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 Net Zero Water Home Built on a Budget
Bainbridge Straw Bale
With locally-sourced materials and straw bale construction, this cabin is one of Washington’s first legally-permitted Net Zero Water homes.
A Sustainable Community Development
Selah Vista Homes
A new residential development on a 16.7-acre site, composed of 60 net zero energy homes and shared community spaces.
A New Home Built with Straw Bale Construction
Our First Bale House
Affectionately dubbed, “The First Straw,” this straw bale home is the product of Terry Phelan’s first straw bale construction workshop.
Adaptive Reuse for a Sustainable Farm
Roy Farms Field Office
The sustainable, adaptive reuse of an existing farm building to convert it into a field office for a century-old Washington farm.
Our sustainable practice posts.
News, Sustainable Practice
Living Shelter Architects and Board & Vellum Join Forces
We’ve been keeping a secret, but it’s for a good reason, and we’re pleased to finally get to share! We’ve always been dedicated to bringing our clients the best we have to offer in our services, approach, and design philosophy. Now with Living Shelter Architects joining the team, we’re excited to be able to provide even more to our community.
Learn more.
Sustainable Practice
The Basics of Building & Material Reuse
You may be familiar with the idea of building reuse in design, but did you know “reuse” actually covers a wide range of project types and approaches? While each type is unique, and some might lend themselves better to certain project types, each kind is integral to sustainable building and design practices.
Learn more.
Custom Residential, Sustainable Practice
Going the Extra Mile for an Unusual Addition
Living in a log cabin just might be one of the more sustainable things you can do. If you’re a city-dweller, you might never get the chance to do so unless you’re like one of our scrappy clients who saved a log cabin by attaching it to their home as an addition.
Learn more.
Interior Design, Sustainable Practice
Sustainable Bedding Options for Your Home
Many of us are making an effort to live our lives with a critical eye on our environmental impact. Building homes following sustainable practices is incredibly important, but don’t forget to also give that attention to the materials and products you put inside it. This primer on sustainable bedding options can get you started.
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Custom Residential, Sustainable Practice
Designing a Sustainable Remodel
Designing a high-performance new home is straight-forward and time-tested. Designing a high-performance remodel can be a bit more complex and nuanced. Here are areas in which to focus your efforts so you can maximize the sustainable impact of your project, remodeling your space into a beautiful and high-performing home.
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Sustainable Practice
Questions To Ask About Sustainability
Board & Vellum’s first employee is starting off on a new adventure. As a farewell blog post, he asked people around the office about something really important to him: what questions they ask themselves — and think others should ask — about sustainability in terms of homes, landscapes, and workplaces.
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.
Better Building Codes: A Regulatory Approach to Systemic Sustainability with David Eisenberg, Co-Author of The Straw Bale House
Terry sits down with guest David Eisenberg to discuss his work to incorporate sustainable materials such as straw bale, cob, clay, and rammed earth into building code policies. David serves as Head of the Development a the Center for Appropriate Technology headquartered in Tucson, Arizona.
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.