Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Inspiring Story of Kernel Property's Eco-Friendly Office

The building and construction sector accounts for approximately 37% of global CO₂ emissions. In addition to the energy efficiency of buildings, the selection of materials and reuse in interior design are therefore also gaining importance. 

Kernel Property demonstrates how the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” principle can be implemented in office design: The company converted a former generator room into an office and reused, among other things, carpet, glass partition walls, old library shelves, and deck boards.

When Steve Urwin came to Sydney more than 30 years ago, he was the construction manager of the high-rise at 1 O’Connell Street. And this is the very same building that houses his innovative real-estate company, Kernel Property, today. 

During his quest for the perfect base, Urwin was seeking somewhere that reflected his company’s values in terms of the interior design. In other words, he wanted to embrace and adapt the existing design to requirements instead of replacing it with something new. In the end, the company found the perfect solution in a former generator room. They repurposed the space and literally turned it into a generator of innovative and inspiring ideas.

The reuse of existing materials played a central role in the design of Kernel Property’s workspaces. A large portion of the furnishings was given a new purpose:. 

The carpet and glass partitions in the conference room come from a previously demolished office. Former library shelves were used for the wooden elements in the interior; the deck boards come from the renovation of Steve Urwin’s home.

For the swivel chairs, Kernel Property opted for Wilkhahn’s classic FS-Line, which has been in production since 1980. Its seat shell can be removed with two screws and reupholstered. This allows worn upholstery to be replaced without having to replace the entire chair. 

Wilkhahn offers repair and complete refurbishment services for its seating furniture. Older products can be technically or visually updated upon request. In addition to these service options, Kernel Property was also impressed by the ergonomics and timeless design of the FS line, reports Kai Schindlmayr, Director at Kernel Property:

In addition to the innovative and sustainable design, the room wows with its ability to adapt. Because the office can be turned into an event space for around 100 attendees in no time. The screens are attached to a motorized winch system that pulls them up into the ceiling. The Confair folding tables by Wilkhahn (design: Andreas Störiko), which can be folded up, repositioned or rolled to one side in just a few easy steps to clear the space completely, are ideal in this case.

Kernel Property’s sustainable concept proves that repurposed rooms, reused materials and timeless office furniture are more up to date then ever. At the same time, they also have their own particular charm because each and every detail has its own story.