Desmond Chew Three-D Conceptwerke

Green design isn’t just for commercial spaces anymore – it’s showing up in homes, too. We sit down with Desmond Chew, the principal designer of Three-D Conceptwerke, to get his insights on sustainable design in the industry.

 

Sustainability is a key issue among designers, but how much do homeowners know about it?

 Although more Singaporeans are becoming aware of the importance of sustainable living, not everyone is making it a priority yet when it comes to designing their home, and I think it’s because they don’t have much knowledge of how to do so. For most, it’s really up to the designer to propose and educate the client.

 

Is there a difference between sustainability and eco-friendly living?

Yes, the two are linked but have their differences. Environmentally sustainable design is the philosophy of designing the built environment and physical objects to comply with the principles of ecological sustainability. Skillful, sensitive design can minimise negative environmental impact, and it helps to connect people with the natural environment.

On the other hand, the “eco-friendly” term generally refers to products that are not harmful to the earth, or practices that can help conserve resources, such as water or energy.

 

 

Why should we look beyond eco-friendliness?

A lot of people only look at whether something is made of eco-friendly materials, for example if it is made of sustainably-sourced wood. But that’s not enough – we must also think about the long-term use. Will we be able to take this item with us when we move? Or can we recycle it? If the answer is yes, then that’s sustainability. If we have to throw the item away after a while, then it still contributes to pollution and harms the environment.

 

Can you tell us more about a project you’ve done that includes sustainable design?

In one of the projects that we did in conjunction with an architect, we took into consideration the cross-ventilation and the insulation of the house. So we created a large, open space with sliding glass doors that can let in natural light and air, and we made sure the flooring was insulated with concrete and stones so that the house remains cool even in Singapore’s heat. That way, the homeowners save a lot of electricity.

 

(Related: How design firm Avroko have created some of the buzziest interiors in the region.)

 

If a homeowner wishes to make their house more eco-friendly without having to renovate the house, what would you suggest?

 Start with something simple – purchase products that use eco-friendly materials, like sustainably-sourced wood furniture. They can also conserve energy by using fans instead of air-conditioning throughout the house.

 

Do eco-friendly design elements cost more?

At the moment, yes. The industry is still transitioning – but suppliers and builders are gradually making changes. However, we should also consider the money we save in the long run on water and electricity, and the impact we have on the environment.

 

This article was originally published in Home & Decor.

(Related: Design in Tel Aviv: telling the story of both the past and present)