Topics
Sustainable Practice
We take sustainability seriously here at Board & Vellum, and support a science-based approach. Sustainable practice 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 sustainable practice portfolio projects.
A Brand New Home Designed to Give Back
Net Positive Custom Home
A custom home with passive and mechanical sustainable measures, minimal environmental impact, and aging-in-place strategies.
Passive House Multifamily Housing
318 Lofts Passive House Apartments
New construction for a modern building ensuring long-term sustainability, durability, and affordability via Passive House principles.
A Home of Recycled & Reclaimed Materials
Handcrafted In La Conner
A home designed and constructed with sustainable practices and materials for a low-maintenance, long-lasting residence.
Building Green to Age in Place
Crescent Creek House
An architect’s own remodel sets an example for energy and food resilience, as well as co-housing and aging-in-place.
Our sustainable practice posts.
Ask a Designer, Sustainable Practice
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.
Learn more.
Sustainable Practice
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!
Learn more.
Sustainable Practice
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!
Learn more.
Sustainable Practice
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.
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Sustainable Practice
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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Civic & Community, Landscape Architecture, Sustainable Practice
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?
Learn more.
Would you like to learn a little more about us?
We’re pleased you’re interested. Explore more about us and our work via the pages below.
Our Story
Client-centered authenticity is our north star, and we continue to prove that great design doesn’t require great ego.
Evolution of the Built Environment: How Buildings Must Change with the Climate with Alistair Jackson of O’Brien360
Terry sits down with guest Alistair Jackson to discuss the history and current state of sustainable design, as well as where it’s heading. Terry and Alistair explore the development of building and energy codes in the western US, as well as the work of O’Brien 360, a nationally recognized leader in sustainable building.
Considering a project, or curious about something?
Say hello, and send us your questions via the form below. We’re always pleased to make new connections, and eager to get to know you, your project, and your goals.