In conversation with furniture brand sixteen3

Based in the UK’s North West, an area of industrial heritage, 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. We speak to the company’s product designer, Charles Bramwell, about modern craftsmanship.

What does modern craftsmanship mean to you?

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.

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® AP Architectural Polyester range. Colour options vary from bright pops of colour and bold contrasts, to neutrals and muted pastels, such as on the soft and elegant Darcy chair, with legs in Pebble Grey (AE03057703220) and Jet Black (AE03054900520).