How residents are shaping the sustainability agenda?
Sustainability used to be something that was designed for residents. Now, it's increasingly being shaped by them. Having delivered many high end design projects, we’ve seen a shift in recent years from our clients, who are no longer passive recipients of green design. They’re active drivers of it.
From sustainability aspects such as micro decisions like energy use and recycling habits, to additional sustainability aspects such as material uses and more, it’s clear that people living in these homes are helping push the agenda forward. And nowhere is this more evident than in London, where sustainability isn’t just a design priority, it’s becoming a lifestyle expectation.
A new era of resident-led sustainability
In the past, sustainable features in residential buildings were often top-down and what we mean by this is that sustainability features were often recommended and delivered by the developers or architects. These included ideas such as green roofs, solar panels, insulation upgrades, all specified by developers and architects. These are all still critical, of course. But today, the momentum is increasingly coming from those who own the properties and live in them, looking to create a specific type of property that matches their life, requirements, beliefs and values.
Why? Because more and more Londoners care. They want homes that are energy efficient, healthier to live in and kinder to the planet. And they’re asking for more, from their spaces and the teams who create them like we do at SP3 London. Find out more about our services here: https://www.sp3london.com/services.
This shift in expectations is having a knock-on effect as it’s now:
Encouraging developers to integrate innovative greener technologies
Inspiring property owners to prioritise longevity and lifecycle thinking in their investments.
Prompting private residential clients to embrace sustainable choices in materiality and maintenance.
And inviting architects and designers to consider not just how buildings perform, but how people use them every day.
Evolving expectations in luxury living
For many of our clients, sustainability isn’t a separate brief. It’s very much now built into every part of the project.
We’re finding that clients are now asking better questions. Not just is this sustainable?, but how was it sourced?, what impact will it have? and does it support wellbeing as much as design intent? We’re seeing that clients are much more prepared on these aspects as they already have sustainability ideas in mind as part of their project.
We’re increasingly designing for this new kind of luxury. This is where environmental and lifestyle considerations are completely intertwined. Here’s what we’re hearing more often in conversations with clients:
Low-toxicity materials
We’re finding that residents interested in sustainability are paying more attention to the materials that will be surrounding them in their home. This includes:
Ensuring Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and finishes are being used to support better indoor air quality
Natural wall treatments are utilised like limewash, clay plaster or breathable wallpapers
Ensuring cabinetry in kitchens and wardrobes are formaldehyde-free
These particular choices contribute to a healthier, more breathable home, something especially important in airtight, energy-efficient builds.
Natural materials with provenance
There’s a rising interest in using materials that are both sustainable and story-driven. Clients want:
Timber that has been sourced from responsibly managed forests, often with FSC or PEFC certification
Locally sourced stone, which reduces transportation emissions and supports British craftsmanship
Handmade finishes, such as hand-trowelled plaster or artisanal tiles, that blend sustainability with character
It’s about having something that feels grounded, considered and connected to place.
Smarter Lighting & Energy Management
Luxury homeowners are looking to reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort or atmosphere:
LED lighting throughout, with warm tones and integrated dimming
Automated blind systems that track the sun’s movement and regulate heat gain
Smart HVAC and energy systems, including underfloor heating and efficient heat pumps
These systems are often seamlessly integrated into the design, offering intuitive control and long-term energy savings.
Sustainable Joinery and Built-In Storage
More clients are asking whether their fitted joinery is made to last and designed with sustainability in mind:
Modular or demountable elements that can move with them if needed
Low-waste production processes and manufacturers with carbon offsetting policies
Durable, timeless materials that reduce the need for replacement over time
Water and Waste Efficiency
Luxury doesn’t mean excess. In fact, many high-end residents are prioritising:
Water-saving fixtures that don’t compromise on performance
Waste sorting solutions that are integrated into the kitchen and utility areas
Greywater recycling systems in larger properties or multi-residential developments
Sustainable Textiles and Soft Finishes
Clients are asking more about what goes into their home furnishings. That includes:
Natural fibre upholstery (organic cotton, hemp, linen, wool)
Rugs made from jute, sisal or recycled PET
Drapery made using low-impact dyes and certified eco-processes
These details not only reduce environmental impact, but contribute to a more tactile, grounding environment.
Longevity Over Trends
Ultimately, one of the clearest shifts we’ve seen is a move away from trend-driven decisions. Clients want:
Furniture that won’t date quickly
Quality joinery that can be maintained rather than replaced
Aesthetic choices that reflect their values as much as their style
In short, sustainability is becoming a marker of luxury in its own right. It’s not a compromise, it’s a conscious upgrade.
Biophilic Design and Indoor Greenery
There’s a growing desire to bring nature into the home, not just visually, but experientially. We’re seeing more residents request:
Indoor planting schemes that work with natural light levels and room layout
Integrated planters in joinery or partition walls to soften hard surfaces
Natural ventilation strategies, paired with greenery to support cleaner indoor air
Courtyards, lightwells or terraces designed around mature planting
It’s about creating a sense of calm and connection, particularly in dense urban areas where outdoor space may be limited. The presence of greenery supports mental wellbeing, improves air quality and brings movement and softness to even the most refined interiors.
What we’re seeing is a new standard of luxury, one where beauty, wellbeing and environmental responsibility all go hand in hand. From healthier materials to smart energy systems and nature-led design, our clients are showing us that sustainability isn’t a bolt-on. It’s integral to how they want to live. At SP3 London, we’ve been embracing this shift by designing homes that are not just visually refined, but thoughtfully built to support people, place and planet for years to come.
What does this mean for designers like us?
At SP3 London, we work at the intersection of refined design and responsible living. The shift towards resident-led sustainability speaks directly to our ethos, that the most impactful forms of sustainability are those seamlessly woven into the everyday, not added as extras.
For us, this means:
Designing for longevity: Spaces that adapt elegantly to lifestyle changes over time, without sacrificing beauty or function.
Selecting conscious materials: Finishes and furnishings that prioritise both environmental responsibility and personal wellbeing.
Elevating practicality: Discreet recycling zones, intuitive home systems and sustainability features that blend effortlessly into the design.
Collaborating with purpose: Partnering with developers and consultants to align design aspirations with long-term environmental goals.
Our role is more than creating beautiful spaces. It’s about enabling our clients to live more sustainably, through design that simplifies decision-making and supports mindful living.
Looking Ahead…
Sustainability in high-end residential design is no longer a value-add, it’s an expectation. And when it’s driven by residents themselves, it becomes far more personal, far more powerful.
This is not a passing trend. It’s a quiet but a continued growing movement, one that champions collaboration, long-term thinking and an elevated sense of responsibility.
At SP3 London, we believe in designing homes that not only respond to today’s expectations, but also help shape tomorrow’s behaviours. When residents are given the space, tools and confidence to lead, design becomes not just beautiful, but transformative.
Because true luxury doesn’t ignore the world around it. It moves thoughtfully within it.
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