Sustainability and success

Sustainability

Earlier this year, Winch revealed two ground-breaking sustainable yacht interiors created for the new Amels 60 series, titled “Barefoot” and “Moonlight”.

Both designs are poles apart in terms of design brief, but united by one ground-breaking similarity: they are the first yacht interior case studies designed in conjunction with and verified by The Water Revolution Foundation (WRF).

The WRF is an independent industry body that is driving forward meaningful sustainable change by encouraging and supporting innovation and collaboration in the industry. Barefoot and Moonlight mark a significant milestone for sustainable progress.

As part of Winch Design’s commitment to a meaningfully sustainable future, the interiors team spent six months deep diving into the world of truly sustainable finishes. Meticulous attention to detail was paid to materials, production, sourcing and packaging processes to ensure that we were making a genuine contribution to sustainable design and paving the way forward by demonstrating what can be achieved.

The team researched and utilised an abundance of sustainable and innovative materials to illustrate that sustainable design is synonymous with luxury bespoke interiors. On board Barefoot, pineapple leaves undergo a non-chemical process resulting in a lightweight, versatile and hard-wearing leather alternative, adding subtle texture to wall panelling.

The ceiling dome is dressed in a recycled and recyclable ‘parquet’ rope panelling which mirrors the beachy, natural theme. Sand is sculpted and pressurised using air and water to create a centrepiece wall finish that mimics the form of raw stone and fine, almost translucent layers of aloe vera create a coral-like textural finish in the surrounding niches.

Sustainability specialist

Winch has appointed a full-time Sustainability Specialist, Alex Parkinson within the heart of the studio. Alex’s job is to research, contact and connect with innovative suppliers who are creating sustainable alternatives to traditionally unsustainable materials.

She works closely with the interiors team across all projects to advise on how sustainable solutions could be incorporated into a design. She is working hard to add beautiful eco-friendly materials into our core material library, ensuring that sustainability isn’t an afterthought.

Water Revolution Foundation

Winch CEO, Aino Grapin was excited to chair a number of Yacht Designer’s Roundtables for the Water Revolution Foundation. Aino’s role has been to engage with other industry leaders about sustainable design innovation and she spoke at the launch of the Sustainable Yacht Design Task Force at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. Aino offered an overview of key topics and missions which continue to push the agenda for change within the industry.

Sustainability at a studio level 

Meaningful change starts at an individual level and Winch reports they have taken significant steps to ensure they continue to reduce their environmental impact as a studio.

“We have been awarded The Planet Mark sustainability certification for another year, recognising our continued efforts and success in reducing our carbon footprint by at least 5 percent year upon year.

“We also continue to work closely with our nominated charities: The Blue Marine Foundation, Maggie’s and The Felix Project. All employees are given one day away from the studio per year to spend time volunteering or fundraising for their selected charitable cause.

“Finally, we were thrilled to announce that Winch Design transitioned to full employee ownership in July of this year. This means that 100 percent of the business is now owned by the Winch Employee Ownership Trust (WEOT) and the future of Winch Design is in the hands of its employees. Doing so ensures meaningful growth that prioritises our values as a studio, ensuring that community and sustainability remain at the core.”

Social sustainability 

Winch is committed to ensuring sustainable growth goes beyond reducing carbon emissions and utilising sustainable materials on projects.

“True sustainable growth also means factoring in our local communities to ensure we share our successes, be it financially or through providing educational or social opportunities.

“We have an extensive and successful internship program currently underway and work closely with Richmond College, Kingston University, Southampton Solent and Coventry University to offer work placements to students who demonstrate exceptional talent and interest in the world of design.

“We are also supporting an additional two scholars from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, Robert Walker and Nico Conti, whose further training and skill development will be funded by Winch Design for a full year.

Robert Walker is a sign painter specialising in “verre eglomisé” [the process of applying both a design and gilding onto the rear face of glass to produce a mirror finish], and Nico Conti uses an innovative technique of 3D-printing with ceramic to produce beautiful and delicate sculptural pieces of art.

“We are excited about the sustainable future of Winch Design and the luxury design industries and look forward to updating you as we progress further on our mission.”

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