Grab these essential outdoor gear for your next adventure

The outdoor enthusiast in your life probably has the basics, but it’s fun to add gadgets, conveniences and comforts they didn’t know they needed. We’ve got a few brands for you to check out while putting together your gift-giving list. 

Koala super-grip phone harness

Pick up a smartphone harness that keeps the phone close and protected while experiencing the wilderness. Available in four color options, over 1,200 reviewers have landed it an average five-star review. Materials include heavy-duty silicone, polycarbonate, aluminum and stainless steel. The company uses packaging made from 100% recycled content that is fully recyclable.

Related: Reusable Notabag Tote is made from recycled bottles

The New Mexico based company offers a lifetime warranty for all products and helps animals too. For each KOALA 2.0 sold, the company donates up to 20% for Koala habitat restoration.

Review of Koala smartphone harness

I received a sample of the phone harness in orange. It arrived quickly, packed in a simple cardboard package with no unnecessary waste. The silicone is stretchy and easy to install over the phone, even a plus-sized screen with a case on it. If in doubt, the company provides a list of models it will fit. I love that it fits tightly and offers both a lanyard and clip for attaching to clothing, a backpack, climbing gear, etc.

Additionally, I’m excited to use this on my next backpacking trip, where I often struggle to have access to my phone. This gadget makes it easy to keep it readily available for pictures or trail info without removing or working around my pack. 

First Ascent Coffee

Based out of Crested Butte, Colorado, this is an adventure company that provides an outdoor essential: coffee. In both whole bean and instant options, the coffee is ready while planning the trip or when on the trail. The instant coffee is lightweight, compact and, most importantly, handcrafted for flavor. A small team roasts, tastes and packages the coffees in its warehouse. The fresh roast options are roasted in small batches two times weekly and shipped for freshness the next day. The instant coffee is roasted, brewed and freeze dried in the same location for freshness. It’s been mentioned by notable publications like Backpacker, Forbes and Outside Magazine. 

Baffin boots and slippers

A combination of products at Baffin means there’s a gift for everyone on your list. Work boots, leisurewear, hiking, hunting or fishing boots come in a range of options. The company’s newest release is a hybrid slipper for indoor and/or outdoor wear. 

The foundation of this company is built on extensive testing for durability. Products are taken to, and used in, extreme outdoor environments, including the North and South Poles. Each product is then given a performance rating to best align with your situation. Ratings include elemental, northern, arctic, tundra and polar. Each of which offers varying levels of protection from the cold and wet conditions. 

Earlier this year, Baffin unveiled its newest initiative: the Citizenship Boot Project. The initial drive produced 1,300 boots made from a 50% mix of in-house recycled materials. Employees volunteered their time to manufacture and package the boots to be donated to multiple North American organizations who provide them to those in need.

Baffin Cush Booty review

The company delivered a pair of the Cush Booty Slippers for my consideration. I haven’t taken them off since they arrived. At first, the insulation on the bottom felt lumpy, even making me feel a little unstable. However, after breaking it in, it now offers an ultra-cushioned support. I love the drawstring top and gathering around the ankle for warmth. They are very cozy, but appear to be breathable at the same time. I have zero complaints about the product.

On the other hand, I would like to see improvements on the sustainability side of things. While I expect to be wearing these for many winters to come, the material selections of nylon and polywool means they contain plastic, rather than fully natural materials. It’s not a new struggle within the outdoor community to find materials that balance performance with sustainability, so I’ll take the durability aspects as a win and hope for iterations in the future. The box the slippers were shipped in was also ridiculously large, meaning inefficiencies in freight packing, etc. However, the boxes were both cardboard with no additional waste in the packaging. 

Arcade belts

Arcade belts are a purpose-driven brand aimed at making durable, quality belts. All belts are made using REPREVE, a post-consumer recycled performance yarn. The Save the Waves belt created by Erik Abel is their most recent release. The company will donate 10% of sales of the belt to the Save the Waves Coalition to support the ongoing conservation efforts of protecting waves and coastlines across the globe. They also have belts that donate to wildfire prevention.

