Lost Art Woodworks
eco-refined: defined
Furnituremaker - Brian Bortz
Durham, North Carolina
919-402-1545
Durham, North Carolina
919-402-1545
I've never been happy with "eco" furniture. Too often it's some derivative of "rustic" or made of a material such as bamboo that is inherently unrefined (and
available -everywhere!). With this in mind I developed the eco-refined line. The result is a more sophisticated look that adheres to simple environmental
principles as follows:
Use of Water-based Finishes
When the term "eco" is used in reference to wood furniture, inevitably the conversation revolves around where the wood is from, when just as important is
the type of finish used. Solvent-based finishes are very high in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are extremely toxic to the earth. Water-based
finishes are very low in VOCs, thus much more earth friendly. My supplier, Target coatings sells only water-based products and is a member of the US
Green Building Council (USGBC). I should note, I use water-based finishes on all my furniture.
Finish Supplier Link: http://www.targetcoatings.com/index.html
Use of Composite Veneers
Keeping in mind that veneering is inherently more environmentally friendly than 100% hardwood construction, using composite veneers is an
additional step I've taken for my eco-refined line. These composite veneers are made by the Italian company ALPI, using woods from sustainable and
managed forests. Using a dying, layering and slicing process they create wood patterns that closely mimic many exotic veneers. While I never use
endangered woods in any of my furniture, I recognize the benefits of using substitutes for exotic species where the method of harvesting cannot be
verified. These composite veneers provide a design option only available with many exotic species while offering great ecological benefits.
Endanger Species Links: Convention of International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
(FYI, this website is not very user friendly - I use the "Database" - "Species Database" link and search on common name to find woods that are endangered).
Composite Veneer Links: ALPI
Use of Domestic Hardwoods Only
Finally, only common domestic hardwoods are used in the production of this line. These include both solids and domestic veneers of maple, cherry and
walnut. These domestic species are well managed, highly abundant, and harvested close to home.
So these are my guiding principles for this line. I believe they nicely balance environmental responsibility while offering a more sophisticated design not
common in "eco" furniture.
Thanks for your consideration. Feel free to send comments, suggestions and feedback at bbortz@yahoo.com.
available -everywhere!). With this in mind I developed the eco-refined line. The result is a more sophisticated look that adheres to simple environmental
principles as follows:
Use of Water-based Finishes
When the term "eco" is used in reference to wood furniture, inevitably the conversation revolves around where the wood is from, when just as important is
the type of finish used. Solvent-based finishes are very high in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are extremely toxic to the earth. Water-based
finishes are very low in VOCs, thus much more earth friendly. My supplier, Target coatings sells only water-based products and is a member of the US
Green Building Council (USGBC). I should note, I use water-based finishes on all my furniture.
Finish Supplier Link: http://www.targetcoatings.com/index.html
Use of Composite Veneers
Keeping in mind that veneering is inherently more environmentally friendly than 100% hardwood construction, using composite veneers is an
additional step I've taken for my eco-refined line. These composite veneers are made by the Italian company ALPI, using woods from sustainable and
managed forests. Using a dying, layering and slicing process they create wood patterns that closely mimic many exotic veneers. While I never use
endangered woods in any of my furniture, I recognize the benefits of using substitutes for exotic species where the method of harvesting cannot be
verified. These composite veneers provide a design option only available with many exotic species while offering great ecological benefits.
Endanger Species Links: Convention of International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
(FYI, this website is not very user friendly - I use the "Database" - "Species Database" link and search on common name to find woods that are endangered).
Composite Veneer Links: ALPI
Use of Domestic Hardwoods Only
Finally, only common domestic hardwoods are used in the production of this line. These include both solids and domestic veneers of maple, cherry and
walnut. These domestic species are well managed, highly abundant, and harvested close to home.
So these are my guiding principles for this line. I believe they nicely balance environmental responsibility while offering a more sophisticated design not
common in "eco" furniture.
Thanks for your consideration. Feel free to send comments, suggestions and feedback at bbortz@yahoo.com.