Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab – Norfolk, VA

DETAILS 

Architect: Work Program Architects

Builder: Hourigan

Photographer: Yuzhu Zeng

Exterior Cladding:
CUSTOM FSC®-Certified Accoya®
FSC®-Certified: FSC® mix 70%
Select grade
Finished on face only, sealed on back & 2 long edges

Product Size
Solid +/- 3/4” thick x +/- 5-3/8” wide x 6’ – 16’ random lengths
Tongue & Groove

*For a similar product, see ELOW FSC®-Certified Accoya

Recognition:
Fast Company World Changing Ideas 2025 Winner
Winner of HRACRE 2025 Excellence in Development Design – Best Sustainable Project, Juror’s Choice
Winner of ENR MidAtlantic 2024 Excellence in Sustainability Award
Featured on The Today Show

The innovative new Ryan Resilience Lab of the Elizabeth River Project in Norfolk, VA, is a globally recognized model for coastal resilience. Just off the banks of the non-profit’s namesake Elizabeth River, the site has been redeveloped with a living shoreline and an expansive new educational park and dock that welcomes the community for events and guided tours of the Lab.

Built to educate the public on climate and environmental issues, the 6,500 sq. ft. Lab serves as a visual and functional example of sustainable, green building practices, showcasing inventive yet practical ways homeowners and builders can design structures to withstand severe weather and reduce pollution.

With sustainability as the cornerstone of the project’s design, the architect came to reSAWN seeking materials that would support the goal of net-zero energy usage and serve as a replicable model for green building and construction. A CUSTOM FSC®-Certified Accoya® cladding by reSAWN TIMBER co. was used for the exterior, fulfilling the project’s sustainability needs while delivering a breezy, coastal aesthetic that grounds the building in its waterfront atmosphere.

Technical Support and Highlights:

Understanding the critical role sustainability played in the Lab’s design and mission, and the building’s role as a demonstration project, reSAWN provided targeted material recommendations that aligned with both performance and environmental goals. After supplying product samples and consulting on the performance of various wood species, a CUSTOM FSC®-Certified Accoya was selected to meet the design’s functional and ecological standards. The final specification included:

• Durability: Accoya wood’s chemical modification process significantly reduces moisture absorption and retention, improving its dimensional stability and allowing it to maintain its shape in fluctuating weather. Backed by a 50-year above ground warranty, and 25 years in freshwater, it was ideally suited for the Lab’s riverside environment and utility needs.
• FSC®-Certification: Sourced from sustainable, plantation grown radiata pine, Accoya is FSC®-Certified, Cradle to Cradle Gold Certified, and the only construction material in the world to achieve C2C Platinum Certification for Material Health.
• Environmentally Friendly: To support the Elizabeth River Project’s mission to restore the health of its historic river, choosing an environmentally friendly material was critical. The chemical modification of Accoya is entirely non-toxic, and certified safe for animals, humans, and the environment. reSAWN developed the CUSTOM finish using a low-VOC oil to achieve the sun-washed, coastal aesthetic while maintaining environmental integrity.

Work Program Architects is a community-focused firm, with a mission of strengthening communities through a collaborative design process. Founded in 2010, they focus solely on projects that build social, economic, and environmental resilience in educational, municipal, and civic sectors.

Hourigan is a fully integrated construction and development firm focused on creating a more sustainable future. Through establishing a solid partnership with each client, they deliver projects with unique perspectives that give back to communities and support critical causes.

Working professionally as an architect for 11 years, Yuzhu Zheng has a deep understanding of what goes into a project and the process that brings designs to life. Now photographing architecture full time, she has a unique style and insight that captures the voice of the designer and the spirit of each individual space.

Edelman Fossil Park & Museum – Mantua, NJ

DETAILS 

Architects: Ennead Architects & KSS Architects

Designer: Gallagher & Associates 

Builders: Jingoli & Sloan & Company 

Photographer: Jeff Goldberg

Drone Images: Leonard LoRusso

Exterior Cladding:
CUSTOM Accoya® Wood
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix 70%
Select Grade 

Product Sizes (3)
Sealed on back & 2 long edges
Solid +/- 3/4″ Thick X +/- 5-3/8″ Wide X 6’-16’ Random Lengths
Tongue and Groove (T&G) 

Sealed on back & 2 long edges
Solid +/- 3/4″ Thick x +/- 5-3/4″ Wide x 6′-16′ Random Lengths 
Surfaced 4 Sides (S4S)

Battens:
Accoya® Wood
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC® Certified: FSC® mix 70%
Select Grade
Unfinished
Solid 1” thick x 3-1/2” wide x 6’-16’ random lengths
S4S 

Recognition: 
Forbes
Architectural Record 

Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University is a groundbreaking destination that integrates science, education, sustainability, and design. Nestled in southern New Jersey, this world-class facility invites visitors of all ages to step back in time and experience the wonder of prehistoric life, while also looking forward to a more sustainable future.

The museum sits atop a former marl quarry rich with 66-million-year-old marine and terrestrial fossils from the Cretaceous period. This site has become one of the most significant fossil discoveries in the eastern United States, offering an immersive educational experience centered around earth history, extinction, and evolution. The state-of-the-art facility features interactive exhibits, fossil collections, and a public quarry dig experience that fosters hands-on learning and scientific curiosity.

