Sustainable Birch Ply Kitchen

In this kitchen we teamed hardwearing birch ply with another durable and sustainable material, linoleum, to create a functional and stylish family space for  Dovetailors founders David and Emmanuelle when they are at home.

Birch plywood is strong, structurally sound and the end grain created by the layers leaves a very attractive edge. It is a manmade board made from natural materials and the ply we use is made of 100% sustainably sourced birch. The fact that it is incredibly tough makes it particularly well suited to kitchens, which are in constant daily use. No matter how much action your cupboard doors see, they will be looking good and doing their job for many years to come.  Birch ply is also great to work with because it is such a hard material and can be cut easily, giving a similar finished look to maple.

In the past, product designers and furniture makers have tended not to shout about using plywood. We were keen to celebrate its virtues and design a kitchen that makes the most of its positive qualities.  In fact, the layered effect has already become quite a desirable feature in modern, minimalist kitchens.

Lino is also 100% natural, has a low impact on the environment, is aesthetically pleasing and hardwearing. Furniture linoleum comes in a great range of colours too, which opens up lots of style options.

The design

This project focused heavily on functionality. Absolutely every detail is there for a reason and we have made clever use of all the space available.

• • Fully adjustable shelves.
  • Pull–out utility shelves to maximise space in the corner.
  • A bespoke curved ply and linoleum feature door.
  • A handy drawer under the oven.
  • Bespoke U-shaped sink drawer which isbuilt around the plumbing to maximise space and give easy access.  
  • Custom made cutlery drawer dividers and deeper drawer dividers for other items such as lids. 
  • The drawers also have mitred corners keyed with oak. 

From a style perspective:

• • We have made a real feature of the end grain.
  • The carcasses are on show with the drawers and doors inset.
  • We opted for a sleek handleless design which uses hand recesses instead.
  • The drawers are set on soft-close hinges and runners.
  • We chose two-tone lino in pewter and pebble which contrasts beautifully with solid oak plinths, pelmets and cornice
  • For the work surfaces we have experimented with acrylic and mineral composite in sparkly black and pure white acrylic splashback

What David says:  

“Every single cupboard is framed by the carcass and every set of drawers.  I like the shape of the carcasses and the relief gap between each carcass with oak. I have designed the kitchen around coherent rules which I have adhered to.”

What Emmanuelle says:

“I love everything about this kitchen, it is an honest and tough kitchen which is withstanding the hazards of our family life. The linoleum is a beautiful product for the eyes and for the touch – it complements the end grain ply so well. And it is super easy to clean! I love all the practical touches which make using this kitchen such a delight.”