Embracing Sustainable Design with SilestoneXM: Expert Tips from Top Interior Designers

In recent years, sustainability has slowly become a cornerstone in design, shaping everything from interior choices to major construction materials. In the fast-evolving world of architecture and interior design, designers are embracing sustainable practices, and clients are increasingly asking for eco-friendly options.

We speak to four leading Singapore-based designers who weighed in on the state of sustainable design when it comes to surfaces and how SilestoneXM has become a game-changer to designing beautiful, practical, future-proof spaces that would outlast fads and technological advancements.

Why Specify Sustainable Products?

For these designers, the choice to use sustainable products is not just a trend, it is a responsibility.

Molina Hun from Parenthesis Studio emphasised that using sustainable materials is essential to reduce the environmental impact of projects. “From a personal perspective, using sustainable materials ensures that we are contributing to the well-being of our environment, preserving it for future generations,” she shared. However, she believes that suppliers should take the lead in advancing sustainable options and further pushes for manufacturers to handle research and development costs that would make these choices more affordable.

Alex Chang sees sustainability as a priority, especially in residential design. The designer from  Ju Design Studio expanded by saying, “Using sustainable products in residential projects reduces the home’s environmental impact and creates a healthier living space,” he noted, suggesting that the push for sustainable materials goes beyond aesthetics and is more about making healthier, environmentally conscious homes.

Chantal Tan of Recolor offered a similar sentiment, emphasising that integrating sustainable materials aligns with an increasing demand for eco-friendly practices whilst Tracy Lim at Maer Atelier highlighted the potential for sustainable materials to resonate with clients who are eco-conscious, “It helps clients feel better about their impact on the planet.”

Are More Project Owners Requesting Sustainable Products?

Molina has observed a growing trend amongst clients requesting sustainable products saying, “If sustainable materials were more readily available and accessible, even more owners would be keen to choose the sustainable route.” It’s clear that while demand is high, the supply of sustainable options could make it easier for everyone to embrace eco-friendly design. Alex shared a similar perspective noting, “I believe that in the future, more homeowners will prioritise sustainability and request eco-friendly products,” he predicts.

On the other hand, Chantal pointed out, “We haven’t really seen many project owners specifically requesting sustainable products, but when we do propose them, clients are happy to know about it.” This suggests that awareness and proactive suggestions from designers could be key to driving demand around such materials. Tracy sees a noticeable rise in requests for sustainable options and observes that as people become more mindful of their environmental footprint, requests for sustainable construction materials are only set to grow.

SilestoneXM: A Game-Changer in Countertop Surfaces?

Sustainable materials like SilestoneXM are leading the way in green design, offering a mix of aesthetics, functionality, and eco-friendly features. Here are the top 3 things that are widely loved about this surface at the forefront of change.

1. The “SilestoneXM Look” - Molina appreciates the “full-body” look that SilestoneXM embodies and that it mimics natural stone’s texture and feel and Chantal emphasised the uniqueness of SilestoneXM’s colorways saying, “We like it for its beautiful patterns that mimic real stones more authentically than many other products on the market.

2. Durability and Ease of Maintenance - Alex is drawn most to these 2 points, durability and the simpleness that goes to maintain the surface. “What I love about SilestoneXM is its durability, ease of maintenance, and stylish appearance,” he shared. The practical benefits, coupled with its eco-friendly production process, are a winning combination in Alex’s eyes. “The fact that SilestoneXM is made using Hybriq technology with recycled materials is a significant bonus,” Molina noted, expanding on to say how it aligned with her commitment to making sustainable choices.

3. Versatility and Adaptability - Tracy pointed out how SilestoneXM is more than just countertops. She also appreciates its flexibility, saying that because SilestoneXM can be used in multiple areas of a project, it makes it a versatile choice for eco-conscious designs.

The Right Way To Go

From countertops to building materials, sustainable choices are here to stay. Clients are increasingly open to eco-friendly options, especially when they are accessible and can provide both aesthetic and functional value. 

A good example of this is SilestoneXM, a premium hybrid surface made of 20% of recycled materials - a blend of premium minerals, quartz and recycled glass. SilestoneXM is the evolution from Silestone produced with Cosentino’s exclusive HybriQ+ technology resulting in this surface containing a maximum of just 10% crystalline silica content. SilestoneXM is heat, freezing, corrosion-resistant and non-porous. This makes the surface resistant to stains and bacteria. It uses 100% renewable electricity, 99% reused water and releases 0% of its discharge into rivers and seas; within the next couple of years, all Silestone designs will be fully converted into SilestoneXM.

As more manufacturers invest in sustainable innovation, designers like Molina, Alex, Chantal, and Tracy are well-positioned to bring these green materials to the forefront, helping shape a more sustainable, stylish future in interior design.

Discover and read more at Cosentino.com or visit the Cosentino City showroom at Marina One!