The park and museum are not only a celebration of the natural world – they are a testament to sustainable innovation in architectural design. The project team, led by a collaboration of top architects and engineers, made environmental stewardship a cornerstone of the design process. The museum building achieves net-zero carbon, setting a new benchmark for green building practices in the region.

The building’s bold, angular design evokes Earth’s layered crust, forming a symbolic lens into the planet’s ancient past. Clad in over 20,000 sq. ft. of CUSTOM Accoya® wood by reSAWN, the exterior pairs natural beauty with durability, stability, and sustainability—amplifying the museum’s mission and architectural story. The natural wood cladding supports a warm, organic ambiance while meeting the performance demands of the southern New Jersey climate. 

Accoya® wood is the result of decades of research and development, utilizing patented acetylation technology to create a high-performance, durable solution for outdoor and demanding applications. With a 50-year warranty against rot and decay, it offers exceptional stability, low maintenance, and resistance to warping, moisture, and UV exposure. Accoya wood is an environmentally responsible choice that delivers longevity and a natural aesthetic for large-scale projects like the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.

With a collaborative design process rooted in research and exploration, Ennead Architects crafts architecture that is both visually powerful and environmentally responsive. The firm’s portfolio reflects a commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, and enriching the human experience through thoughtful design. Their work has been recognized with numerous national and international honors, including AIA awards and LEED certifications.

KSS Architects is a nationally recognized architecture, planing, and interior design firm with a deep focus on creating environments that empower communities and catalyze change. With offices in Philadelphia and Princeton, KSS brings together a dynamic, multidisciplinary team passionate about designing spaces that advance learning, innovation, and equity. 

Gallagher & Associates (G&A Design) is a globally recognized experiential design firm specializing in creating immersive, story-driven environments that engage, educate, and inspire. With studios in Washington, D.C., New York, Portland, and Singapore, G&A works at the intersection of storytelling, technology, and design to craft transformative experiences for museums, cultural institutions, brands, and destinations around the world. 

JINGOLI is a nationally respected company specializing in construction, development, and energy. With a strong legacy built over decades, JINGOLI offers comprehensive services that span project management, general contracting, and real estate development. The firm is known for delivering complex projects on time, on budget, and with a steadfast commitment to excellence.  

Sloan & Company is a leading construction firm with a reputation for excellence in building envelope systems. Headquartered in New Jersey, the company brings decades of specialized experience in exterior wall systems, roofing, waterproofing, and architectural cladding for commercial and institutional projects. 

Jeff Goldberg is a celebrated architectural photographer and a principal photographer with Esto, one of the most esteemed agencies in the field of architecture and design photography. Known for his striking visual storytelling, Goldberg has spent decades capturing the work of leading architects, designers, and institutions around the world. 

The Tula Apartments – Denver, CO

DETAILS 

Architect: Santulan Architecture

Builder: National Building Company

Photographer: Natalie Espinosa

Exterior Cladding:
CUSTOM – FSC®-Certified Accoya® Wood
Species: Radiata Pine
FSC®-Certified: FSC® Mix 70% 
Select Grade 
Finished on Face Only, Sealed on Back & 2 Long Edges 

Product Sizes (2)
Solid +/- 5/8″ Thick X +/- 5-3/8″ Wide X 6′-16′
Tongue & Groove 

Solid +/- 1-1/2″ Thick X +/- 3-1/2” Wide X 6’-16’
Surfaced 4 Sides

Recognition:  
Archello 

Located in the heart of Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District, Tula is a sustainably designed apartment community that offers modern living with a focus on style and function. This thoughtfully designed development features 25 apartments with sweeping views of the city and mountains. Light toned Accoya wood clads the exterior of the apartments, offering modern aesthetic while connecting the building with its surrounding topography. Over time, the wood will naturally weather to soft gray tones, maintaining its durability and structural integrity while evolving with the environment.

Project Needs: Santulan Architecture sought a high-performing, no-maintenance exterior cladding solution for a mixed-use residential and commercial project. With their office located on the ground floor, a private residence above, and a rooftop patio, they needed a material that would age gracefully while complementing the building’s layered program and modern aesthetic.

Project Solutions: Santulan Architecture selected a CUSTOM finish for its durability and ability to support Accoya’s natural weathering process with little to no maintenance. reSAWN provided hands-on support through in-person meetings, site visits, and detailed reviews of samples and weathering documentation. When installation deviated from our original recommendations we worked directly with the design team, ensuring the material performed as intended.

Project Results: The architect is very pleased with the aesthetic and performance, noting the soft grays as the wood ages beautifully.

Santulan Architecture is a boutique architecture studio with a focus on multifamily and mixed-use developments. Their forward-thinking approach harmonizes the artistry and precision of design to elevate and enrich the built environment.

National Building Company is a trusted construction firm headquartered in Arvada, Colorado. Specializing in single-family housing construction, the company operates within the broader Construction sector, with a focus on general contracting and operative building services. Known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, National Building Company brings expertise and integrity to every project it undertakes—laying the foundation for homes that stand the test of time. 

Natalie Espinosa, founder and lead photographer of MKM Build Photography, brings a deep appreciation for architecture and a talent for visual storytelling. Her sharp attention to detail and artistic perspective allows her to reveal the character and design of each space she photographs. Natalie’s work goes beyond technical skill—she’s recognized for her warm, collaborative style and her commitment to building lasting relationships with clients, architects, and designers. By truly listening and understanding each project’s vision, she delivers imagery that not only documents but elevates the built environment.