We like science
. . . and simple, local solutions that help make things work.
Sustainability
We care about how our work lives in the world. We care about the trees we use. And we like to empower others to avoid the false economies of disposable plastic crap.
In consideration of the future and the interconnected living systems that surround us, we build predominantly with wood and biodegradable materials—some of the best (and most time-tested) sustainable alternatives to petrochemicals and other hazardous products.
Make it last.
It isn’t hard to feel a connection to the environment in a place like this. Sustainability doesn’t feel like an abstract concept in the Pacific Northwest; it’s palpable in the forests and fields, on the beaches at low tide, in the eagles flying by, and at the local farms people walk to for produce.
We believe that taking extra time and care in making things well—building lasting complements to the living environment—encourages folks to put in the necessary effort to maintain those built things. Repairing what’s broken, building for longevity, and keeping materials out of the waste stream isn’t just practical—these actions constitute a paradigm shift necessary to keep the world livable.
Boat juice, anyone?
As much as possible, we work with natural and nontoxic materials. Our practice is to avoid adding unnecessary plastics and petrochemicals—known pollutants and carcinogens—to something as fundamental as wood when better alternatives exist.
We make many of our own wood preservatives using turpentine, pine tar, and linseed oil. We mix them ourselves, and we’re happy to show you how. When we use other finishes, we only use natural vegetable-based oils, waxes, and other products.
