design principles
- designing and building according to the highest environmental standards
- following a natural theme/color scheme throughout
- incorporating all or mostly natural materials -using the beauty of nature as a guide
- removing and replacing any non-environmentally friendly or toxic materials
- incorporating hand-built, sustainable materials
- welcoming up-cycled, locally sourced, reused and reclaimed durable, non-plastic material
design guidlines
Natural Materials
All of the materials used in making these schools are natural materials, or a material which meets the most stringent environmental standards. Since natural materials do not negatively off-gas or degrade, these materials are always preferable. We treasure the natural environment and use sustainable materials and work with companies who do too.
Hand-Built
We look, as often as possible, to use hand-built materials. We use vintage, repurposed, up-cycled and antique hand-crafted items. We search for, commission and purchase hand-made works of art which compliment the natural theme inside the space, because we prize handmade items be they materials, furniture or art.
Local/Global
Many times there are items and elements from other cultures which we prize and value and which may not be available locally. We still value the artistic craftsmanship and importance of these things and there are ways to include them in a thoughtful way. We search and find local fair-trade importers. When in doubt, we ask for the company’s environmental policy statement and/or their fair trade/exploitation-free commitment statement. For imported carpets, we search for a local carpet dealer who offers vintage and antique carpets. For new imported carpets, we search for a dealer who has a fair-trade artisan agreement.
What We Avoid
Because “big-box” and chain stores make materials choices based on cost, you can be assured that most items purchased from them will be of a lower quality while still looking fashionable and attractive on the surface. These items tend to break after a few seasons, so we use tried and long-lasting materials and products only.
All of the materials used in making these schools are natural materials, or a material which meets the most stringent environmental standards. Since natural materials do not negatively off-gas or degrade, these materials are always preferable. We treasure the natural environment and use sustainable materials and work with companies who do too.
Hand-Built
We look, as often as possible, to use hand-built materials. We use vintage, repurposed, up-cycled and antique hand-crafted items. We search for, commission and purchase hand-made works of art which compliment the natural theme inside the space, because we prize handmade items be they materials, furniture or art.
Local/Global
Many times there are items and elements from other cultures which we prize and value and which may not be available locally. We still value the artistic craftsmanship and importance of these things and there are ways to include them in a thoughtful way. We search and find local fair-trade importers. When in doubt, we ask for the company’s environmental policy statement and/or their fair trade/exploitation-free commitment statement. For imported carpets, we search for a local carpet dealer who offers vintage and antique carpets. For new imported carpets, we search for a dealer who has a fair-trade artisan agreement.
What We Avoid
Because “big-box” and chain stores make materials choices based on cost, you can be assured that most items purchased from them will be of a lower quality while still looking fashionable and attractive on the surface. These items tend to break after a few seasons, so we use tried and long-lasting materials and products only.
Kim Holleman©2022