BON ECO DESIGN
2005-2024
For almost twenty years, Carolyn Butts and Hans Honegger combined their talents and interests to participate in the revitalization of a small rural village in Eastern Ontario. Little is known about Tamworth on the outside but it’s location within the golden triangle of Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa gives it access to the majority of Canada’s population while enjoying relative obscurity in the land of 5,000 lakes; a jewel on the edge of the Canadian Shield and the infinite north.
BUSINESS
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A true partnership between Carolyn and Hans began in 2005 with the launch of their Bon Eco Design business. Bon Eco translates to good ecology and work was selected based on making material matter in combination with relevant content that told stories connecting us to place. Bon Eco hosted festivals, events, parties and workshops, recognizing the positive outcomes from bringing people together for enjoyment and learning skills.
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ARCHITECTURE
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Renovations began in 2005 with the purchase of the neglected Home Supplies building, a once thriving hardware store until 2000. This was home base for life and business.
A few village vacant lots were purchased shortly after plus a section of the main street row of commercial properties. Three apartments and a shop front would eventually become furnished suites for short-term rentals plus studio space for a pop-up gallery and hosting workshops. The acquisition of a 1940’s garage next to the original Home Supplies could not be resisted. The final crowning property was a large parcel of land on the Salmon River in the village. This rolling landscape became a location for experimental design of material expression for dwellings plus the preparation of food production in the form of permaculture. All buildings and properties combined to form a creative estate welcoming artists, writers, musicians and anyone needing an escape to the country. |
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NEW BEGINNINGS
In 2023, the Bon Eco Design partnership came to a conclusion. The properties continue to be maintained and hum with potential for creative direction. Our experience has provided rich insights into community, ecology, psychology, politics, business and the boundless limits of creativity. Here are some important lessons.
1) Volunteer – your community needs you.
2) Grow it slow. Take time to build relationships. Do not expect money will provide quick results.
3) Do not expect to see the fruits of your efforts in your lifetime.
4) Rent before you buy, if possible.
5) Use local mortgage lenders if available.
6) Live where you work to reduce expenses.
7) Include community where you live. Hire locals, shop local.
8) A Main Street is important. Activate it and keep it looking good by keeping it clean, free of litter and weeds. It fosters self-respect and encourages caring.
9) Maintain consistency and quality in marketing such as signage and advertisements
10) Brand your community’s uniqueness
11) Respect natural and human resources
12) Be a good host
1) Volunteer – your community needs you.
2) Grow it slow. Take time to build relationships. Do not expect money will provide quick results.
3) Do not expect to see the fruits of your efforts in your lifetime.
4) Rent before you buy, if possible.
5) Use local mortgage lenders if available.
6) Live where you work to reduce expenses.
7) Include community where you live. Hire locals, shop local.
8) A Main Street is important. Activate it and keep it looking good by keeping it clean, free of litter and weeds. It fosters self-respect and encourages caring.
9) Maintain consistency and quality in marketing such as signage and advertisements
10) Brand your community’s uniqueness
11) Respect natural and human resources
12) Be a good host
ABOUT US
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Hans Honegger, Designer
A founding member in the 1980's of Heritage Canada Foundation's Mainstreet Programme, Hans works to protect and nourish rural communities and the environment. Sensitivity to the essence of place is the starting point. |
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Carolyn Butts, Designer
Protecting land and water motivates Carolyn to design with discarded materials. Her work with tires began in 1989 in response to the Hagersville tire fire. She continues to research and explore design opportunities embedded in other waste products. "Our disposing habits are unsustainable. Demonstrating value in garbage is a pathway to change." |
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Jake Baer
Jake is a true product of his environment. "Growing up immersed in art and nature has fuelled my free spirit and open mind." He is passionate about science, whitewater, wilderness adventure, dance, playing music and inspiring happiness. |