Eco-design as the core development philosophy
Kitchen design and fabrication though the lens of Louis-Philippe Pratte, founder at Hh.
Eco-design as the core development philosophy
Kitchen design and fabrication though the lens of Louis-Philippe Pratte, founder at Hh.
Louis-Philippe Pratte, founder and design director of the company À Hauteur d'homme, is known for his innovative approach to ecological furniture. His company, founded in 2009 in Montreal, embodies a deep commitment to reducing consumption and promoting environmental innovation. Today, À Hauteur d'homme is a leading reference in Quebec for ecological kitchens, not only for the products it offers but also for the thoughtful design process behind each project. From the company's early days, Louis-Philippe was selected, alongside Steven Guilbault, to represent the environmental benefits of using wood products on a national scale. This pioneering work has earned the company several distinctions, including the selection of products for the Montréal Ville Unesco exhibition in Austria.
A path marked by sustainable innovations
Louis-Philippe holds a master's degree in design from the University of Applied Sciences in Pforzheim, Germany, and has taught design at the University of Montreal and UQAM for over 15 years. Sustainable development has always been integral to his design approach. By founding À Hauteur d'homme, he made this mission his driving force, developing furniture and kitchen collections that are environmentally friendly, made from durable materials, and aligned with responsible consumption criteria. À Hauteur d'homme was born from his desire to design wooden furniture, a material he considers durable both functionally and emotionally. By using this renewable resource, he made it his mission to create lasting products, far removed from the fleeting trends of overconsumption.
A company built on strong principles
À Hauteur d'homme stands out for its philosophy deeply rooted in reducing consumption. For Louis-Philippe, it's not just about creating furniture but about designing objects differently, integrating thoughtful and innovative uses that last while using as little material as possible. Each piece of furniture is designed to minimize its ecological footprint, while offering elegant and contemporary solutions for modern living. One of the company’s flagship innovations is the kitchen system without cabinetry, reducing material use by 70% compared to standard kitchens, proving that "less is often enough." At the same time, the company has developed a method allowing customers to identify their real needs before starting any renovation project, ensuring a more conscious and thoughtful approach.
Innovation in service of ecology
The concept of reduction has become a central theme in Louis-Philippe’s career. It has gradually shaped his entrepreneurial approach, not only through his products but also in his written reflections, such as his essay La Méthode Y (2022) published by Éditions Cardinal, an analysis of our relationship with (over)consumption. This book offers concrete ideas to rethink how we consume as individuals and reimagine the role of designers in today's society. For Louis-Philippe, it is crucial that designers not limit themselves to creating new products, but that they fully assume their responsibilities towards the environment.
A commitment to the future
As president and design director, Louis-Philippe Pratte continues to steer his company toward a forward-thinking vision. He is currently working on a revolutionary new dematerialized kitchen system. He is also exploring the role artificial intelligence can play in developing eco-friendly products.
As Louis-Philippe notes, “Design must question itself and go beyond aesthetics. It must have a positive impact on how we consume and interact with the world around us.”