Topbooc portable utensil set

This is a gift for the backpacker, hiker, boater or fisherman in your life. It’s also a thoughtful option for the environmentally-minded worker who packs their own lunch every day. The stainless steel set comes with a dinner knife, dinner spoon, dinner fork, chopsticks, cleaning brush, straight straw, bent straw and a compact carrying case. 

Images via Koala, Baffin, First Ascent, Arcade and Amazon

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Koala and Baffin. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

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Wetland Labs proposes a cement alternative made from salt

Presented by Startbahn, the exhibition Wetland Lab runs from October 29 to December 11, 2022 at SRR Project Space, Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. Wetland is a research project into ecosystems and sustainable materials led by waiwai research and design agency. They are working to propose an alternative to cement: a salt-based alternative inspired by sabkhas, or crystalline salt formations found in the wetlands in the United Arab Emirates.

The research was started at the Pavilion of the UAE at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2021, with the exhibition Wetland. The pavilion was awarded a Golden Lion for Best National Participation, the Biennale’s highest award. This new exhibition at SRR Project Space marks the first time this research is being exhibited in Japan.

Related: A garden that explores diversity through plant life

The Wetland exhibition in Venice offered up a prototype of a salt-based cement material made from recycled industrial waste brine. This material could reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Moreover, Portland, Oregon cement used in construction is responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions. So sustainable architecture has been looking for ways to reduce cement use in new builds.

Thereby, the material created by waiwai uses salt as a binding agent. Then, it relies on a crystallization process inspired by the sabkhas of the UAE. The exhibition also explores the ways technology can be used for the development of sustainable new construction materials such as this.

As a result, the work of waiwai research and design agency on view in the exhibition furthers SRR Project Space’s mission to connect the local community of Shimokitazawa with the latest research projects in contemporary art and design from around the world.

+ Waiwai Design

Images via Waiwai

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Why zero-waste shopping is the future of commerce

Plastic waste is an increasingly growing problem across the globe. It pollutes our ecosystems and threatens biodiversity. Unfortunately, plastic waste has been increasing due to dropping recycling levels. In 2021, plastic waste recycling dropped to 5% in the United States. This is because countries have recently banned the importation of U.S. waste into their own countries, forcing the U.S. to begin to appropriately manage their waste. In an effort to combat this, the zero-waste movement is gaining popularity. One such component of the zero-waste movement is the introduction of “bring-your-own-container” (BYOC) stores. These spaces encourage consumers to purchase refillable products and buy items in bulk to save money and protect the environment.

How do zero-waste/BYOC stores work?

Zero-waste and BYOC stores work differently depending on the products they offer. However, their ethos remains the same. Both types of stores aim to eliminate the negative impacts of waste disposal on the planet as much as possible. Though attempting not to produce waste at all is impractical and even impossible, the zero-waste movement encourages being more mindful about how we consume products.

Related: The rise and sustainability of refillable makeup products

Depending on the products offered at the store, each store’s approach will be different. Some stores, such as those selling beauty or cleaning products, offer refills for items. When you buy the product for the first time, it comes with a reusable, refillable form of packaging. Once complete, this packaging can be refilled from bins or dispensers at the store.

Other stores, such as those selling dry goods and produce for consumption, offer bulk-buy options that allow consumers to bring containers from home. These wholesale stores will first get you to weigh your empty containers. Then you can fill up on the goods you need. After this, you re-weigh the items to pay for the quantities of produce or dry goods in your reusable containers. For these items, Tupperware, ice cream tubs and glass jars are all excellent for stocking up on items you need.

By cutting down on packaging costs, these shops offer home goods for cheaper prices than products that do have paper/cardboard, metal or plastic packaging. While some of this packaging can be recycled or can biodegrade over time, much of it ends up in landfills. Some of it is incinerated in waste-to-energy facilities. However, this burning leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. By shopping from zero-waste stores, we can prevent the issues brought about by excessive waste and lack of waste management.

