This bench is an excellent example of thoughtful design and fabrication.
Design for disassembly, mechanical fasteners, hardwood components – these are time-tested technologies and materials that allow for things to have a life that lasts for generations and avoid adhesives, which are often toxic.
Reusing long-lasting, well-made things reduces the need to produce new ones, leading to lower carbon emissions from new production. It`s a win-win for both climate and health!
For decades, this oak and wrought iron bench welcomed racegoers beneath the grandstands at Belmont Park, home of the third leg of the Triple Crown. Dating to the park`s 1968 reconstruction, its protected location sheltered it from the elements – helping preserve it for generations.
Built from dense solid oak and a wrought iron frame, the bench is a study in durable material selection ⬇️
Oak`s high density provides exceptional resistance to wear and repeated use, while wrought iron offers remarkable strength and resistance to cracking. Bolted connections (note: adhesive-free!) allow individual components to be repaired or replaced when damaged, extending the bench`s useful life while making material recovery easier at the end of its service life.
We`re continuing our series with Olde Good Things, exploring the healthy material lessons and remarkable craftsmanship hidden within architectural artifacts salvaged from a time when plastics and polymers did not dominate our built environment.
Follow for more as we uncover the stories – and healthier building insights – hidden in salvaged materials.
To learn more about material health and healthy building practices, explore Parsons Healthy Materials Lab`s online courses and resources at healthymaterialslab.org.
To discover architectural salvage and historic building materials, visit Olde Good Things. If this bench caught your eye, you can find it at ogtstore.com.
#designfordisassembly #mechanicalfasteners #solidwood #plasticfree #reuse #climatepositive
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