The Art and Functionality of Slats in Architectural Facade Design
23 Jul

The Art and Functionality of Slats in Architectural Facade Design

By Jocelyn Mahan In Abodo Vulcan Slats, Featured In The News, In the Field, Inspiring Designs, Wood University /   No Comments

Architectural design is constantly evolving, striving to integrate and find balance between aesthetic and functional elements. One of the key components gaining traction in modern facade design is the use of slats. Slats, typically used as walls, are wood panels installed parallel to each other and spaced to allow light and air to pass through. However, when combined with other adjacent materials, slats can also function as decorative enclosures.

Slats, or louvers, have become integral in contemporary architecture, offering a blend of visual appeal, energy efficiency, and environmental harmony. This article touches on the multifaceted role of slats in architectural facades, highlighting their benefits, applications, and the innovative ways architects utilize them.

Aesthetically Appealing and Visually Dynamic
Slats offer an unparalleled aesthetic versatility that can transform the appearance of a building. They can be designed to fit various architectural styles—from minimalist modern to rustic traditional. The arrangement of slats can create dynamic patterns and shadows, adding depth and texture to a building’s exterior. Whether installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, slats can make a facade visually striking, breaking the monotony of plain surfaces.

Plus, slats can be customized to achieve different levels of transparency and opacity. This adaptability allows architects to play with light and shadow, creating a facade that changes appearance throughout the day. The interplay of sunlight with the slats can produce a living, breathing building exterior that interacts with its environment in a visually captivating manner.

Jo Residence SAMITTO Charred Accoya 7
The Jo Residence feat. SAMITTO Charred Accoya® Slats
Jo Residence SAMITTO Charred Accoya 13
The Jo Residence feat. SAMITTO Charred Accoya® Slats

Environmental and Energy Efficiency
In addition to their aesthetic benefits, slats contribute significantly to a building’s environmental performance. They act as sunshades, controlling the amount of sunlight that enters a building. By reducing direct solar gain, slats help in minimizing the need for artificial cooling, thus lowering energy consumption. This passive cooling strategy is particularly beneficial in hot climates, where managing heat intake is crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

Slats can also be designed to facilitate natural ventilation. By allowing air to flow through the facade, they help in maintaining indoor air quality and reduces reliance on mechanical ventilation systems. This not only enhances the building’s energy efficiency but also promotes a healthier living environment for occupants.

Privacy
Privacy is a critical consideration in architectural design, especially in urban settings where buildings are often closely spaced. Slats offer a practical solution for maintaining privacy without sacrificing light or ventilation. By strategically spacing and angling the slats, architects can prevent direct lines of sight into the building while still allowing natural light to permeate the interior.

The use of slats in architectural facade design epitomizes the blend of form and function that defines modern architecture. Their ability to enhance aesthetics, improve energy efficiency, provide privacy, and adapt to innovative applications makes them a valuable tool for architects. As architectural design continues to evolve, the role of slats in creating sustainable, functional, and visually engaging buildings is likely to expand, driving forward the future of urban landscapes. By embracing the potential of slats, architects can design buildings that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible and adaptable to the needs of their occupants.

Wood Slats from reSAWN TIMBER co.
reSAWN TIMBER co. stands at the forefront of providing high-quality, wood slats that epitomize both beauty and durability. Our extensive range of products, from natural to modified woods, are crafted from sustainably sourced woods. Using modified wood products like Sylva, Abodo, Accoya, and Kebony for slats has revolutionized architectural design, offering enhanced durability and performance while maintaining the natural beauty of wood.

Each slat from reSAWN is meticulously designed to meet the highest standards of performance and aesthetics, ensuring that architects and builders can create facades that are visually stunning and built to last. With options in various wood species, finishes, textures, and configurations, reSAWN’s slats offer unparalleled versatility, allowing for creative and functional facade solutions that meet the demands of modern architecture. By choosing reSAWN TIMBER co. you are investing in products that enhance your building’s design while promoting sustainable building practices.

