Healthy Materials Lab

We honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose words and actions continue to inspire us to work toward a more equitable, just, and healthy world.
Dr. King said, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom.” These words remind us that meaningful change requires collective effort and unwavering commitment.

At Healthy Materials Lab, we believe that healthy housing should be a right, not a privilege. We are inspired by Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community as we continue to advocate for the elimination of toxic exposures in our shared environments and strive for a future where everyone has access to healthier homes.

Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by taking steps, big or small, toward a healthier, more equitable future for all.



https://thekingcenter.org/

🟡 “I love the smell of the exhibit,” she said on the night of October 15th.

The exhibit “Regeneration of Flax” is open until Nov 12th: at .

Explore the versatile applications of flax - a plant known for its valuable bio-based resources - highlighting its potential in truly sustainable design. The exhibit includes historic pieces such as an 18th-19th century Suzani embroidery from Uzbekistan, as well as modern applications like ZSK’s flax fiber-embroidered bike seat and the community-created Square Yard Quilt by .

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with flax’s regenerative potential and discover its role in sustainable design!

Be prepared to be surprised. Come for the smell. Stay for the colors.

🔗Read more via the link in bio.

After years of collaboration, we are excited to celebrate the grand opening of the Community MusicWorks (CMW) Center designed by 3SIX0 Architects!

Providence’s first Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) building also prioritizes healthy materials, helping to both mitigate climate change and toxic exposure. In its structure, the CLT serves as a carbon-sequestering material, dramatically reducing the building’s carbon footprint as compared to conventional buildings. The material surfaces of high exposure to the children, staff and community were selected to dramatically reduce toxics and provide healthier indoor environmental qualities.

HML’s role in the project involved guiding material selection, advising on environmental strategies, and ensuring that every decision aligned with the building’s health and sustainability objectives. Since CMW primarily works with children, teens, and their families, we focused on protecting children’s health, knowing their developing organs and neurological systems are especially vulnerable to toxic exposures.

This project, fully funded by CMW’s fundraising efforts, is a model of community-driven sustainability and well-being - one we are incredibly proud to be a part of!

🔗 Read more about the project in our bio link.

Thanks to the HML research assistants that contributed to making this a healthier building, Miranda Reinhart, Hana Wilson, and Stan Walden.

Curious about the potential of flax and mycelium to replace fossil fuel-based materials? You won’t want to miss HML’s Fall Events!

Join us both in-person and online as we dive into biobased materials, beginning with our Regeneration of Flax exhibition, followed by engaging public programs in collaboration with New York Textile Month and the Architectural League of NY. Full list of speakers and exhibitors on our website!

🔗 Find more details and RSVP through the link in bio!

Jonsara Ruth from HML will be moderating a conversation with David Leven and Stella Betts from at Cocktails & Conversations on September 6, 2024. Hosted by at the Center for Architecture in New York, NY. 

🔗 More info at the link in bio.