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Ideas"Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does Nature, because in her inventions, nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous." Leonardo da Vinci |
Through strategies for whole-systems thinking and integrated design, Terrapin challenges design and ownership teams to create restorative, regenerative environments. We believe in finding solutions that reconnect people with nature and mimic natural systems offers boundless opportunities to improve the quality of life for all. We also believe that high-performance design means fundamentally improving health and productivity human factors, while improving overall economic and environmental performance.
Biomimicry
Looking to nature as a model and mentor for human design problems, we can find new sources of innovation while learning to heal the environment.
Learn MoreDeep Ecological History
Knowledge of a region’s ecological history informs us of sustainable design solutions that can maintain or revive our ecosystems.
Learn MoreNet Zero Plus
Energy-independent, net producer buildings represent a new paradigm for carbon-neutral, energy secure towns and cities.
Learn MoreTranscending the Cost Barrier
When design teams push past add-on improvements to achieve true integrated design, they can neutralize or actually reduce a project's first costs.
Learn MoreBiophilia
We believe the built environment can be designed to help people feel and perform better, through connection with the natural world.
Learn MoreEngaged Offsets
Thinking globally but acting locally, direct investments can yield compounding environmental, financial, and social benefits.
Learn MoreNode & Network
By constructing utilities as a network of nodes, we can create highly efficient, resilient systems that foster greater energy independence.
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