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Twin-Gables-SiOOX-Abodo-Vulcan-Cladding-Slats-Trellis9-Sioox-Article
16 Apr

Embracing the Natural Evolution of SiOO:X Wood Protection: A Journey to Timeless Gray Tones

By Jocelyn Mahan In Abodo Vulcan Slats, ABODO Wood, Exterior Cladding, In the Field, Inspiring Designs, Low Maintenance Finishes, Maintenance, Sylva, Thermally Modified Wood, Wood University /   No Comments

Natural wood possesses inherent beauty and is frequently incorporated into construction designs for its aesthetic appeal. However, wood is a natural material susceptible to degradation due to climatic elements, moisture, and UV rays. To preserve natural wood’s integrity and longevity, the application of a protective topcoat is a standard practice for all timber building materials.

In the realm of wood protection, SiOO:X stands out as a revolutionary solution that provides timber with a long-lasting shield against the outside elements and delivers a captivating aesthetic transformation over time. Unlike conventional wood treatments that create a protective seal on the surface, SiOO:X penetrates deep into the wood fibers, forming a shield that enhances the durability and longevity from within.

SiOO:X leverages the natural environment and wood’s characteristics to gradually cure wood over one to three years. This unique curing process results in a protection system that imitates wood’s natural protective layer. The curing process also triggers a gradual color transformation within a short timeframe, mimicking the authentic weathering effect seen in natural wood.

Twin Gables Feat. SiOO:X Abodo Vulcan Cladding

Curing with Nature
SiOO:X is crafted to work with nature. The curing process is intricately tied to the specific climatic environment where the wood cladding resides. The rate of change is often attributed environmental factors. Sunlight, rain, wind, and humidity are all factors that could affect the curing process*. Surfaces shielded from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions, such as soffits or non-exposed walls, may undergo a slower rate of curing and color evolution. In contrast, the cladding that is fully exposed experiences more significant fluctuations.

Understanding the Curing Process
SiOO:X Wood Protector holds a unique silicon and potassium formulation that reacts with moisture and carbon dioxide. This chemical reaction forms a protective barrier within the timber. SiOO:X’s chemical reaction can occur independently of sunlight, ensuring consistent and reliable performance regardless of weather conditions over time. It creates a long-lasting shield against moisture, and UV rays.

The Evolution of Color
As the curing process progresses, the timber undergoes a remarkable transformation of color. The wood starts out in its natural coloration before gradually transitioning to a light whitewash tone, typically within six – twelve months of application. This initial phase represents the activation of SiOO:X’s protective properties that penetrate deep into the wood fibers. The timber gradually darkens to mid-gray ‘weathered’ tones, acquiring a timeless patina that adds depth and character to the wood surface. Exposed surfaces may undergo a more rapid color evolution than non-exposed walls. However, despite the differences in the rate of color evolution, the aesthetic outcome will be consistent across all surfaces over time.

Advantages Over Traditional Coatings
SiOO:X’s natural curing process offers several advantages over traditional coatings, particularly when it comes to durability, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability. Conventional wood protector coatings’ efficiency diminishes over time with exposure to the sun, leading to fade in color and less protection against wear and tear. On the contrary, SiOO:X works with the environment and delivers a natural color evolution. Wood treated with SiOO:X offers long-lasting protection and reduces the need for frequent reapplications, which conserves resources and reduces maintenance costs.

An Eco-Conscious Formula
With a clear focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, SiOO:X is engineered with no VOC (volatile organic compound) formulation. It minimizes environmental impact while ensuring safety for users and our planet. By enhancing the longevity of wood, the lifespan of wooden structures is extended, contributing to waste reduction in the long run. Unlike other wood treatments that may leach harmful chemicals into the soil or waterways, SiOO:X is biodegradable and poses no risk to ecosystems.

Bear Creek Residence Feat. SiOO:X Abodo Vulcan Cladding

Embracing the Natural Beauty of SiOO:X Wood Protection
SiOO:X represents a paradigm shift in wood protection, offering a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional coatings. By embracing the natural weathering process, SiOO:X celebrates the inherent beauty of wood while ensuring long-lasting protection against the surrounding elements.

