Responsible Design.
High-quality design is not just about creating something that looks good.
Design is a holistic process that encompasses every aspect of creating a stunning piece of furniture. This requires careful consideration of material selection, artistry, craftsmanship, the intricacies of the production process, and, most importantly, the broader impact on the environment and our well-being throughout the lifecycle of the product.
We believe that something is well-designed only when every element is carefully weighed and evaluated to meet the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and longevity, from conception through production, use, and beyond. Design is an art form that enriches our lives and must contribute positively to the world around us, both now and in the future.
“At Shape Furniture, sustainability is our number one priority. We go beyond the standard practice of furniture makers by being directly involved in every step of the production process, from fallen tree to finished product.
Our commitment to sustainability means that we use only local British timber, which we strive to process efficiently, minimising waste and ensuring that all offcuts can be used for another purpose.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve, we constantly analyse our practices and explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact. We also champion the use of unconventional species and grades of timber, which allows us to create unique and beautiful pieces while supporting local sustainable forestry practices.
We firmly believe that by taking these steps, we can provide furniture that is not only of the highest quality but also environmentally responsible. We're proud to be leading the way in sustainable furniture making and will continue to innovate and improve in the years to come.”
- Jonathan Beeby
Founding Director of Shape Furniture Ltd.
Responsible Materials.
Our furniture is made exclusively from wood; the most useful and sustainable material there is.
Wood is beautiful, natural, renewable, durable, reusable, flexible and carbon neutral when harvested sustainably.
As trees grow, they take CO2 out of the atmosphere and capture it in the form of carbon. In fact, 50% of the dry weight of wood is carbon. When we harvest trees and use them to make furniture, the carbon is stored for the entire life of that piece.
We work in partnership with Witherslack Woodlands who operate the timber yard in which our workshop is based. They are a conservation forestry management company who are committed to sustainable woodland management. With over 300 hectares of British woodland under their care, they're responsible for some of the most rare and valuable species in the country, many of which are located in Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
One of the key practices they use is coppicing, an ancient technique that involves removing older trees and thinning cover in certain woodland plots. This approach promotes fresh tree shoot growth and maximises the light reaching the woodland floor, which in turn encourages the growth of wildflowers such as violets and primroses. These flowers provide an essential food source for rare species of butterflies and other insect life, making the woodland a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. In a few years the new shoots will have grown up and the process can start over again. These plots, all at different stages of maturity, are a patchwork throughout the woodland and provide a variety of habitats for not only butterflies and moths, but also for birds and other insect species.
Responsible Production.
Timber can no longer be wasted in the former lavish manner which served to establish the pre-war design of houses and other buildings where primarily premium grade, long lengths of knot-free timber were selectively used, laying the rest to waste.
Through selective forestry and a carefully managed system of production we use each and every piece of timber for its best possible use.
Prevent.
Through selective forestry we take only the trees we need, preventing the long lasting damage to the environment that can be caused through mass plantation forestry, Instead we help to create and maintain a vibrant and diverse ecosystem where new and evolving habitats can be established and thrive.
Reduce.
We reduce the amount of trees cut down by using timber of all grades and species. We are firm believers that all timber can be used to make beautiful furniture provided it is treated and cared for correctly.
By having a direct involvement in the saw milling process we can ensure each log is cut for its specific purpose and that the maximum amount of timber can be used from it, reducing the amount of offcuts in the process.
Reuse.
Any offcuts produced during the furniture making process are reused and made into beautiful home accessories. We also reuse packaging and encourage our customers to do the same.
Recycle.
All sawdust and wood shavings produced in the production of timber and in producing a finished piece of furniture are collected and donated to the local stables where it is recycled into bedding for the horses.
Recover.
Any offcuts that are too small for reuse are fed into an on-site biomass boiler a long with all of the bark offcuts produced during the milling process. The biomass boiler recovers energy stored within the wood and provides heating for a number of local houses and commercial properties in the surrounding estate.
Disposal.
We make every effort possible to ensure nothing is disposed of.
Craftsmanship.
The most sustainable product is the one you only have to buy once.
By making high quality, hard wearing pieces we can ensure that the carbon stored within our furniture remains there for a very long time.
Craftsmanship is at the core of what we do. As furniture makers, we take great pride in creating and finishing each piece by hand in our own dedicated workshop. This hands-on approach allows us to maintain complete control over the quality of our products from start to finish.
In our process, we embrace a balance between modern machinery and traditional techniques. We use state-of-the-art tools, such as a CNC machine, to produce precise and intricate designs. However, we also understand the value of traditional craftsmanship and combine our practices with time-tested joinery methods using hand tools.
By blending modern technology with traditional craft techniques, we are able to deliver high-quality products that stand the test of time. Every detail is carefully considered and executed, ensuring that our furniture is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and functional.
Enduring Design.
Less is more:
both in design & consumption.
We strive to create simple, elegant designs that possess a timeless quality. Our goal is to go beyond fleeting fashion trends and instead create pieces that hold enduring value, both functionally and aesthetically. By prioritizing longevity, we aim to eliminate the cycle of constant replacement that has become all too common in today's consumer-driven culture.
We want to create something that you will cherish for a lifetime. By encouraging our customers to invest in pieces that endure, we aim to reduce the overall demand for disposable goods. This shift toward a more mindful and conscientious consumption pattern is not only beneficial for the environment but also empowers individuals to build a personal style that stands apart from fleeting fads.
By fostering an appreciation for enduring design, we seek to cultivate a deeper connection between individuals and their possessions. Rather than treating our creations as mere objects, we aspire for them to become cherished possessions that can be passed down through generations.
That's why we offer a range of styles that can be tailored to your specific needs. Whether it's adjusting the size of a piece to suit a particular space, changing the wood type or finish, or altering the amount and means of storage built into the piece, we are committed to working with you to deliver the piece you want and ensure it is something you will cherish.