Modified wood is a generic term that describes the application of chemical, physical, or biological methods that are used to alter the cellular structure of the wood. The U.S.D.A. ‘s National Forest Service Library defines modified wood as “wood that is processed by chemical treatment, compression, or other means, with or without heat, to impart permanent properties quite different from those of the original wood.”
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.
We are excited to share that a project featuring reSAWN TIMBER co.’s NIGIRI shou sugi ban charred Accoya® wood won an award at ULI Baltimore’s Annual WaveMaker Awards.
ULI Baltimore’s annual WaveMaker Awards recognize outstanding local real estate development projects, as well as Lifetime Achievement and Leadership Award winners. The winning projects were selected based on the following criteria: Completeness; a Sense of Place and Quality; Sustainability; Visionary and Emulation; and a Need.
reSAWN is humbled to share that PI.KL architecture design studio in Baltimore Maryland chose our custom shou sugi ban charred Accoya® on their Broadway Market project.
2019 AIA Excellence in Design Awards
Broadway Market was recognized with two awards at the 2019 AIA Baltimore Excellence in Design Awards:
AIA Baltimore Excellence in Design Award Honorable Mention
AIA Baltimore Good Design = Good Business Award
It was included amongst so many deserving projects of all scales. We’re so happy to be a part of such an important community revitalization.
“The design team did a fantastic job updating the 200-year-old market to better support business and the community. They showed great attention to detail—the doorways are amazing. You can tell a lot of care went into restoring the market. The jury was impressed with the take on the “black box”—by providing a layer of glass between the box and the facade of the brick structure, the design acknowledges the history of the building and the woodshed structure. The jury appreciated how the shou sugi ban treatment draws the user to see the difference between old and new”. – AIA Baltimore
In 1991, David Milarch, an arborist from Michigan had a near-death experience that inspired a personal quest. When Milarch came back to life, he launched an ambitious project to clone and replant the world’s largest trees. He co-founded the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive (AATA) to continue working towards his vision of replanting the earth with the genetics of the world’s remaining ancient redwood forests.
NIGIRI shou sugi ban charred Accoya in Wayzata, MN
According to TRADA (The Timber Research and Development Association), in recent years, timber in construction has undergone something of a renaissance, led by the desire to use more environmentally-friendly materials. While timber is at risk to biological decay, a combination of appropriate design and material selection will mitigate this risk.
In an article published in the Vol. 3 2018 issue, Residential Design Magazine featured a case study on the Wayzata Residence, highlighting the use of reSAWN’s NIGIRI shou sugi ban charred Accoya. Designed by Minneapolis-based firm Snow Krielich Architects, the Wayzata Residence is situated on a beautifully scenic location with incomparable proximity to Lake Minnetonka, one of the most popular lakes in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. Matthew Kreilich, FAIA, who led the design on this project, chose reSAWN’s NIGIR shou sugi ban charred accoya for the exterior cladding.
This video from ProBuilder highlights the many advantages of Accoya Wood, a modified timber using a process called acetylation. Acetylation is a cutting-edge patented technology that greatly improves the performance of the wood. This process makes the wood rot resistance and more durable. This wood is guaranteed for 50 years above ground and 25 years in ground or freshwater. From joinery for the home to bridges submerged in water, Accoya wood is a leading material that stands up to every application challenge – decking, cladding and more.
reSAWN is pleased to announce the latest offering from our award-winning CHARRED collection – shou-sugi-ban Accoya wood – ideal for exterior siding and challenging applications.
MATSU :: shou sugi ban Accoya Wood
Accoya® wood is the result of decades of research and development that has brought together a long-established, extensively proven wood modification technique and leading-edge patented technology – acetylation to create a high performance wood, ideal for outdoor use and challenging applications.
By significantly enhancing the durability and dimensional stability of fast-growing and abundantly available certified wood species, Accoya® wood provides compelling environmental advantages over slow-growing hardwoods (which are often unsustainably sourced), woods treated with toxic preservative chemicals, and non-renewable carbon-intensive materials such as plastics, steel and concrete.
The Accoya® wood patented modification process adds nothing to the wood that does not already naturally occur in it
Class 1 durability – facilitating a longer lifespan, improved carbon sequestration potential and lower lifetime material consumption versus other materials
Outstanding dimensional stability, resulting in lower maintenance frequency and therefore less coating over the lifetime of the product
Superior thermal insulation, providing energy conservation advantages when used for applications such as windows and doors
All Accoya® wood is produced from well managed sustainable sources including FSC® and other regionally certified woods
Low carbon footprint: Accoya® wood is an environmentally compatible substitute for carbon intensive materials
Environmentally compatible: 100% recyclable and reusable, naturally renewable
Rapidly renewable materials: use of abundantly available and fast-growing source species
Accoya® wood has been tested over prolonged periods in all types of weathering conditions – above ground, below ground and even in water – and has been proven to withstand even the toughest of external environments. Not only is its durability proven, but it has also been shown to retain its appearance, requiring much less frequent maintenance than other wood species. This gives added reassurance to the manufacturers, architects, specifiers, builders and property owners who have chosen Accoya® wood for a diverse range of projects. Accoya® wood is also being tested for additional uses by leading independent institutes worldwide.
Learn more about Accoya® wood ‘s sustainability:
THE SHOU SUGI BAN PROCESS
reSAWN’s CHARRED collection features cypress, black walnut, red oak, white oak, Accoya® wood, and reclaimed hemlock that is burnt in the Japanese tradition of shou sugi ban. Translated as “the burning of Japanese cypress (sugi)” or yakisugi, and traditionally used in Japan as exterior siding, this ancient technique is gaining new life as a unique and modern wood finish.
The wood is carefully charred, misted with water, cooled, brushed to remove dust and loose debris, and then stained/sealed to create the unique designs you will find in the CHARRED collection. The top coat sealer is applied prior to shipping (for exterior applications, we recommend sealing the face & back). The charcoal barrier created through this process preserves the wood, and is fire, rot and insect resistant. The burning process accentuates the wood grain and creates varying colors when viewed from different angles and in different light.