Currently, reSAWN offers two thermally modified wood products with the SiOO:X wood protector: Abodo SiOO:X exterior cladding, and Sylva MONDARA exterior cladding. The thermal modification process improves the wood’s stability. When coated with SiOO:X, modified wood becomes exceptionally resilient, capable of withstanding the harshest conditions while maintaining its natural charm. SiOO:X offers robust protection that enhances the inherent qualities of thermally modified wood. Together, they create a synergy that results in stunning exterior cladding.

Whether used in commercial or residential projects, reSAWN’s SiOO:X products offer unmatched longevity, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, setting a new standard in modern wood protection.

*In case of problems with black spores the SiOO:X system creates a barrier that prevents algae and spores from penetrating the wood. Because SiOO:X does not contain any strong toxins it cannot prevent black spores from settling on the surface. Periods of rain or damp weather are especially favorable for these airborne spores, which can often be found on wood surfaces that are in the shade or exposed to the weather. Black spores need nutrients to grow and they get these from natural sugars in the wood. These substances are leached out of the wood in the first 1–4 years. The presence of black spores also decreases as the SiOO:X silicon shield matures and gets stronger. For a full Care & Maintenance Guide, click here.

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Twin Gables ft. reSAWN TIMBER co. SiOO:X Abodo Vulcan Cladding, Trellis, and Slats
28 Mar

What is Thermally Modified Wood?

By Jocelyn Mahan In Abodo Vulcan Slats, Low Maintenance Finishes, Thermally Modified Wood, Wood University /  1 No Comments

Thermal modification is a process that utilizes high heat to alter the dimensional composition of wood. The cellular structure is changed by applying heat without oxygen, which creates a controlled chemical reaction. The thermal modification process permanently modifies the cell walls of the wood and results in improved durability of the wood as well as increased dimensional stability.

Three-Falls-ft-GRAPHITE-Abodo-Vulcan-Cladding
Three Falls Residence – GRAPHITE Abodo Vulcan Cladding

The aim of modified wood is to overcome the shortcomings of standard timber. The modification process enhances the performance of the wood, resulting in improvements in the longevity of timbers – dimensional stability, decay resistance, reduced water absorption, less expansion/contraction, etc. In addition, since most advanced modification processes are environmentally friendly, the materials can still be disposed of properly at the end of the product life cycle.

Vancouver-Residence-ft-KOS-Shou-Sugi-Ban-Kebony
Vancouver Residence  – KOS Shou Sugi Ban Charred Kebony

What Are The Benefits of Using Thermally Modified Wood?

Durability: Wood becomes instantly more durable after being thermally modified. Water absorption in regular wood can cause warping, discoloration, and even the growth of bacteria or fungi. This is not an issue with thermally modified wood. Water cannot warp or deform it because the modification process naturally changes the cellular structure of the wood.

Aesthetics: Thermally modified wood has a beautiful, consistent chocolate-brown color from surface to core.

Sustainability: Solid wood building materials have a net-negative CO2 profile – better than any conventional building material. It requires less energy to create the finished product than other building materials such as concrete, metal, or plastic.

Environmentally Friendly: Many exterior wood products are treated with wood preservatives – some more toxic than others. The thermal modification process uses heat and steam to cure the wood. There are no harmful toxins or chemicals that are used in the process.

Corwith Residence featuring SVERTE Shou Sugi Ban Charred Kebony exterior siding/cladding
Corwith Residence – SVERTE Shou Sugi Ban Charred Kebony

Thermally Modified Wood Manufacturers 

Abodo Thermally Modified Wood

Abodo wood is a great option for thermally modified wood that is durable and rapidly renewable. The timber has exceptional weatherability and maintains its durability and beauty for a lifetime. 

Based in New Zealand, Abodo prides itself on producing a range of beautiful and durable thermally modified timber solutions that are safe, sustainable, and renewable. The company has a strong ethos around ensuring its timber is ethically sourced. From milling to building, they respect their material, the people who use it, and where it comes from. For every tree milled, Abodo ensures it provides more than 30 years of service, which is as long as it takes to grow a replacement tree.

