OtherWondersMFG is a design studio with a focus on sustainability. Previously with Monmade, owner Carl Bajandas offered custom design and fabrication of products, including unique railings and fixtures. Applying handcrafted and sustainable techniques to digital design and fabrication, Carl now expands his studio by offering a standard line of furniture and home goods.
OtherWondersMFG’s (OWM) Mod-Con Collection explores intentional design and simplicity through functional, durable wood pieces. Realized through Green Leap, OWM’s first furniture for the collection includes a modern stool set of varying height, ready to be produced in larger batches through responsible and efficient studio-based manufacturing practices.Made from locally sourced, harvested wood, Mod-Con Stools are is finished with a zero-VOC finish and paints.
“I want to create products with a life cycle of generations, not years. I intend to develop green products utilizing a local supply chain in addition to sustainable production and finishing methods.”
Mod-Con Stools are available in sustainably-sourced Red Oak and in three standard heights. The clear stained wood finish is available with single-color painted accents in Light Blue, Coral Pink, Mint Green, Lilac Purple, or Black. Add-ons include responsibly-sourced leather wrap-around tops in Tan and Black. Other sustainable wood options and finishes are available with customization.
While Carl is now focusing on his studio’s standard product line, Monmade has worked with OtherWondersMFG, developing custom design solutions for our clients. Our project portfolio showcases his design expertise and craftsmanship, which are echoed in his Green Leap products.
Through our assessment of his studio and production manufacturing practices, OtherWondersMFG achieves four of Monmade’s six dimensions of sustainability: environment, climate, human health, and social equity.
Minority-owned creative business located in McKees Rocks, PA, a low-to-moderate income area
OtherWondersMFG is located within a 100-year-old building that used to be the McKees Rock Gazette. Producer is currently renovating the building and is upgrading to renewable energy sources, installing dual pane windows, increasing the insulation, replacing electrical wiring to meet code and for safety, utilizing LED and natural lighting throughout, adding a wood burning stove (bio-mass heating), and increasing air filtration and air quality measures
OtherWondersMFG’s mission is to provide a living wage and transparent pay structure. Initial priorities include hiring minority workers and paying a livible hourly wage
Producer is committed to establishing long-standing relationships with local suppliers and manufacturers
Furniture developed through Green Leap uses locally sourced, responsibly harvested wood. It is finished with a zero-VOC, UV-cured finish made from sustainably derived vegetable oil, locally harvested wax, and alcohol
With consideration to the entire life cycle, OtherWondersMFG’s products are designed to be durable as well as sustainable—these heirloom quality pieces are intended to last a lifetime
Learn more about Monmade’s holistic approach to sustainability.
Monmade’s holistic approach to sustainability is described by our Dimensions of Sustainability. Rooted in our team’s knowledge of responsible manufacturing processes for small businesses, our six defined dimensions inform our assessments of artisan producers and their products. Our producers and their products achieve a dimension when they meet one or more of that dimension’s defined criteria.
Using sustainable materials including recycled, reclaimed, or bio-based materials, prioritizing sustainable vendors and local sourcing, minimizing environmental impact of facility and/or manufacturing waste, publicizing sustainability practices, planning for responsible growth
Climate
Manufacturing at and/or within 100 miles of primary business location, using renewable energy sources, reducing energy consumption, reducing water consumption, measuring carbon footprint, seeking reduction of use of non-renewable resources
Human Health
Products contributing to safe indoor and/or outdoor air quality, using low-to-zero VOC adhesives/sealants/finishes/paints, products comply with specific industry standards including UL and ADA, providing adequate safety and personal protection equipment for employees, safely using/storing/disposing of materials and/or finishes, using and/or encouraging green cleaning methods for products, recommending responsible installation and/or maintenance of products
Social Equity
Business is women and/or minority owned, workforce is more than 50% women and/or minorities, located in an LMI area, hiring local workforce, contributing portion of profits to charitable organizations, practicing public stewardship, offering employee benefits, providing wage transparency
Circular Economy
Designing products for zero-impact, reuse, and the elimination of waste throughout the entire life-cycle of the product. A circular system often includes (but not limited to) using sustainable materials (e.g. bio-based, reclaimed), safe and efficient manufacturing, durability, using sustainable packaging materials, and a plan for end-of-life
Eco-Labels
Indicates when producers/products/ product components are independently certified/verified for their environmental attribute claims by a third-party organization; certifications/ verifications can be for single attribute claims such as FSC or multiple attribute claims such as EPD, HPD, and life-cycle analysis