Sustainability by Design: The South African Advantage

At Next Interiors, we’ve always believed that great design is more than just beautiful—it should also be smart, responsible, and resilient.

In recent reports titled Sustainability and Resilience by Design, global design firm Gensler explores how workplace environments can become catalysts for climate action—by reducing embodied carbon, prioritising adaptability, and embracing sustainable materials from the outset. They're all well worth the read and a powerful reminder of the impact that workplace designers can have on shaping a more sustainable built environment.

While Gensler's research is based largely in North America, it struck a chord with us here in South Africa—because although our sustainability toolbox may look different, our potential is just as exciting.

We may not always have access to the same cutting-edge materials or large-scale green incentives seen abroad, but we do have our own superpowers: abundant natural light, a moderate climate, and an architectural culture that lends itself to open, flexible, breathable spaces.

Passive design strategies—like harnessing daylight, maximising cross-ventilation, and zoning for thermal comfort—are second nature in many of our spaces. And they’re sustainable by default.

Natural elements in abundance in South Africa.

We’re also seeing a growing appetite for responsibly sourced and lower-impact materials. Recycled PET acoustic panels, for example, are curated from international suppliers and offer a compelling solution—reducing landfill waste, improving acoustics, and bringing a clean, contemporary aesthetic to open-plan offices. Melamine and steel remain workhorses of the commercial fit-out world, and when specified wisely, they can offer durability and longevity with minimal maintenance.

And then there’s the craft factor—South Africa’s community of skilled makers and artisans is thriving. Timber pieces from Knysna, woven textures from Limpopo, or even terrazzo tiles made from offcuts and waste—these locally produced elements add soul and reduce shipping miles.

Sustainability in our context also means designing for change: flexible layouts, modular furniture, and spaces that can grow with the business. It’s about resilience in both form and function.

Here in South Africa, we’re fortunate to have a climate that supports passive design, a growing community of innovative material suppliers, and an architectural heritage that naturally leans toward open, breathable spaces.

When we embrace these strengths, we’re not just keeping up—we’re carving out a distinctly South African approach to sustainable workplace design. One that’s rooted in practicality, creativity, and long-term thinking.