27 May

Wood Façade Systems for Data Centers: Building Performance Through the Envelope

By Jocelyn Mahan In Exterior Cladding, Wood University / 3 No Comments

As data centers expand to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, their exterior systems are under greater scrutiny. Owners, architects, contractors, and municipalities are evaluating façade materials not only for appearance, but for durability, fire compliance, constructability, embodied carbon, and long-term envelope performance.

As the industry continues to explore mass timber and hybrid structural systems, wood façade assemblies represent an immediate and scalable opportunity within data center construction. Integrated within high-performance wall assemblies, solid wood cladding can support carbon-conscious design goals while delivering durability, architectural refinement, and long-term envelope performance when properly specified and detailed.

Solid Wood in High-Performance Envelopes

Data centers continue to rely primarily on steel and concrete structural systems, but the building envelope presents a meaningful opportunity to improve both environmental performance and architectural quality.

As these facilities become more visible within communities — façade systems are expected to carry greater design weight. Municipalities and community stakeholders are increasingly attentive to how large-scale infrastructure integrates into its surroundings, and a façade that reads as purely utilitarian can create friction with approvals, community relations, and long-term site identity. Wood cladding introduces warmth, texture, and material character to envelopes that would otherwise be dominated by metal panel and precast concrete — and gives architects meaningful tools to articulate massing, establish material hierarchy, and respond to context across large, relatively uninterrupted elevations.

Wood cladding can support those goals when treated as part of a coordinated façade system rather than an isolated finish material. Contrary to common assumptions, properly treated exterior wood cladding can be compatible with high-performance commercial construction up to 60 feet of facade elevation. As with any commercial façade material, performance depends on proper specification, tested assemblies, and coordinated detailing. When required by code or project conditions, fire-retardant-treated wood — a code-defined material — and tested assemblies can satisfy stringent fire performance requirements for commercial applications.

High-Performance Façades Require Technical Coordination

Data centers are designed around reliability, and the façade must meet the same standard. Exterior cladding systems are evaluated through the lens of long-term performance, code compliance, constructability, and maintenance.

For wood façade systems, that evaluation extends beyond material selection alone. Species, modification method, finish system, board dimensions, attachment strategy, ventilation, trim detailing, and maintenance planning all influence how the façade performs over time.

A successful wood façade system depends on clear coordination between the cladding material and the larger wall assembly. Rainscreen design, cavity ventilation, water drainage, moisture management, and transition detailing all contribute to long-term durability and enclosure performance.

When these systems are detailed early and specified clearly, project teams can reduce ambiguity during bidding, minimize field modifications, and improve installation consistency.

Fire Performance Requires Material and System Coordination

Fire performance in commercial façade design is evaluated through both material testing and wall assembly performance.

In wood façade applications, fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) is one of the most direct material-level solutions for meeting commercial fire performance requirements. Recognized within the International Building Code (IBC), FRTW is solid wood that undergoes a pressure-treatment process designed to reduce flame spread and smoke development characteristics. Due to the exposure conditions associated with exterior applications, FRTW is required to pass extended ASTM E84 flame spread testing and ASTM D2898 accelerated weathering testing to verify that its fire performance is maintained after weather exposure.

Beyond material-level performance, commercial façade systems must also satisfy assembly-level fire requirements based on the complete wall configuration. Depending on the project, wood cladding may be integrated into WUI-compliant applications or other tested exterior wall systems required by the authority having jurisdiction. In these assemblies, cavity design, fire blocking, insulation, attachment method, ventilation gaps, and transition detailing all contribute to overall fire performance and code compliance.

As with any commercial façade material, meeting fire performance requirements depends on proper specification, tested systems, coordinated detailing, and disciplined installation throughout the wall assembly. Early coordination between architects, code consultants, manufacturers, Specification Consultant, and contractors helps align the façade system with project-specific compliance requirements before procurement begins.

Durability and Weathering Are Part of the Design Process

Exterior wood changes over time, and façade performance depends on designing with those conditions in mind. Exposure, orientation, UV levels, moisture, and local climate all influence how wood ages across a building envelope.

On large-scale data center façades, these variables can create noticeable differences between elevations and exposure conditions. Finish strategy, species selection, mockups, and maintenance planning help establish realistic performance and appearance expectations before construction begins.

When weathering is addressed early in the design process, wood façades can be strategically detailed to weather consistently and develop a dynamic architectural character over time.

