Just like we take pride in the work we produce, as a bespoke kitchen company we also take pride in the materials we use. We don’t think we could produce the results we do if we didn’t spend the time selecting the right materials.
Of course the design choices are shared by the client, but no matter what design we’re aiming for we can offer a wide selection of materials that will fit the bill.
As well as the look and feel of the material, it’s also important to consider the environmental impact. As well as the raw materials used in the production of the end product, and the production methods themselves, we think about the packaging and transportation implications too.
Often being destined for a kitchen, we also think about the chemicals and toxicity of the supplies and materials we use. From glue to paint, it’s important to be kind to the environment and offer 100% safety when used near cooking or with inquisitive pets on the prowl.
Take a look at some of the materials we use most often with our handmade kitchens, and why we rate them so highly.
Birch Ply
Formed from Birch same-thickness veneers that are sandwiched together at cross angles, this is a material that offers so many benefits it’s a clear winner for most designs.
The actual Birch is a fast-growing species that lives happily in Northeastern Europe (so lower transport impact, too). That speed of growth means minimal impact to the biodiversity when cut down, and good plantation management offers a truly sustainable choice.
The finished material is attractive (but you’re unlikely to see it, as we use it mostly for carcasses) and great to handle thanks to a smooth finish with no jagged edges or knots.
Our craftsman love working with it too, it’s strong and holds a screw very well. It’s also resistant to warping or bowing.
Our clients love it thanks to its durability and longevity.
It’s wins all around with this one!
Water-based paints for handmade kitchens
They’ve come on a long way and we now consider them the first choice when it comes to paint in a kitchen.
For starters their low, sometimes zero, amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) mean their toxicity is far lower than oil-based counterparts. This shows in the lower odour when painting and drying.
These paints are quick and easy to apply, we normally apply by hand, they are a real joy to work with. They also offer good resistance once dry and we’ve yet to find a colour that isn’t available.
If needed we can apply a clear protective coat if excessive wear is a worry.
Richlite
They don’t come more sustainable than this. This material is a perfect replacement for hardwood. It’s attractive, easy to work with, amazingly hardwearing, available in a wide range of styles and colours and, wait for it, made from paper.
Richlite has a fantastic heritage, stemming from the aerospace industry in the 1940s. It quickly became used in the commercial food industry thanks to its hygienic properties and then into the building industry thanks to its durability. At the start of this century, it became popular in architecture and design due to the wide range of looks that can be achieved.
We’ve produced some stunning handmade kitchens designs using this material and its sustainability credentials are second to none.
We’ve found, by being creative and open-minded about the materials we use, that reducing our impact on the environment doesn’t mean making compromises on aesthetics or quality. Quite the opposite, in fact, we’ve been able to produce some of our finest work using materials that put minimal strain on the environment. All while working to demanding client requirements, fine engineering tolerances, and high creative expectations.
It’s our view that bespoke kitchen companies have a duty to find the very best materials for their clients. Finding solutions to these types of challenges is part of the Papilio bespoke kitchen DNA, and we’re proud to share the results we achieve. If you’d like to talk to us about your kitchen project, please do get in touch with a design consultant.
