Interview: How Ornate Kitchens partnered on a pioneering net-zero development

Sam Payne, co-founder of Ornate Kitchens, tells Sally Smith how winning a prestigious contract with sustainability-focused property developers Q New Homes has guaranteed long-term sales for their business. Photography: Russ Francis – RF Creative.

Sam Payne, co-owner of Ornate Kitchens opened a kitchen design showroom in Tunbridge Wells with business partners Osman Hasan and Zygimantas Daugela in 2022. A year later they had secured a contract to design and supply kitchens, living space and bedroom joinery for 9 net-zero homes in a groundbreaking sustainable development in Kent.

Top image, pictured from left to right: Sam Payne, Osman Hasan and Zygimantas Daugela.

Q: What was your strategy for building your customer base?
A: We decided early on to focus on contract work, building relationships with smaller developers as they understand the importance of quality and price when it comes to kitchens. We have successfully built relationships with various property developers installing kitchens in a 19-flat block in the local area. We pride ourselves on working closely with architects and developers throughout any project.

Q: How did you win the contract?
A: Q New Homes asked us to tender for their pioneering housing development. We were up against 2 other bigger and more established kitchen businesses and didn’t think we would be successful, but Damien and Michael Wynne of Q New Homes were impressed by our ethos and wanted to keep all aspects of the development local.

We had our initial discussions on design concepts in April 2023 and worked closely with architects Nissen Richards Studio to sign off all finishes. The first kitchens were delivered in August 2024, with a plan to complete at the end of this year.

Q: What is the concept behind the Hardene Barns development?
A: Hartdene Barns in Kent is a net-zero designed development built to meet the targets of the Royal Institute of British Architects Climate Challenge 2030. A climate-conscious framework to help architects reach net zero when it comes to housing developments focusing on long term energy efficiency, high levels of insulation using sustainable and low impact materials.

The 9 homes have been constructed from structural insulated panels with glulam beams rather than steel, and low-carbon concrete, and are said to be 15 years ahead of what current building regulations require in terms of energy efficiency, insulation and sustainability. Each property has underfloor heating and is fitted with up to 32 solar panels, which should generate enough power to heat and light the properties for free virtually all year round. The show home is 4,400sq ft and the largest property is 6,600sq ft.

Q: What were the sustainability criteria when it came to choosing appliances? 
A: All appliances had to be A-rated with water-saving functionality where possible. The worktops and units had to be durable and low maintenance with a look and feel that would tie in with the Q New Homes vision for Hartdene Barns.

We had partnered with V-Zug  previously. The company’s manufacturing process is carbon net zero, all components are locally sourced, and appliances are made in one factory, which met all Q New Homes' net-zero criteria. We took Damien and Michael out to the V-Zug factory in Switzerland before we committed to supply these appliances in all 9 properties.

Q: Where are the kitchen cabinets and bedroom furniture from?
A: We work with KH System Möbel, a high-quality German manufacturer that sources all materials locally. We were impressed by their design and high quality of workmanship, and they perfectly aligned with the Hartdene Barn development. We were also contracted to supply and install all the living space and bedroom furniture. We partnered with Alf DaFré furniture based in Italy that prioritises water-based finishes and source eco-friendly materials. The panels used for their wardrobes and bedroom furniture have low VOC and formaldehyde emissions, reducing the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment.

Q: What is your takeaway from working on the Hartdene development?
A: We’ve seen firsthand how much attention to detail and hard work is needed to build a modern and energy-efficient home. It’s been so inspiring to work with Damien and Michael Wynne who have such a passion and commitment to creating truly net zero homes. There have been a lot of late nights making sure everything was on site and on time from appliances to worktops but we were privileged to be part of the team.

Q: How is business for Ornate Kitchens?
A: We're very proud of the feedback we had from Q New Homes – that we're easy to work with, very hands-on and always quick to come up with solutions and improvements – and we're already discussing other potential projects with them. We’ve also just finished a similar project with a net-zero property developer in Bickley in South East London that was looking for high-quality sustainable kitchens.

The current Government plans to build 1.5million homes by the end of this parliament and energy secretary Ed Miliband recently said the Government would 'double down' on its environmental agenda opening a new avenue of revenue for sustainable kitchen designers like us. The future looks bright.