Constructability and Specification Clarity Support Better Outcomes

Data center construction involves large scopes, compressed schedules, and extensive coordination between design, procurement, and installation teams. In that environment, façade constructability directly affects project delivery.

For mission-critical projects, façade specifications should be assembly-aware, technically aligned, and project-specific. They should address material selection, fire compliance, and maintenance expectations, installation and rainscreen requirements, dimensions, attachment methods, mockups, detailing, and finish systems before materials are on site. Clear specifications and coordinated detailing help reduce substitution risk and streamline installation. RESAWN’s Specification Consultant and Technical Services team supports this process through project-specific material guidance, specification development, technical documentation, installation coordination, and on-site field support. Combined with factory-prefinished wood cladding systems, this approach helps align design intent with field execution, reducing installation risk, minimizing costly errors, streamlining construction, and supporting quality control throughout the project lifecycle.

Supporting High-Performance Commercial Façades

As owners and municipalities push for lower-carbon, higher-performing building envelopes, wood façade systems are becoming part of the commercial construction conversation at a larger scale.

In data center applications, success depends on technical coordination: tested assemblies, code-aligned detailing, moisture management, constructability, and specification clarity.

RESAWN supports architects, contractors, and project owners with integrated wood cladding systems designed for high-performance commercial façades — from early design coordination through installation support.

24 Sep

A Builder’s Guide to Choosing Real Wood Cladding

When building a new home or commercial space, one of the first priorities is achieving the right aesthetic. Bringing the architect’s rendering to life while meeting client expectations for form and function is key. For builders, real wood cladding isn’t just about aesthetics; it must deliver on performance, sustainability, and ease of installation. When thoughtfully selected, wood excels across all demands.

With many wood cladding products available, it’s essential to evaluate the functionality and long-term value of a material, while sourcing from a reputable partner. reSAWN TIMBER co. delivers high-performance wood cladding solutions backed by technical expertise and local, collaborative support to guide you to the best solution for every project.

Key Material Considerations

Not all wood cladding is created equal. Species, milling technique, modification process, and finish all influence the quality, installation, and longevity of a project.

Species, Durability, and Performance
Modern wood cladding goes beyond traditional untreated or pressure-treated lumber. Modification methods, like chemical and thermal modification, enhance wood’s performance to give builders the confidence their work will endure for decades. For exterior applications, durability and climate adaptability are critical, and modified woods deliver the best solution:

Sylva™: Thermally modified North American red oak by reSAWN TIMBER co.; structurally sound, dimensionally stable, and adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Accoya®: Chemically modified radiata pine using a patented acetylation process; highly resistant to rot, decay, swelling, and shrinking.
Abodo®: Thermally modified Vulcan cladding with superior stability; delivers natural durability without chemical preservatives.
Kebony®: Radiata pine modified through furfurylation; durable, stable, and designed to resist rot and decay while developing a refined, weathered appearance over time.

In addition to innovative, modified woods, reSAWN offers naturally durable species like Alaskan Yellow cedar and cypress, which have inherent strength and resistance to weathering. reSAWN’s variety of exterior cladding solutions allow builders to balance performance, budget, and design intent.

Grand Rapids Residence, feat. CUSTOM FSC®-Certified Accoya

Cost and Long Term Value
Upfront costs are often top of mind for builders, but total lifecycle cost must be considered. Premium wood cladding may require a higher initial investment, but significantly reduces labor, maintenance, and replacement costs over the life of a project.

Unlike low-grade solutions that require on-site finishing, frequent maintenance, or replacement, reSAWN’s premium, prefinished, real wood cladding products are engineered for superior durability and stability. Every product is rigorously tested to meet strict performance standards and is supported by our in-house technical experts, detailed installation guidance, and maintenance documentation, so teams achieve smooth installation and enduring results.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
With the building sector accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, sustainable construction essential to mitigate this impact. As a result, nearly 80% of U.S. architects and contractors report that most of their projects now have sustainability goals.

Real wood cladding naturally delivers on these goals as a renewable resource and carbon sink. High-performance wood further reduces waste over time; with certifications and compliance standards, builders can trust that premium cladding meets functional requirements while supporting sustainability efforts. Look for these key attributes to ensure compliance:

FSC®-Certification: Certifies sourcing from responsibly managed forests.
Low-VOC Finishes: Ensures the product is safe for people and the environment.
Red-List Free/Declare Label: Confirms materials are free from harmful chemicals.
WUI-Compliance: Meets wildfire safety standards for at risk areas.

