressed by specifying our furniture.” Clearly excited about the company’s recent success, Tim explains what attributes the firm possesses which have enabled Zero Kitchens to mark itself out as the best possible option for clients. “Essentially, our furniture is truly sustainable; uses no FOC’s, no formalde- hyde, involves no cutting down of trees and principally uses recycled agricul- tural waste. There are no other companies currently offering such a totally green, sustainable market furniture offering.” Ultimately, there is widespread optimism amongst Tim and his team at Zero Kitchens that there is a bright future ahead. In his concluding comments, Tim comments on what aspects he is most looking forward to in the times ahead. “Looking ahead, the future is very exciting for Zero as we have just embarked on our first development with cutting edge eco house builders Zero Bills Homes, supplying their EcoGrove project in Essex with their kitchens. This is the initial phase of a long-term build program, but shows that we can truly help with developers and planners in their ability to push though some tricky applications and tick some essential required green boxes.” Contact: Tim Burgess Contact Email: [email protected] Address: Dill Cottage, Burnt Oak Road, High Hurstwood, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 4AE, UK Phone: 07817 788879 Website: www.zerokitchens.com