ColourDesign Library talks modern craftsmanship, circularity and hackable interiors solutions with product designer Charles Bramwell of UK furniture makers sixteen3.

Based in the historic industrial heartland of the UK’s North West, sixteen3 design furniture systems for workplaces, hospitality and university settings. Established in 2009 with a focus on soft seating, the company has expanded into modular, customisable systems for breakout spaces and open-plan offices.

ColourDesign Library: What does modern craftsmanship mean to you?

Charles Bramwell: Craftsmanship has always been about quality, detailing and durability. But in modern craftsmanship, there’s a conscious focus on circularity. From the start we’re asking how the furniture systems can be reconfigured, adapted and repaired over time. The origin stories of materials are also increasingly important. I think craftsmanship today has a responsibility to explore more sustainable materials like recycled plastic, bamboo and Agricultural Fibre Board – a by-product of farming made from straw and reeds.

Is there a continuity between traditional craft skills and how your furniture is made today?

Yes, in that the skills we use today go back many generations and have their origins in the craft traditions. We’re based near Manchester with its history of cotton, and Huddersfield with its roots in wool, textiles and weaving, so upholstery skills are deeply embedded. In terms of the metalwork we also keep it local, using British steel and experienced fabricators who combine old skills with newer technologies like laser cutting and CNC milling.

Can you tell us about your Calvert modular system?

It’s a customisable steel-frame solution for the workplace, where zoning of open plan space is increasingly important. It’s named after Calvert Vaux – the co-designer of New York’s Central Park with Frederick Law Olmstead – and the idea is to create a moment of calm, a bit like the role of the park in heavily-gridded Manhattan. It’s a kit of parts that provides visual screening but also storage, desk space and accessories like fabric weaves and acoustic upholstery panels. An online configurator allows customers to specify exactly what they need, including the level of privacy. 

So the user also becomes the craftsperson?

Well, the user is certainly at the centre of the picture! Generally, the system is specified by architects or interior designers, but it’s designed to be easily adapted with readily available tools. Some clients use the system as a presentation space one week and as a meeting booth the next – the configurations are pretty much endless.

And what about colour?

The metal components of our furniture – from sofa frames to table legs – are powder coated in colours from the Fine Textured Collection in the low environmental impact Alesta® Architectural Polyester range. At the moment we offer 24 RAL shades, with options from pared-back neutrals to bright pops of colour and bold contrasts and we’re about to add nine new colours.

To find out more about sixteen3 click here.