Introduction   Who We Are   Design Philosophy   Lifestyle Choices

Our driving force here at Bearpaw is to create environmentally sustainable homes that are so sturdy, efficient and beautiful that everyone will want to build sustainably! We are designers and builders first, but we are also teachers, trying to get the word out about sustainable design.

A Bearpaw home is...

Environmentally Sustainable

Bearpaw understands that true environmental sustainability must consider the before, during and after stages of any product. We always design with these three factors in mind:

1. Before: Our aim is to use materials which are non-harmful, renewable or recycled, and low-energy to produce and transport. We are currently working to fit our company vehicle with photovoltaic panels, so even the tools we use will be powered with renewable energy.
2. During: In the collaborative design process between owner and builder, we encourage all our clients to consider the most energy-efficient option available. Our goal is to provide a home that can function well using only renewable sources of energy.
3. After: Bearpaw homes are designed to last for many generations, but to be truly sustainable we must look even further into the future. With this in mind we aim to use materials that are recyclable and/or least harmful to the earth, so they may one day be reintegrated into the natural cycle of the planet.

Built to last

A Bearpaw home is built for longevity. Our homes may not be mainstream, but they are built using sound engineering principles and have withstood the test of time. In fact, the types of construction we do are often more structurally sound than those used in conventional building.

New and better techniques are always surfacing in the field of sustainability. While we are eager to incorporate new innovations into our buildings, the integrity of your home is our first priority. Any untested techniques or materials we may suggest will always be optional.

Healthy

One of the primary requirements for the materials we use in our homes is that they are non-toxic. This may seem obvious, but in fact many of the materials used in standard housing are known to "off-gas" (emit toxic fumes), which can compromise the health of the inhabitants. (Common examples of this are press-board cabinets and Formica countertops). Bearpaw avoids materials that off-gas, opting for natural, untreated materials whenever possible.

Self-sufficient

Wouldn't it be fantastic to have a home that could sustain itself without relying on huge power companies? To know that wars are not being fought to power your refrigerator? To feel secure in the knowledge that if the power grid went down or energy prices exploded, your home would still have heat? Bearpaw can build homes that are completely self-sufficient, relying entirely on renewable energy sources right on your property. If you desire, we can make your home completely "off-the-grid".

That said, we generally recommend still being connected to the grid simply because it is more efficient to "store" excess energy by feeding it back to the grid than in batteries (see our Renewable Energy page for more detail).

Uniquely beautiful

Bearpaw's use of natural materials like earthen plasters or sustainable wood creates a home that stands in harmony with its environment. A straw bale or an earth-mass home makes for a surprisingly quiet and cozy atmosphere, while natural lighting and creative touches provide a unique interior aesthetic.

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Please read on to learn about the lifestyle choices one should consider when building a sustainable home.