What is the STEAM Shop?
Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Mathematics. That’s right; each of these disciplines can be found running loose in
Reflo’s STEAM Shop. With a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship, Reflo can flex its mutli-purpose workshop space for whatever new projects come our way. From traditional hand-tool woodwork to advanced 3D modeling, Reflo is dedicated to creating not only functional, but beautiful works for our community.
In tandem with our mission for sustainability, Reflo has a sister program we like to call the Urban Wood Initiative. Working with local partners, we’re bridging the gap between box-store materials and local, traceable resources from our very own urban treescape.
Discover more about this project here!
STEAM Shop Initiatives
Woodcraft
We create sustainable, beautiful wood pieces using urban wood, upcycled materials, and off-cuts, all crafted with care and creativity.
Laser wizardry
Reflo uses laser tools for 3D cutting, intricate engravings, and custom designs, enabling us to bring unique, creative ideas to life with endless possibilities
3d design
With 3D modeling, we streamline processes, save materials, and plan projects more efficiently—reducing waste and avoiding mistakes along the way!
Art PROJECTS
At Reflo's workshop, we use art to spark creativity and foster connections, exploring our mission through playful, interactive projects that explore Reflo’s mission.
Woodcraft
We’re doing our best to make our woodworking practices beautiful, AND sustainable. For example, by sourcing urban wood for our projects, upcycling pallets when we ship items, and even using our own off-cuts for creative art-projects, we’re closing the gap between our workshop and the landfill.
We take our time to be sure that each item produced by our STEAM shop is made with intention. We want our partners and community to be able to appreciate what it means to have patience with your craft, and to see the joy it can bring when it’s completed. Lucky for us, that means we get to use a variety of tools and techniques (both for the design and the build) to create truly unique items.
Laser wizardry
Reflo utilizes different types of laser tools to accomplish different goals - whether that be cutting materials to make 3D objects, or engraving intricate details on our custom Outdoor Discovery Carts. Having the ability to use super-fun laser technology allows our staff to work collaboratively both in-house and with our partners to create amazing things.
Designs can be translated into different materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces; like engravings for custom awards, stencils for decorating unsightly parking structures, 3D objects to show our appreciation to our community, shop jigs to make sure quality meets efficiency…we’re always finding a new way to use this technology.
3d design
Since 3D modeling has been introduced to our workshop, we’ve been able to not only streamline certain processes, like creating detailed cut sheets and manuals, but also create virtual models of whatever our little hearts desire.
The ability to be able to create entire projects virtually has allowed us to save time, energy, and maybe a few ‘whoopsie’ moments. Aside from saving our egos, it also means we are generally less wasteful, as we can predict the exact amount of material needed for any given design, and even pre-plan for what to do with any waste. Cool, right?
ART PROJECTS
Art has always been an incredible tool for practicing creativity; flexing the grey matter and making life more vibrant. At Reflo, we are intentional about using art both in our workplace and in our partner projects as a way to facilitate meaningful interactions. This can look and feel different on every project, from supporting an artist-in-residence to building acoustic panels from off cuts. This sense of creativity also allows us to explore the frontiers of our own mission in a playful, interactive way.