The pros and cons of bring-your-own-container and zero-waste stores

The pros

One of the main pros that BYOC and zero-waste stores have is limiting the use of packaging materials, particularly those which are single-use. Instead, opting for glass, metal or wood containers is a more sustainable choice. These items are easier to recycle at the end of their life cycle and reduce energy-intensive plastic production. Overall, by opting for multiple-use containers, we can slash environmental contamination that is a result of plastic production and packaging waste. In doing so, energy to produce non-reusable packaging is also cut down.

Since costs for packaging items are slashed thanks to refillable packaging and BYOC options, customers can save money on items they require. This is because instead of purchasing an entirely new product with new packaging, people are only paying for their refills, which makes items considerably less expensive.

Using your own containers at grocery stores helps combat food waste. This is because consumers are encouraged to buy only what they need. This includes one-time purchases, like when making a specific recipe that requires ingredients that are not used often. Using personal containers also encourages customers to try new items in small quantities. This can range from beauty products to food and allows people to test out items before they commit to larger purchases, which may otherwise go to waste.

The cons

Unfortunately, there are some cons to these types of stores. Depending on the region and target market, BYOC and zero-waste stores can be hard to find. Sometimes people opt to travel farther distances to access these types of services. However, despite these good intentions, the greenhouse gas emissions produced by transportation can worsen the environmental impacts of buying packaging-free items. Instead, it is better to opt for sustainably sourced and eco-friendly products within your locale.

Another drawback is that multi-use/refillable containers, such as those made from metals, wood or glass are energy-intensive to produce. Consequently, this can result in increased greenhouse gas emissions, depending on production methods. Hence, these reusable containers need to be utilized multiple times to offset the negative environmental impacts of their manufacturing.

Finding zero-waste or BYOC stores near you

Finding stores that encourage refill and BYOC options can be a challenge, but we have some tips. One of the easiest ways to find these types of stores is by searching online for “zero-waste stores near me” or “bring your own container stores near me.” This way, search engines can utilize your location to provide you with options within your area. Similarly, on Instagram, you can search for “plastic-free” or “refill station” hashtags that pertain to your area. This will also provide local options for you to explore.

For those based in the U.S., the Litterless blog has lists of bulk grocery stores organized by state. The list for each state includes various options organized by cities and towns, with links to each store’s website for reference.

Should zero-waste/BYOC shops be the new norm?

The short answer is yes, they should. Just incorporating refill and/or bulk buying options at regular supermarkets can slash packaging production emissions and pollution from packaging waste significantly. Through more sustainable shopping options, we are reminded of how our actions affect the planet and we are encouraged to be more mindful of our practices as consumers.

Via Reuters, Using Less Stuff and Green Child Magazine

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SporX office building offers a modern timber design

Before steel, before concrete and before humans learned how to make a bunch of building materials that are ultimately bad for the environment, people built everything out of sustainable, renewable and natural materials. This SporX office building in Drammen, Norway, is bringing back sustainable design with this stunning all-timber office building. It’s 10 stories of incredible design that marries old building techniques with the dream of a sustainable future.

Developed by Vestaksen Eiendom AS, in collaboration with Betonmast Buskerud-Vestfold, Degree of Freedom, Rambøll, Zinc and DARK Arkitekter, this building is entirely constructed from timber. The two-part building body is connected by glass, creating an interlocking connection.

Related: Edwardian library in London receives a new wood pavilion

The base of the building has co-work areas, meeting meets, a restaurant and many double-high spaces. This creates varied spatial connections. Moreover, local timber was used. And where timber could not be used for the construction, environmentally-conscious materials were used instead. The ground floor has a cast concrete floor with recycled glass.

A large bike parking area is integrated into the design. Meanwhile, the Drammen station, which is right next door, makes it easy to access public transport from the building.

