The role of sustainable materials in modern office space design.
Designing a sustainable office space means much more than switching to recycled paper or turning off lights. It’s about reducing environmental impact while creating a healthy, productive environment for people.
At Simply Mammoth Solutions, every material and layout choice should limit negative impacts on both the planet and the people who use the space. In practice, that means sourcing eco-friendly materials whose components, methods of production, and transportation reduce the overall impact on the environment.
This lines up with our commitment to sustainable development goals(SDGs) specifically SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
In this article, we’ll share how our sustainable design approach in this key area can transform your workspace into an eco-conscious, modern environment that employees will love.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Sustainability starts with what you use — and where it comes from. By prioritizing local sourcing, recycled elements, and modular systems, we reduce environmental impact without compromising on style or performance. Our approach to materials is rooted in both ecology and economy.
Locally Sourced Materials
We prioritize locally sourced materials whenever possible, significantly reducing our carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation emissions. This approach supports local industries and economies and ensures that our projects are environmentally responsible from the ground up.
We only turn to imported materials when specific products & items are not available locally or project specifications demand them. Otherwise, we rely on resources available in Kenya. These may include, but are not limited to the following:
Timber & wood products
We source high-quality, locally grown hardwoods such as Meru Oak, Camphor, and Walnut, known for their durability, beauty, and sustainability. These species are carefully selected to align with both our aesthetic goals and environmental values. We ensure that the wood is ethically sourced and from reputable sources.
In addition, we make extensive use of reclaimed wood (including repurposed pallets) to create custom furniture pieces like stools, chairs, and tables. This gives discarded materials a second life while adding character and texture to our work.
Engineered wood boards
These materials are engineered by bonding real wood fragments, wood waste, shredded fibers, and/or sawdust using synthetic adhesives, resulting in composite products that replicate the aesthetics and mechanical properties of natural wood while offering enhanced strength, stability, and durability.
By utilizing recycled wood products that would otherwise go to waste, these materials contribute to sustainability by reducing the demand for virgin timber, minimizing landfill use, and promoting more efficient resource utilization.
We incorporate particle boards and MDF sourced from trusted local suppliers such as PG Bison, Tim Sales, & Comply. These boards provide reliable structural integrity and design flexibility while supporting local manufacturing.
Decorative wall finishes
To add depth to interior spaces, we use fluted panels, which enhance acoustics and aesthetics.
Also known as slatted wall panels, fluted wall panels are made from engineered wood fibers blended with wood-plastic composite. They are designed to mimic the look of natural wood, and they feature linear or vertical patterns. The result is a material that is highly resistant to mold, water, termites, and moisture, making it ideal for both interior and exterior use. Their textured finish adds depth and visual interest, complementing a wide range of décor styles.
Since they are made with repurposed wood content and durable composite materials, they help extend the lifecycle of wood by transforming byproducts into high-performance décor. Their longevity and low maintenance reduce the need for frequent replacements, supporting more sustainable building practices over time.
Metal & Finishes
For structural elements and custom design features, we source locally fabricated steel from reputable suppliers like Doshi Steel. This reduces dependency on imports and promotes local craftsmanship.
Low VOC Paints for Healthier Interiors
Paint might seem like a small detail, but when it comes to creating a sustainable and healthy workspace, it plays a major role.
That’s why we use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints, primarily from Crown Paints and Duracoat, two reputable local manufacturers that offer eco-friendly formulations designed with both people and the planet in mind.
Timber & wood products
Conventional paints release harmful chemicals into the air long after application—something known as “off-gassing.” These emissions can lead to poor indoor air quality, headaches, respiratory issues, and long-term health concerns for employees. Low-VOC paints, on the other hand, drastically reduce these toxins, helping to create cleaner, fresher air throughout the office.
Applied with Purpose
We don’t just slap on a coat of paint and call it a day. We consider the wall function, orientation, and finish goals in every room. For instance:
- In high-traffic areas such as reception zones and breakout spaces, we use durable, low-sheen finishes that are easy to clean without degrading the color and finish quality.
- For collaborative rooms and boardrooms, we choose warmer, calming tones to enhance focus and comfort, while still maintaining a professional edge.
- Accent walls are an opportunity to inject personality using color, pattern, or texture—all while keeping the materials safe.
Choosing the right paint is a small change with big benefits—especially when your goal is to build a space that’s healthy, sustainable, and employee-friendly from day one.
Sustainable furniture design
Our furniture is custom-made on-site. This approach allows us to closely monitor the quality of every piece, ensuring durability, consistency, and long-term reliability. It also means that maintenance is simpler, because we know exactly how each item was built, and repairs and adjustments are quick and cost-effective.
From a sustainability standpoint, building in-house gives us full control over the materials used and minimizes waste. We produce only what’s needed for the space, reducing unnecessary overproduction or surplus inventory. This is both economical and environmentally friendly.
We’ve adopted a modular design policy, which is key to flexibility and reusability. Modular furniture can be reconfigured, repurposed, or even rebuilt to fit evolving office needs—whether that’s scaling a team, shifting layouts, or adapting to hybrid work setups. This not only extends the life of the furniture but also minimizes the need to purchase new pieces every time a change is required.
The materials we use are equally conscious choices. Our furniture is primarily constructed from OSB (Oriented Strand Board), Particle Boards, and locally sourced metal.
These are not only more affordable than hardwoods, but also more sustainable, especially when sourced from certified suppliers and manufacturers focused on responsible production. In some cases, we even incorporate reclaimed or repurposed materials for added character and reduced environmental impact.
The result is office furniture that reflects both modern design sensibility and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, without compromising on function and aesthetics.
If your company is considering an office revamp, we invite you to take the next step. Our team specializes in creating sustainable, modern workspaces tailored to each business’s culture and goals.
Talk to us and let us make Magic together!
hello@simplymammoth.com