Sustainable
Style
One-of-a-Kind Finds Healthy for the Home
Story by Debra Kronowitz
Photos courtesy of Team 7
Since 1980, long before the “green”
non-toxic wood furniture movement picked up the ecological backing that
it now has, award-winning Team 7 was making great strides in producing
well-made solid wood furniture with regard to the environment. Team 7’s
line features pure, clean designs that make sense and are scaled for any
floor plan or space requirements. Safer, healthier materials,
designs that will last for generations and manufacturing that considers
the planet and its people are the hallmarks of Team 7.
The Austrian-based furniture manufacturer has developed a collection
for both the home and workplace that uses natural hardwoods from
renewable sources that are finished with formaldehyde-free glues, and
treated with herbal oils and waxes, resulting in an all-natural product
that does not off-gas toxic chemicals in the indoor air. |
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Certified
as ecologically responsible manufacturers, the company adopted healthy
methods of production in the early 1980s. The wide variety of
classically inspired modern furnishings is made from seven wood types
that come from sustainably managed European forests.
TEAM 7 does not use tropical woods
or woods from the rainforest, in accordance with the
International Protection of Species Act. The company earned the
Austrian Ecological Quality Certification for its ecologically friendly
production practices. Because of its concern with indoor air quality,
minimizing harmful off-gassing and keeping toxics out of its furniture,
only very low-VOC finishes are used – PVC is not allowed.
Designed by Karl Auer, Martin Ballendat, Kai Stania and Jacob Strobel,
the collections are minimal, sleek and warm without being overdone. The
designs allow for a myriad of combinations to get the most from the
space while catering to individual requirements. Options are available
for dining, kitchen, living, bedroom and youth/children. The collections
consist of tables, chairs, sideboards, wall units, library, side tables,
media center, beds, wardrobes and desks.
This fall Team 7 is adding a line designed by
Domingos Tótora
for Touch, a company that offers handmade products that are good for the
environment. Brazilian artist/designer
Tótora’s
design philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability
and renewable organic cycles.
Tótora works with kraft paper and
banana fiber, producing beautiful, modern and functional products.
His work has been exhibited at Maison & Object in
Paris
and is available in stores and galleries around the world.
Team 7 is distributed in North America
by Batinau Design Group. |
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