The interior space is laid out on a grid, which allows the floor plan to be easily changed. This makes the building adaptable and changeable so the design can grow as future needs reveal themselves.

So many architects avoid using timber because of fire safety concerns, particularly when it comes to urban environments. However, DARK Arkitekter worked with fire engineers and insulation manufacturers to come up with new ways to use insulation for fire safety. This has also allowed timber construction to be used in ways that were previously impossible.

In fact, you can see timber throughout the interior spaces. Warm wood instantly creates a rich atmosphere. with every floor and in every line, this building honors the natural world and provides a welcoming space for people.

This 10-story building is a beautiful example of what timber can do and how it can be used for sustainable, modern design to build a better tomorrow.

+ DARK Arkitekter

Images via Einar Aslaksen

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The world of cactus leather as a vegan alternative

Vegan alternatives to natural leather are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry. Unlike many other leather alternatives, cactus leather is breathable and durable, allowing it to be used for shoes, clothing and even furniture. In fact, many companies are experimenting with it because of its versatility. Mercedes-Benz used a variety of leather alternatives, including cactus, for the interior of a conceptual electric car earlier this year. But is cactus leather a sustainable alternative to leather in the long run?

Cactus leather production

While materials like pineapple, mycelium and cork are being trialed to produce vegan leather, currently, cactus leather is gaining popularity.

Related: Cactus leather makes up the new straps from WoodWatch

Cactus leather is made from the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), also known as the nopal cactus or Indian fig opuntia. It is a rapidly-generating renewable resource and is harvested twice a year by cutting off the mature cactus pads (the “leaves”) so that the main plant remains undisturbed. This way, the plant can continue to grow without having to replant it.

Once the pads are harvested, they are cleaned, crushed and dried for three to five days. Once dry, a powdered protein is extracted and mixed with organic dyes and other ingredients to create a bio-resin. This resin is poured onto a sheet of material, such as recycled cotton or a polyester blend, to form the cactus leather.

Desserto’s cactus leather

Desserto is a company whose new cactus leather is one of the most recent innovations in plant-based leather. They are based in Mexico and have experimented with the readily available nopal cactus to create their own product that rivals traditional leather. The nopal cactus barely requires water to grow and no pesticides. Because of its abundance throughout Mexico, it is a well-known plant across the country and serves as a symbol for the nation.

After two years of extensive research and trials, the Desserto team showcased the material at the Lineapelle leather fair in Milan, Italy, in 2019. There it received positive reactions from industry experts. The material’s flexibility, soft texture and color make it an excellent alternative to the traditional, high-quality leather used by luxury brands.

According to Desserto, “Cactus is green, but so is the future!” Through their work, Desserto hopes to not only help alleviate environmental issues but also create jobs for socio-economic benefit.

The benefits of using cactus leather

The perfect plant

Prickly pear cactus is an incredibly versatile renewable resource to harness for cactus leather. Though endemic to the Americas, the plant can thrive in other parts of the world. The nopal cactus is drought tolerant and does not require pesticides to grow. Its limited need for water is especially important to note, as traditional leather production requires lots of water — both to rear cattle and manufacture products.

Nopal cacti are also natural carbon sinks. In general, cactus systems are excellent at sequestering carbon and ensuring the carbon remains in the soil. This leads to more fertile soil where cacti grow and less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Since pruning mature leaves to produce cactus leather does not kill the cacti, the carbon sequestration process continues throughout each plant’s lifetime.

A cleaner industry

The production of cactus leather is significantly cleaner and safer for the environment and people. Vegan leathers eliminate the abuse and animal torture that is a prevalent part of the traditional leather industry. It is estimated that over 2.29 billion animals are harmed each year in the production of leather.