Choosing the Right Partner for Support and Expertise

Selecting the right cladding is about more than the material—it’s about where you source it. A trusted partner provides quality products, expertise, and support through every stage of a project. From early planning through post-installation, reSAWN TIMBER co. delivers an experience that leads to the best solution.

Technical and Installation Support
Our technical experts provide guidance from installation best practices to post-install maintenance strategies. This hands-on approach ensures challenges are identified and resolved quickly, allowing teams to achieve the best possible results. To further reduce risk, we offer field mockups that give project teams the opportunity to evaluate performance and test installation methods before full-scale construction begins. This proactive process minimizes delays and enhances efficiency for lasting success.

A local Specification Consultant is always available as a resource for your team. Collaborating directly with builders, they deliver tailored solutions based on local climate, code requirements, sustainability goals, and design intent. Specification Consultants can provide on-site installation support and hands-on guidance for consistent, region-specific expertise from early planning to final installation.

Lead Times and Logistics
Timely delivery is essential to keep projects on track. reSAWN’s experienced team combines a tight manufacturing schedule with streamlined logistics so materials arrive on-time. A dedicated Project Coordinator provides clear communication, timely updates, and support through shipping and delivery, so builders can rely on predictable timelines and smooth project execution.

For projects with particularly tight schedules, reSAWN’s Express Ship Program offers expedited lead times for sought-after products, including Sylva, Accoya, and Abodo, giving teams flexibility without compromising quality.

Custom Milling and Finishing Services
reSAWN’s custom milling and finishing capabilities allow us to transform raw materials into tailored solutions that support both design intent and long-term performance. We work closely with builders to achieve precise dimensions, profiles, and surface textures that bring each project’s vision to life.

Our in-house finishing options enhance the natural character of wood while providing added protection against wear, weather, and time. Whether the goal is a sleek, modern look, a rustic texture, or a highly durable exterior finish, reSAWN adapts to any aesthetic or functional requirement.

By combining advanced milling technology with skilled craftsmanship, we manufacture every product to exacting standards. This custom approach minimizes waste, simplifies installation, and delivers an end result that is beautiful, resilient and suited to the specific conditions of the project environment.

Selecting Real Wood Cladding for Your Next Project

Wood cladding offers unmatched versatility, performance, and value when carefully selected and sourced. Achieving lasting results requires both high-quality materials and a partner who delivers expert guidance and hands-on collaboration.

reSAWN helps builders select real wood cladding for all applications and climates, with options that offer the flexibility to execute complex projects without compromise. Local Specification Consultants, dedicated Project Coordinators, and technical experts work with you through every project stage to minimize risk, reduce waste, and keep projects on schedule. Partnering with reSAWN for your wood cladding means predictable outcomes, superior quality, and a team committed to your project’s success.

Contact us today for free samples of our premium wood solutions and to receive guidance for your projects from your local Specification Consultant.

28 May

Acetylated Wood: Performance-Driven Timber for Exterior Applications

By Devon Maurer In CHARRED WOOD, Exterior Cladding, Featured In The News, Wood University / 3 No Comments

With an increased industry focus on sustainability and product performance, wood continues to be the building material of choice for durability, stability, and eco-consciousness. No other resource captures a unique warmth and beauty while providing the high-performance and adaptability sought after by architects and builders.

While the benefits of wood as a building material far outweigh the cons, natural wood is susceptible to vulnerabilities like moisture, rot, and decay. However, by modifying the wood, these vulnerabilities can be offset to enhance the durability and dimensional stability of wood without compromising its natural beauty or environmental friendliness.

What is Modified Wood?

Wood modification involves the application of a chemical, physical, or biological agent upon the wood to alter the cellular structure and enhance performance. Modified wood is stronger and more resistant to decay through reduced water absorption and expansion/contraction. There are a variety of modification techniques, including thermal modification, chemical modification, and furfurylation, which is a combination of both thermal and chemical modification. This article will focus on the benefits of chemical modification – or acetylation – a chemical reaction that has been used for over 100 years and turns softwood into hardwood by preventing the cells in the wood from absorbing water.

Acetylation: Chemical Modification of Wood

Acetylation is the most established, proven, and effective form of chemical wood modification. Unlike pressure treatment, which forces chemical preservatives into the fibers of the wood in a pressure chamber, acetylation chemically alters the biological structure of the wood.

