If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

The Eskom issue was a relevant wakeup call for most businesses and individuals. I believe that an acute awareness regarding the abuse of resources will take hold. Up to date we could manage the power crises and it actually  made us  more resourceful in finding adequate solutions.

[Environmental consciousness]

I think that we will see an acceleration towards a more “green” and healthier environment in the construction industry. The application of our handmade tiles in the home, hospitality or commercial projects will recreate and enhance the feeling of well being that only handmade tiles can achieve.Environmental consciousness will drive producers and ceramic designers to conserve not just energy but materials and water resources.

At Southern Art Ceramics:

RE: ENERGY

• All the kiln furniture got replaced by hollow core kiln shelves that weigh 30% less and the kiln either consume less energy when using the same quantity kiln shelves or for the same consumption the output per kiln can be increased by 30%.
• The average delivery time has been changed from 15days to 20 working days, affording us the opportunity to only fire fully packed “dry” kilns.
• If at all possible the kilns fire at full power at off peak times, saving us money and relieving stress on the power grid.
• All clay products are dried in the roof if possible or close to kilns to ensure the shortest possible kiln cycles to fire the ware. In Hermanus being close to the coast and the resultant high humidity during winter months, drying the wet clay can become problematic increasing our reliance on the flow of warm air and heating.
• At the showroom we only switch on lights for walk-in clients when they need optimum viewing qualities. We aim to open by appointment soon and this will make it even easier to control the perceived presentability of our gallery, regarding the first impression on walking into a dark studio when lights are switched of.
• Looking at our past performance it is clear that energy consumption as a percentage of turnover increases when the business experienced periods of low margins.
• Moving away from mass produced dinner ware and a stock carrying entity towards the production of commissioned and customized briefs was in itself beneficial to the most productive use of energy resources.

RE: WATER

• The contaminated water is recycled in a drum. In the mornings the clear water is siphoned of and the “new dirty” water returned during the day.
• Training staff making them conscious of how easily one can change routines and habits is an ongoing exercise.

RE: MATERIALS

• I have done experiments with the slurry that is left after recycling water for several months and have been successful in creating viable tile products from this clay slurry contaminated by several coloring pigments, plaster of paris, dust, dirt, soaps, etc.

The net effect will be reflected by progressive development of new design elements and the next few years will see us develop tile concepts using the discarded and natural debris found around us. Leather and bamboo tiles are growing in popularity.

Think twice and consume wisely, it is easy, and the gratification huge! The earth is our mother, our provider and safe keeper. We must stay humble as we cannot replace her!