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.
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 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.
King County’s First Cottage Development
Rainier View Homes
A community of 4-Star Built Green cottage homes designed with the county’s Cottage Code, enabling double residential density.
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.
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.
Read 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!
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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!
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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.
Read more.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?
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We’re thrilled that you’re interested!
Our Story
Board & Vellum is vibrant design 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 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.