New England Revolution reveal the “Eastern White Pine” kit

Posted on by jrooks

What is it about soccer and eastern white pine?  We recently posted about Portland, Maines first pro soccer team – Hearts of Pine –  named after the state’s most beloved species of tree: eastern white pine.  Not to be outdone, the New England Revolution unveiled their new Eastern White Pine kit, inspired by the Flag of New England on the 250th anniversary of its first use by New England colonies in the Revolutionary War.

 

The new 2025-26 uniform marks the first time in a decade that the original MLS club pays homage to the historic Flag of New England in its kit design, which was first adopted by the New England colonies in 1775. For years, Revolution supporters have proudly flown the flag at home matches, making the historic design synonymous with the club. While the Flag of New England has regularly been featured as a minor accent on the club’s jerseys, the new kit’s design iterates on past tributes by focusing the Eastern White Pine featured on the flag.

 

New England will wear the new Eastern White Pine kit for the first time in a preseason friendly at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, February 15 vs. Hartford Athletic (7:30 p.m.).

Go Revolution, Go Hearts of Pine, Go Lumber!

A sustainable city made of…you guessed it.

Posted on by jrooks

Stockholm Wood City, currently under construction in the Sickla district of Stockholm, Sweden, is set to become the world’s largest urban development project built entirely from wood. Spanning approximately 250,000 square meters, the project will feature a mixed-use community integrating office spaces, residential housing, and retail areas, all while prioritizing sustainability and biophilic design principles.

(Image credit: Atrium Ljungberg)

Utilizing wood as the primary construction material offers significant environmental benefits. Compared to traditional methods, building with wood can

(Image credit: Atrium Ljungberg)

reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%, as it is lighter and quicker to work with than concrete. Additionally, wood stores carbon throughout its lifecycle, since trees absorb CO₂ as they grow. If a wooden building is no longer needed, it can be more easily disassembled than concrete structures, and the wood can be reused or recycled, further extending its lifecycle.

Beyond the use of timber, Stockholm Wood City incorporates several other sustainability initiatives. The project plans to minimize climate impact through self-produced, stored, and shared energy. Heat and cold will be stored in a large geothermal facility connected to thermal networks that interlink the buildings. The district’s extensive solar panel installations are continuously being expanded for energy storage.

(Image credit: Atrium Ljungberg)

Research indicates that wooden buildings provide better air quality, reduce stress, increase productivity, and store carbon dioxide throughout their use. Building with wood also results in quieter construction sites and reduces the amount of heavy transport during the construction period, which is important for building in dense urban areas.

Construction of Stockholm Wood City began in 2024, with the first residential units expected to be completed by early 2026. The project aims to set a new standard for sustainable urban development and inspire others in the industry to follow suit.

Read the full article at: wallpaper.com

The role of wood in the circular economy.

Posted on by jrooks

ArchDaily’s latest article “Unlocking Sustainable Architecture with Wood-Based Materials” highlights the pivotal role of wood in promoting sustainable construction practices. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a circular economy approach, where wood is utilized efficiently and responsibly throughout its lifecycle.  For mill owners and operators, this presents some new opportunities for best practices already in place.

A circular economy in the wood industry focuses on maximizing the use of wood resources while minimizing waste and environmental impact. This involves integrating practices such as using sawmill by-products and recycled wood to create new, high-quality wood-based materials as well as economically and environmentally sustainable forest management practices. By doing so, the industry not only reduces waste (costs) but also lessens the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction materials.

What are the implications for Lumber Mill Owners?

For owners of lumber mills, adopting a circular economy approach presents several advantages:

  1. Resource Optimization: By processing sawmill by-products and reclaimed wood, mills can produce additional products, thereby increasing revenue streams.
  2. Environmental Responsibility: Implementing sustainable practices reduces the environmental impact of operations, aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing corporate reputation.
  3. Market Competitiveness: As demand for sustainable building materials rises, mills that prioritize eco-friendly practices position themselves favorably in the market.
Photo by Steven Kamenar on Unsplash

For Mills in the NELMA program, resource optimization and sustainable resource management are part and parcel of “just good business,” not a new “do-gooder” effort.  For many mills this may simply be a reframing of the value of smart operational practices  That said, transitioning to a circular economy model requires careful planning and investment. Challenges may include establishing efficient recycling processes, ensuring the quality of recycled materials, and navigating regulatory requirements. However, the long-term benefits, both economically and environmentally, make it a worthwhile endeavor.

As our members know, embracing sustainable practices in wood utilization not only contributes to environmental conservation but also offers economic advantages. By adopting a circular economy approach, lumber mill owners can play a crucial role in advancing sustainable architecture and meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly building materials.

