Saxen was commissioned by the National Trust for Scotland to refurbish the café area within the historic Culzean Castle Home Farm Kitchen.

The aim was to give the space a fresh, modern update while remaining respectful of the castle’s heritage and the home farm setting. Sustainability was a priority throughout, aligning with the Trust’s environmental commitments.

The brief called for a balance of heritage and contemporary design, using natural materials and a considered colour palette. The overall concept was to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that felt in keeping with the castle’s character, while incorporating sustainable practices and materials at every stage of the project.

sustainable furniture solutions

> interior tables

The existing café tables were refurbished by reusing their original legs, reducing waste and preserving existing materials. New tabletops were sourced from Vepa using their innovative CircuBoard. These are produced with a unique binding agent that allows the top surface to be removed and replaced at the end of its life. The binding agent on the core can then be reheated before applying a new top layer. This approach guarantees the reuse of valuable raw materials and significantly lowers the carbon footprint across the product lifecycle.

> interior fitted and loose seating

To enhance comfort and atmosphere, quilted banquette seating was installed along the back walls in both café sections. Supplied by Sixteen3, the banquette benches were upholstered in Camira’s Mainline Flax—a sustainable, compostable fabric made from a blend of wool and plant fibres. This choice not only supports sustainability goals but also adds warmth and texture to the space.

For the loose seating, an eclectic approach was adopted to create visual interest with a layered aesthetic. Vepa’s Hemp Coffee 400 chairs were used in their natural finish, showcasing their innovative construction from hemp fibres and upcycled coffee sacks. These were complemented by additional chairs using the same frame, upholstered in a selection of faux leathers from Agua’s Taurus and Entwine collections. This allowed for a balanced aesthetic of raw and refined materials, supporting both comfort and durability.

>outdoor bistro furniture

To extend the refresh outdoors, traditional picnic bench seating was repurposed and moved to other areas of the estate to increase overall capacity. In the courtyard, Saxen Interiors introduced new tables and chairs from Pedrali, chosen for their durability and elegant design.

A colour palette of sage and soft greens was selected to harmonise with the natural surroundings and historic architecture, offering a relaxed and comfortable environment for visitors to enjoy the courtyard views.

project summary

Saxen successfully delivered a thoughtful and sustainable refurbishment of the Home Farm Kitchen Café at Culzean Castle. The design integrates modern comfort with the site’s historic character, using responsibly sourced and reused materials throughout.

From CircuBoard table tops to compostable upholstery and hemp-based seating, every element of the project reflects a strong commitment to sustainability. The result is a welcoming, stylish space—indoors and out—that enhances the visitor experience while supporting the environmental goals of the National Trust for Scotland.