The Acetylation Process

During the acetylation process, the wood is subjected to an organic reaction with acetic anhydride – a clear, colorless liquid with a strong scent of vinegar (essential, vinegar without the water.) Acetic anhydride reacts to a part of the wood’s cellular structure called free hydroxyls, which allow the absorption and release of water in and out of the wood. The acetylation process converts free hydroxyls into acetyl groups, which water can no longer bind to, significantly reducing the ability of the wood to absorb and retain water.

Wood Selection

Accoya® Wood is the leading example of chemically modified wood, utilizing a cutting edge, proprietary acetylation process. The acetylation of Accoya yields exceptional results for demanding exterior applications like cladding, decking, and more. The processing of producing Accoya begins by responsibly sourcing radiata pine, a high-yield, fast-growing softwood species. Accoya wood is FSC®-Certified, protecting local biodiversity and habitats through a sustainable timber supply chain.

Acetylation Reaction

Once sourced and milled, the wood is subjected to a chemical reaction with acetic anhydride, which occurs in a high-temperature, high-pressure environment, typically around 120° Celsius (248° Fahrenheit). During this phase, the hydroxyl groups (-OH) on large molecules such as lignin and hemicellulose in the plant cell wall react wiht the acetic anhydride and are replaced by acetyl groups (-COCH₃).

Accoya Modified Wood Acetylation Process

Post-Reaction Processing

After the acetylation reaction, the wood undergoes washing and drying to remove residual chemicals and by-products; the finished product is completely non-toxic and certified safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

The resulting acetic acid from the reaction is recovered and purified through a distillation process, which is then recycled back into the acetylation process, effectively regenerating acetic anhydride. This closed-loop system not only reduces the consumption of raw materials, but minimizes the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of chemicals.

Benefits of Accoya Acetylated Wood

Accoya wood offers many performance, environmental, and aesthetic benefits that make it an excellent alternative to untreated or pressure-treated wood.

High Performance

Compared to untreated wood, swelling and shrinkage in acetylated wood is reduced by 70%-80%. Its dimensional stability allows it to maintain its shape and tight joints in varying humidity and weather conditions. Accoya is highly-proven, having been tested in various environments and real-world conditions, making it an ideal choice for even the most extreme climates.
Accoya wood is exceptionally durable; its durability, or rot resistance, is Class 1, matching and exceeding the performance of nature’s most durable wood like oak and teak.
Accoya wood is backed by a 50 year above ground warranty, and 25 years in ground or freshwater.

Sustainability

Accoya offers much lower lifecycle carbon emissions compared to non-renewable building materials. The acetylation process significantly increases the durability and stability of raw wood, prolonging its useful life and keeping the carbon locked in for longer.
Accoya wood is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, Cradle to Cradle Gold Certified, and the only construction material in the world to achieve C2C Platinum certification for Material Health.
Unlike other materials like PVC and plastic composites, modified wood is 100% recyclable. Accoya wood is nontoxic, safe for the environment, and sustainably sourced from fast-growing forests.

Aesthetics

Visually, acetylated wood is just like any other wood. It maintains the natural beauty and character of unmodified wood with the added benefit of low maintenance.
Accoya wood is ideal for a variety of textures and finishes, and weathers to a natural silver-gray if left untreated. reSAWN TIMBER co. uses proprietary finishing processes that are developed in-house. These techniques allow for:
- Deeper penetration of finishes into the wood for enhanced durability and visual richness.
- Consistent results across product lines due to controlled processes.
- Customizability, allowing finishes to be tailored to specific design needs or environmental conditions.
For those seeking a more enhanced, textured appearance and dramatic aesthetic, Shou Sugi Ban Accoya – offered by reSAWN – is a striking solution. This award-winning charring technique not only enhances exterior durability, but adds depth and richness to the wood’s appearance. The dense outer char layer develops into a uniquely weathered aesthetic over time for timeless elegance.

Acetylated wood is transforming how wood is used in a variety of applications and demanding environments, offering a smart and sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods and synthetic materials. As the industry prioritizes sustainability, superior performance, and aesthetics, reSAWN TIMBER co., continues to craft innovative, high-performance products with Accoya wood to meet the exacting needs of any project.

Our modified wood solutions are developed in-house with proprietary finishing techniques and undergo a rigorous research and development process to ensure unmatched performance and aesthetics. We provide comprehensive technical insights and support throughout the project lifecycle to empower architects, builders, and contractors to make informed decisions and achieve desired project results.