Cactus-based leathers also prevent harm to the environment and individuals as they do not use toxic chemical substances. The chemicals used to alter traditional leather are toxic to human health. If they’re not appropriately disposed of, they can contaminate local ecosystems and water bodies. This contamination can affect animals, plants and humans alike, as they all rely on these ecosystems for habitats, food and water. Meanwhile, bio-based leathers maximize the innate natural properties of the material for durability, yet remain biodegradable and non-toxic.

Unlike plastic-based faux leathers, cactus leather prevents plastic waste pollution and eliminates greenhouse gas emissions stemming from plastic production. In fact, if these vegan leathers are incorporated across different industries that typically use traditional leather, there can be up to a 42% reduction in plastic waste. This would also result in 20% less water used. Presently, the volume of water used by the fashion industry alone is 79 billion cubic meters. This can fill up 32 million Olympic-sized swimming pools!

Luxury-grade material

Cactus leather is highly durable and classy. Its natural properties allow it to resist water, abrasion, rubbing and tearing. Its gorgeous feel and range of colors make it very attractive as a textile, particularly for use in the fashion industry. As mentioned above, experts compare it to traditional leather used by luxury fashion houses. By shifting from the unsustainable practice of using traditional leather to these safer, vegan alternatives, there is no compromise on quality. In fact, there are more advantages than downsides to switching from animal-based leather to cactus leather.

The cons

There are two main cons of prickly pear cactus leather production. Firstly, though the nopal cactus can grow across the globe, it can become an invasive species. This disrupts local ecosystems and threatens local flora species. Hence, if it is cultivated outside of the Americas for culinary or textile purposes, it should be managed carefully in designated agricultural areas.

Secondly, using Desserto’s cactus leather production method requires polyurethane to prepare the bio-resin. Polyurethane fumes can cause health problems including irritation, headaches and respiratory problems. This is because they emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while uncured. While polyurethane is still safer than substances used in leather tanning, it still poses some risks to the health of living organisms.

Looking to the future

Because of cactus leather’s versatility and aesthetic appeal, it is gaining appreciation, particularly in the fashion industry. It has several social, economic and environmental benefits besides being a luxury-grade material. By adopting this vegan leather substitute, brands can develop sustainable products that consider the safety of animals and humans without sacrificing quality and aesthetics.

Via Treehugger, Desserto, Fashion United and Immaculate Vegan

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College student offers affordable, sustainable clothing line

When COVID-19 first hit, Siera Gunnett lost her campus job at Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With her newfound time, she decided to start a business.

SheMakings was the brainchild of time and the need for money. Gunnett started by selling earrings made from recycled materials on Etsy, but when that started to take off, she turned to clothes.

Related: The top 7 industries that produce the most pollution in 2022

Speaking with Gunnett

“I’ve always known I wanted to do something with sustainability, [and] I’m a fashion enthusiast,” Gunnett said about the natural shift.

Now a senior majoring in entrepreneurship, Gunnett joined Starting Gate, WMU’s student business accelerator program. There, she learned how to work with manufacturers and craft a business plan. With the aid of a $10,000 Brian Patrick Thomas Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, Gunnett had the ability to commit to her company, and SheMakings expanded.

“I needed to do something where I could scale it [up] but something I could still do [myself], so that took me to clothes,” Gunnett said.

By focusing on sustainable fashion, Gunnett recognized the cost of materials was going to be the biggest challenge. To make a true difference, she still wanted her clothes to be accessible. While her $25 T-shirts are nowhere close to Target’s eight-dollar ones, they are much more affordable than a $55 T-shirt from Cotton On.

About providing new clothes to her consumers, Gunnett said the following: “There are things you can do better like thrifting and shopping second-hand, but that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.”

While it is unclear exactly how much of the world’s pollution can be attributed to the fashion industry, we do know the industry is responsible for 2.3 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. This is not an insignificant number. Trends and store turnover are also responsible for the desire for new items in our closets. These habits are hurting the planet by filling landfills and contributing to transportation and production pollution.

