Green Leap OtherWondersMFG

OtherWondersMFG

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.

Green Leap Participant

New Products Developed with Monmade

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.

Mod-Con Counter Height 24” Stool in All-Wood Clear Stained Finish (left) and Light Blue Painted Accent (right).

“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.”

Carl Bajandas

Featured Product Specifications

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.

Mod-Con Bar Height 30” Stool (left) and Low Height 18” Stool (right).

Project Portfolio

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.

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sustainablyMonmade Insights 

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.