 

 

Full Article:  https://www.archdaily.com/1026250/unlocking-sustainable-architecture-with-wood-based-materials

 

Designers Predict 2025 Kitchen Trends

Posted on by jrooks

The Modern Farmhouse kitchen trend isn’t going away, but designers are re-writing the trend to appeal to a more eclectic, cozy trend phase (read What is Grandma Core) for more on this.  But one trend is not going anywhere: wood.  In fact, ‘Wood kitchens are enjoying a resurgence, with reclaimed or rustic finishes adding texture and warmth,’ says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe – and it’s a kitchen design style that’s here to stay according to Homes and Gardens on-line magazine.

(Image credit: Julie Soefer)

Another article from the same magazine titled “Wooden kitchens normally bore me – but this timeless design by Amber Interiors is the most perfect example of how to get them right” by explores the visual possibilities of wood in kitchens in more detail.

“As a kitchen editor, I spend hours every day looking at kitchen designs and a trend doesn’t pass me by. From sleek, marble-drenched spaces to more traditional moody schemes, I’ve truly seen it all. But if there’s one kitchen style that so rarely sparks my interest, it’s wood kitchens. That was, until, I saw Amber Interiors’ latest project.”

As referenced in the article, Interior Designer Amber Lewis explores this trend in her own work.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Amber Lewis (@amberinteriors)

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is GrandmaCore?

Posted on by jrooks

Thankfully it is more than creepy dolls, cats, and antiques.  GrandmaCore is a lifestyle and aesthetic trend that encapsulates the charm, simplicity, and comforting coziness of a grandmother’s home. It’s about embracing vintage pieces, and homemade goods, all wrapped up in a warm, inviting space. Essentially, it’s a nostalgic nod to the past, celebrating the homey, slower-paced way of life that our grandmas loved.  It’s also about using wood to create a warm, welcoming space filled with vintage charm and comforting touches.

KariAnne Wood, the owner of the popular home decor blog Thistlewood Farms said “This design style is all about evoking a sense of nostalgia with pattern mixing and natural elements.”  Grandmacore is decidedly not Minimalism, instead trending more towards Maximalism, but it’s not chaotic.

Eastern White Pine has often been associated with camps and cottages and has a relationship with another aesthetic sub-genre – cottagecore in that it’s warm, and comfortable. Nothing is too precious, it’s durable and worn (aka well-loved). “I wonder if the aesthetic is popular because it really does elicit a feeling of comfort. Minimalism was popular for a while—and, of course, still is for many—but the contrast of coziness, layering, and warmth, it’s an inviting respite,” says Louise Roe, founder of Sharland England.

 

Image from: hanashappyhome.com

Additional Grandmacore resources:

Grandmacore: Rediscovering the Charm of Yesteryears

https://heartscontentfarmhouse.com/grandmacore/

https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/from-grandmacore-to-maximalism-2025-home-decor-trends-to-unite-your-styles/

https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a61490032/grandmacore-trend/

https://hanashappyhome.com/rooms/master-bedroom/grandma-core-home-decor/

2025 Design Trend Predictions

Posted on by jrooks

Dwell Magazine just released its predictions for design trends in 2025.  “2025 Design Trends Will Focus on Warm Interiors and Sustainable Materials” discusses upcoming interior design trends emphasizing warmth and sustainability.

Photo courtesy of BLDUS

“As we step into 2025, designers and architects we spoke with say warm, human-centric spaces will be underscored by sustainability. They want to continue examining the carbon footprint of materials, favoring locally sourced, nontoxic, and plant-based options that, in many ways, are a better alternative to excessive marble or faux finishes—what one architect calls “junk food.” Mass-timber construction and bio-innovations, too, will lend to shaping a new era of design.” – Dwell Magazine

“In 2025, designers will also likely continue to move away from sterile, tech-heavy spaces, and instead favor earthy elements such as terra-cotta, wood, and other design features that reflect the natural world.” – Dwell Magazine

Top three takeaways for the lumber industry are:

  • Warm, Earthy Interiors: Designers are moving away from sterile, tech-heavy spaces, favoring earthy elements that reflect the natural world. This includes the use of materials like terra-cotta and wood to create spaces that feel like a “visual hug.”
  • Sustainable Materials: There’s a strong focus on sustainability, with the use of locally sourced, nontoxic, and plant-based materials. Innovative approaches such as mass-timber construction are also highlighted.
  • Vibrant Color Palettes: While earthy tones are prominent, vibrant hues like bold yellows and rich burgundies are expected to add unique character to spaces.

In summary, 2025 design trends are set to prioritize warm, nature-inspired interiors using sustainable materials, with wood playing a significant role in creating these inviting spaces.

 

Read the full article here: https://www.dwell.com/article/2025-home-design-trends-e638db19