Twin Gables ft. reSAWN TIMBER co. SiOO:X Abodo Vulcan Cladding, Roofing, Trellis, and Slats
Twin Gables ft. reSAWN TIMBER co. SiOO:X Abodo Vulcan Cladding

Benefits of Specifying Thermally Modified Abodo Vulcan Cladding

  • All Abodo wood is produced from well-managed sustainable sources including FSC® and other regionally certified woods. reSAWN TIMBER co. holds an FSC® Chain of Custody Certification, as well. 
  • Abodo Vulcan cladding is virtually completely knot-free and has a Durability Class 1 Rating.
  • Patented glue lamination is used for a modern, clean vertical grain orientation. This provides superior weathering characteristics, greater stability, and less surface cracking. The wood ages with grace as it’s left to weather outdoors.
  • Outstanding dimensional stability results in less aesthetic maintenance and therefore less coating over the product’s lifetime.
  • Low carbon footprint: Abodo wood is an environmentally compatible substitute for carbon-intensive materials.
  • 100% recyclable and reusable, naturally renewable.
  • Warranty: 15 years against fungal decay*.
  • Moisture content: Approx. 7% MC (+/- 2%) at the time of dispatch. It does not require acclimation prior to installation. 
  • Glue: New generation polyurethane adhesive – VOC, solvent, and formaldehyde-free. 
  • SFM 12-7A-1 – WUI Exterior Wall Siding and Sheathing.
Sleek-Mountain-Manor-ft-GRAPHITE-Abodo-Vulcan-Cladding
Sleek Mountain Manor – GRAPHITE Abodo Vulcan Cladding

Abodo Thermal Modification Process:

Phase 1 – The kiln is slowly elevated in temperature until the moisture content of the wood is essentially zero %. The wood in the kiln is then heated further until it reaches the desired modification temperature – in most cases 230 degrees Celsius for outdoor end-use applications.

Phase 2 – The kiln is held at the modification temperature for a prescribed time to achieve full modification. This time is the critical point in the process.

Phase 3 – The kiln is allowed to cool, and the wood is reconditioned with steam (we bring the moisture content back to around 7%). Once cool enough the wood can be extracted from the kiln.

reSAWN TIMBER co. is proud to be the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of Abodo® thermally modified Vulcan cladding and decking products in the USA.

Kebony Modified Wood

Kebony is considered a dually-modified wood, which means it’s both chemically and thermally modified. That happens through their proprietary process called furfurylation. The Kebony technology modifies wood by forming stable, locked-in furan polymers in the wood cell walls. These increase the dimensional stability, as well as durability and hardness, of the wood. This process is based on impregnation with furfuryl alcohol produced from agricultural crop waste. Kebony thus uses a plant-derived waste product to give enhanced strength and durability to another plant product – namely wood.

Kebony Decking
Kebony Clear Decking

Kebony wood is safe since the wood does not splinter and doesn’t contain toxins or chemicals, nor does the wood get too hot in the summer. Furthermore, Kebony wood is resistant to rot and fungi, and other wood-destroying microorganisms in an above-ground context. Kebony is a low-maintenance material that does not require additional treatment beyond normal cleaning, thus, no oils or other impregnation solutions are needed. 

Thermally Modified Red Oak

Thermally modified red oak is a popular option for locally sourced timber from the United States. In North America, red oak trees are prevalent and grow to a height of around 70 feet and a trunk diameter of 36″. Being the largest species group, it is highly sustainable.

While there are copious amounts of international building material manufacturers, local suppliers can offer benefits that overseas vendors cannot.

Carbon Footprint Reduction – Our relationship with our environment truly matters. Building materials that are locally sourced means shorter trips to haul, less greenhouse gas emissions, and less diesel fuel consumption.

Support Products Made in the USA – By specifying local materials, a product’s sustainability profile extends to extraction, manufacturing, and transportation practices.

Samples of our standard products and thermally modified wood offerings are available for architects and designers at no cost and shipped via UPS Ground. Click the button below to explore reSAWN’s complete product offering – sort by species, color, or application.

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