Alternatively, Gunnett’s apparel is made from clothes headed to landfills or made from recycled plastic water bottles. Designing the prints herself, Gunnett uses slogans such as “There’s No Planet B” and “Evolve or Repeat” to spread her message. The brand is contributing to an ever-growing collection of sustainable brands.

Competing brands of SheMakings are not ones that Gunnett sees and speaks to every day; they do not even know she exists. Instead, they are brands like Cotton On, Patagonia and Recover — brands Gunnett looks up to and hopes to model her business after.

Sustainable brands vs. fast fashion

Part of Gunnett’s journey in making affordable, sustainable clothes is educating others about her work and the harm the fast fashion industry causes.

“Even the most passionate people still want to wear whatever they want to wear to express themselves, and I think everyone should too,” Gunnett advised. “Doing the best, doing your best, being that imperfect environmentalist is kind of how we get there, [by] being realistic.”

With old and new brands attempting to convince consumers about their eco-friendly business models, it can be hard to decipher good work from greenwashing. Gunnett’s advice is to look at the history of the company to see if they are using this moment to capitalize on greenwashing terms or if they have cared about social causes before. She also suggested Emily Stochl’s Pre-Loved Podcast and the blog The Environmentalist as places to start looking for legitimate information.

“The best way to be sustainable is to develop your own style, so you can avoid trends. Because even if the garment is in fine condition if the trend has passed, you’re not going to wear it anymore. Investing in high-quality things that match your style is the best thing you can do,” said Gunnett.

Fighting fast fashion

A mental shift is needed for many of us to get away from the type of over-shopping we have been trained to do. Gunnett said she too needed to reframe her idea of clothes when she really started digging into the issues with fast fashion, and she had an idea that worked well.

The idea of helping the planet, unfortunately, is not enough to convince many people to spend $55 on a T-shirt they can find elsewhere for a much lower price. However, Gunnett’s suggestion and SheMakings’ mission is to lower those prices just a little bit. This will help convince individuals that they deserve those larger expenses.

Gunnett said we all need to be gentle and realistic, and eventually, there will be hope. The fast fashion industry will not change of its own accord, but if each person attempts to spend more money at companies that are making a difference, small changes will add up.

“If we were all imperfect environmentalists, we would give the world a second chance,” said Gunnett.

SheMakings’ graphics are printed on T-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants. The sustainable fashion line can be found and purchased at shemakings.com.

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4 funky facade materials that are sustainable and beautiful

Facades are an essential aspect of architectural design. They envelope interior spaces and protect them from climatic conditions. Since facades are the first part of the building that people interact with, designers must consider aesthetics, maintenance and, of course, implementing sustainable materials. Below are some unconventional yet beautiful materials that can be used for facades to enhance the climate resilience and spatial qualities of buildings.

“Yakisugi” timber facades

Across the globe, timber is a very common material used in construction. Depending on the geography of the region, various types of timber can be easily accessed and utilized for construction, especially for structural and cladding purposes. One traditional Japanese treatment for timber cladding is particularly unique. It is known as “shou sugi ban” or “yakisugi”, which can be translated as “burned cedar.” This charring process alters the chemical composition of timber to allow for increased durability and resistance to pests.

Related: Electricity-generating windows are new clear solar panels

The traditional “yakisugi” process features three boards of Japanese cedar that are bound to create a tall triangular form. A fire is lit at the bottom of the column and spreads upwards using the stack effect. It takes approximately five minutes to char 3-4 millimeters of the outer layer which is optimal for cladding, but this can vary depending on the moisture content of the slats. The result of the burning process is blackened wood with beautiful textures. To maximize “yakisugi’s” sustainable benefits, it is best if the wood is sustainably-sourced and/or reclaimed.

The heat treatment enhances the wood’s longevity by limiting rot and maximizing insect repellence and fire retardancy. “Yakisugi” cladding also does not need preventative maintenance. While “yakisugi” traditionally features Japanese cedar, the preservation techniques can be used for other species of timber found around the world. These various properties make the cladding a useful option for facades, as they are low-maintenance and long-lasting. The dark wood slats also evoke an elegant, monochromatic feeling on the building’s exterior.

