EmBark ™ BLOG

When Virginia Tech University constructed Lavery Hall, a giant stone‑and‑glass building that houses the campus’s world‑class dining facility, the project managers searched diligently for natural building materials that would help them achieve a LEED Silver green building certification. In Pursuit of Sustainable Wood Wall Paneling  David Chinn, Capital Project Manager at VT, decided on a … Continued

Though architecture inspired by nature is nothing new, modern architects constantly seek new and exciting iterations of biophilic design. Now more than ever, bridging the gap between the great outdoors and indoors includes regenerative, or even living, natural building materials. Striking feats of biophilic architecture connect people to nature through one of the Earth’s most enduring displays of life: … Continued

As the design world reinvents itself decade after decade, architects find inspiration by reaching deep into history to make old elements new again. Eco‑friendly wall finishes are not new; yet, like so many design elements of old, they can be reinvented and resurrected in exciting ways. In 2017, CNN reported “the emergence of a new recycling … Continued

Seamlessly blurring the line between inside and outside spaces has been a longstanding hallmark of luxury architecture. But it’s time to think beyond glass doors and floor‑to‑ceiling windows that invite the sunlight in. Even glass walls create boundaries between the house and nature, separating the two environments. Invoking a sense of nature need not require overwrought design. It … Continued

If you’re ever looking to evoke the quiet, rich voice of the deep woods with your luxury architecture project, look no further than North Carolina. Nothing is more suited to the task than shingle style architecture, a unique aesthetic that celebrates the deep local natural and cultural heritage. The Basics of Bark Shingle Style Architecture … Continued

From visual and auditory aesthetics to its many, many green qualities, wood offers countless architecture and design benefits. Certainly, nothing beats the presence and force of nature’s beauty on the walls of a living or working space. Shall we count the ways? 1. A Color for Every Occasion Rich wood hues, whether in dark or … Continued