Charred Japanese cedar clads the exterior of this split-level house in Izumo, Japan, by Kanazawa studio Harunatsu-Arch. The architects chose to clad the exterior with charred Japanese cedar boards, giving the building a blackened textural surface that contrasts with the smooth concrete foundation slab.
http://www.dezeen.com/2014/10/22/harunatsu-arch-gui-house-japan/
Treehotel – located in Harads, near the Lule river in Sweden – offers a unique hotel experience: treerooms with contemporary design in the middle of unspoiled nature. Here you can forget about the time constraints of everyday life, enjoy the serenity, and rejuvenate in a sophisticated yet familiar environment.
Treehotel was inspired by the film ”The Tree Lover” by Jonas Selberg Augustsen. It’s a tale of three men from the city who want to go back to their roots by building a tree house together. “The Tree Lover” is a philosophic story about the significance of trees for us human beings.
The idea behind Treehotel is to offer high-standard accommodation in a harmonious place where daily stress melts away. Guests can relax and renew their energy while surrounded by unspoiled nature.
Together with some of Scandinavia’s leading architects, they created their uniquely designed “treerooms.” The rooms are suspended 4-6 meters above ground – all with spectacular views of the Lule River.
A very important part of the concept is to consider ecological values and make minimal environmental impact. For this reason they devoted considerable resources to finding sustainable construction and energy solutions.
MODERN LAKE HOUSE in VERNON, BC featuring shou-sugi-ban CHARRED wood exterior siding – MOYASU from reSAWN TIMBER co.’s CHARRED collection
reSAWN’s CHARRED collection features cypress, yellow pine and red oak that is burnt in the Japanese tradition of shou-sugi-ban. translated as “the burning of Japanese cypress (sugi)”, and traditionally used in Japan as exterior siding, this ancient technique is gaining new life as a unique and modern interior and exterior wall cladding. 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.
Studies have shown that on average, Americans spend about 90% or more of their time indoors (source: the inside story: a guide to Indoor Air Quality. U.S. EPA). The design of these interior spaces has a major affect on human health. Wood in general and specifically reSAWN’s wood and finishes can contribute to improving indoor air quality. Often specified in environments where allergies to dust and particulates are a concern, wood is naturally hypo-allergenic and its smooth surface makes it easy to keep clean and free from particle build up unlike carpeting. Wood can also improve indoor air quality by naturally moderating humidity. Wood absorbs or releases moisture in order to maintain an equilibrium with the surrounding air. reSAWN’s materials are specifically made to contibute towards a healthier indoor environment. Our engineered materials consist of 9-layers of birch bonded together with non-toxic glues and contain no urea formaldehyde. Our hardwax oil finish is made from natural plant based products and is 100% VOC-free. The goals of sustainable design embrace not only environmental concerns but also the physical health and psychological well-being of the building’s occupants. Wood is a warm and comforting material that provides a direct connection with nature – a tenant of biophilic design.
Image: reSAWN’s FSC ® White Oak flooring at Haverford College
The Value of a Natural Product is Without Equal