Gabion walls

Gabion walls are common in landscape architecture because of their incredible structural properties as retaining walls. However, they are also gaining popularity as a form of masonry for building exteriors. Gabions consist of metal mesh cages filled with loose, locally-sourced materials like stones, sand and soil. Over time, gabion walls become even more structurally sound, as spaces between the stacked cages and gaps within the loose material fill with silt and vegetation.

Gabion walls are quick, easy and cheap to build because they use limited materials that can easily be sourced from the site. The materiality can also be selected to achieve various aesthetic qualities through deliberate choices of filler sizes, colors and textures. By controlling the porosity of the gabions, the walls can also provide natural cooling effects on interiors as air passes swiftly through narrow gaps. 

Because of their ease of construction and versatility, gabion walls are an interesting choice for building facades. They have several sustainable advantages, especially with regard to cost-effectiveness, which aligns with their sturdiness and intricately textured appearances.

Cork facade paneling

While the use of cork in architectural design is not new, cork panels are typically used for flooring or insulation. However, in recent years, granulated cork waste (from by-products of bottle cork production or recycled bottle corks) has been used to make facade panels.

Cork is made from the bark of cork oak trees, where the bark is gently peeled off the tree without damaging it. While the bark regrows, the trees absorb up to five times more carbon from the atmosphere than they would usually sequester, to help regenerate the bark. For every kilogram of raw cork produced, approximately 55 kilograms of carbon dioxide is sequestered from the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the bark is a useful renewable resource that can be harvested to create bottle corks and facade panels. The raw material is lightweight, making it easy to transport and utilize. Cork trees also are low maintenance and do not require fertilizer, pesticides or pruning.

Cork paneling is a useful material for exterior facades. The raw material’s natural resins, which are released during the fusing process, allow cork products to be durable yet lightweight. These resins also allow for mold resistance without artificial additives. Because cork is hydrophobic, its products also take on water-resistant properties. These qualities make it a sustainable and versatile material for external surfaces while giving facades an attractive speckled look.

Green walls

Incorporating plants into the built environment is a strategy that has been used for centuries. Green infrastructure, like roofs and facades, are practical yet beautiful solutions to regulate temperatures and enhance air quality.

Green facades are gaining popularity, but have historical roots. Over 2,500 years ago, the Babylonians pioneered vertical gardening through their hanging gardens. In the 17th century, countries like England and the Netherlands used fruit walls to regulate temperatures. Plants would grow up masonry walls, absorbing heat and creating a microclimate. 

There are three primary systems that green facades can employ. The first uses self-adhesive planting, which features plants that have tendrils, twining stems or suckers. These attach themselves to the wall and grow upwards from the ground. The second system uses climbing plants that grow vertically along the wall from the ground level and extend upwards. The final system is a cassette system that features plants that grow out of substrate pockets that cover a wall vertically. While this system requires more intensive care and maintenance, it also allows for more lush vegetation.

Green facades are excellent at regulating urban temperatures and purifying the air we breathe. The flora emits water vapor that cools the surroundings and increases humidity. It protects the interiors from direct solar radiation and acts as a form of insulation throughout the seasons. This allows for less reliance on active heating and cooling systems. Green walls are also useful for absorbing harmful substances like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, carbon dioxide and nitrogen from the air. These substances can cause health problems like respiratory diseases and other illnesses.

Using these facades

Sustainable buildings are more than concrete boxes with glass curtain walls that are plastered with solar panels on the roof. By utilizing some unconventional yet versatile materials for facade design, architects have the power to make our buildings sustainable and beautiful at the same time. Through meticulous material selection, facades can enhance well-being of living organisms, maximize cost-effectiveness of construction and boost climate resilience in urban spaces.

via Japanese Woodcraft Association, Zhuoda Metals, Yuzu Magazine and Urban Green-Blue Grids

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