Topics
Building Green
We take sustainability seriously here at Board & Vellum, and support a science-based approach. Building green is more than just a checklist (even though that can help), it’s a philosophy and a commitment to meaningful results. We have a number of Passive House Certified and LEED-certified members on our team, and we are all passionate about protecting the natural and built environment.
Our building green studios.
Custom Residential, Multifamily, Commercial, Civic
Sustainable Practice
Sustainability is much more than certifications and solar panels. It is about improving the world we live in both environmentally and socially. It’s about reconnecting us with nature and providing opportunities for delight and discovery. Our integrated approach ensures we are thinking about sustainability from all angles to design the best, healthiest, spaces possible.
Learn more.Our building green portfolio projects.
A Sustainability-Minded DADU with a View
Net Carbon DADU
Guided by sustainable principles and environmentally-conscious practices from the foundation to the finishes, this DADU is estimated to be carbon negative.
A Brand New Home Designed to Give Back
Net Positive Custom Home
Built to last, this custom home looks to the future with passive and mechanical sustainable measures, minimal environmental impact, and aging-in-place strategies.
A Sustainable Community in Eastern Washington
Selah Vista Homes
This new residential development on a 16.7-acre site outside of Yakima, Washington, is over composed of 60 net zero energy homes and shared community spaces.
A Net Zero Water Home Built on a Budget
Bainbridge Straw Bale
Built with locally-sourced materials and straw bale construction, this cabin is one of Washington’s first legally-permitted Net Zero Water homes.
Our building green posts.
Building Green
What To Consider When Future-Proofing Your Home
How long do you plan to stay in your current home? If you’re considering staying in it through your golden years, you’ll want to start thinking about future-proofing. Confused? Don’t worry! Here, we’ll walk you through the four basic principles to follow when you’re planning to age in place.
Read more.
Building Green
The Wonders of Cork as a Sustainable Material
Would it surprise you to learn that cork is a beautiful, sustainable material with many applications as an interior and exterior finish? This spring, Terry Phelan had the opportunity to witness a cork oak harvest firsthand and now shares the wonders of this product with you!
Read more.
Building Green
The Inherent Sustainability of Small Dwellings
In the ever-evolving world of sustainable design, finding sustainable ways to live and build can seem like a complicated puzzle to solve. But what if there were an easy way to lower your impact? Turns out, living in a sustainable home may be simpler than you realize — just think small!
Read more.
Building Green
Sustainability in Buildings: High-Tech or Low-Tech
If you have sustainability goals for your project, it may be difficult to know whether low-tech, passive strategies are the way to go, or if high-tech solutions are going to better meet your goals. Here, we’ll walk you through when to crunch numbers and when to just follow your gut.
Read more.
Building Green
What Kind of Sustainable Home is Most “You”?
Sustainable homes come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re thinking of upgrading your home with more sustainable options or are building a new home altogether, it’s worth considering your sustainability priorities and what type of sustainable home will best meet them. So, what kind of sustainable home best suits you?
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Building Green, Civic, Landscape Architecture
Sustainability in Park Design
In the Pacific Northwest, the heat is literally on. Last summer, we experienced record-breaking heat in Seattle and, in Washington State, we recently adopted the Climate Commitment Act that requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon pollution to net zero by 2050. Can investing in sustainable park infrastructure help us meet those goals?
Read more.Our building green sustainability practices.
LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council
Our team includes many LEED-accredited professionals who possess comprehensive knowledge of contemporary sustainable practices across disciplines and sectors.
Living Building Challenge
We have multiple team members with experience on Living Building or other ILFI-certified projects, the most rigorous green building certification in the world.
Our building green recognition stories.
BUILD Sustainable Building Awards 2019
We’re honored that BUILD magazine has named us the "Architecture & Interior Design Firm of the Year" in Washington state in their Sustainable Building Awards, 2019.
Built Green Certified 4-Star Rating for Ballard Locks Residence
Our Ballard Locks Residence is now Built Green Certified with a 4-Star rating. Many thanks to wonderful clients and the team at Hammer & Hand!
Would you like to learn more?
We’re thrilled that you’re interested!
Our Story
Board & Vellum is a young and vibrant firm built on the idea that an informed and engaged team leads to better design and happy clients. We wouldn’t be where we are today without passion and hard work, and those same two things keep us going strong today.
Our Process
Bringing your project from “idea” to fruition is a little different at Board & Vellum. We give personal care to each of our projects, and you’ll be in the loop every step the way. The bonus: we are an integrated firm, so each project has access to plenty of great knowledge — and that leads to better design.
Considering a project? Or, just curious about something?
Send us your questions about design, architecture, interiors, landscape, LEGO rooms… Anything, really. We’re always eager to meet new people, and we’d love to get to know you, your project, and your goals.