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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, conserving resources and reducing maintenance costs in the long run.

An Eco-Conscious Formula
With a clear focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, SiOO:X is engineered with a low 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.

reSAWN’s currently 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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2024 Earth Day Sustainable Solutions for Building Façades Featured Image
16 Apr

2024 Earth Day: Sustainable Solutions for Building Façades

By Blake Huang In Exterior Cladding, Featured In The News, In the Field, Inspiring Designs, Wood University /   No Comments

Earth Day 2024 spotlights the theme “Planet vs. Plastics,” drawing attention to the pervasive use of plastic and its detrimental effects on the environment. While plastic remains a staple material in numerous industries, its profound negative impacts on Mother Earth are undeniable. However, how do plastic and natural products diverge, particularly in building materials?

Within the domain of building façades, particularly in the wall cladding category, two prominent options stand out: wood and plastic. While both offer solutions for protecting and enhancing structures, they differ significantly when it comes to environmental impact, aesthetics, and long-term sustainability. Understanding both materials’ characteristics and their implications for sustainable construction practices will further help all decision-makers in a project make informed decisions.

Timber holds a longstanding reputation as a renewable, sustainable building material. Responsibly sourced and managed wood cladding significantly reduces carbon footprints for the environment. Wood serves as a carbon sink throughout its lifecycle, from the growth of trees to the production of timber and building materials. This process actively removes carbon dioxide from the environment, aiding in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The regrowth process of trees is also beneficial to the environment; the process sustains and balances ecosystems, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and enriching soil health. This natural process further enhances environmental resilience by storing carbon within the soil.

Plastic, on the other hand, is a synthetic material derived from fossil fuels. Its production process generates substantial greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change. While in use, plastic products degrade into microplastics over time, slowly polluting our environment. Microplastics pose significant threats to ecosystems by contaminating soils, freshwater systems, and the air, thus impacting biodiversity. Unlike wood, which biodegrades and can be recycled or repurposed, plastic persists in the environment for centuries releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics into ecosystems.

While wood cladding and plastic siding offer solutions for building façades, their environmental impact, aesthetics, and long-term sustainability vary considerably. Wood is a natural resource and a sustainable option for our environment. Wood cladding offers environmental benefits and contributes to human health and well-being by connecting occupants with nature. Incorporating natural materials such as wood can elevate indoor air quality, alleviate stress, and boost productivity—fostering healthier and more sustainable built environments in the long run. By embracing a renewable, energy-efficient, and visually pleasing building material, we can all contribute to a greener future while creating beautiful and resilient structures that endure for generations.

Join the movement towards sustainability in construction. Contact us today to explore eco-friendly options for your building projects.

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08 Mar

Positive Impacts of Utilizing Wood in Commercial Projects

By Blake Huang In Exterior Cladding, Flooring, In the Field, Inspiring Designs, Interior Cladding, New Products, Sylva, Thermally Modified Wood, Wood University /   No Comments

In light of climate change, there is a pressing need for everyone around the world to shoulder the responsibility to implement changes across various aspects of our lives, spanning from food consumption and transportation to energy systems and even our approach to construction. The demand for essential infrastructure continues to surge at record rates. To meet economic needs without jeopardizing the environment, the solution lies in using natural materials. 

Wood, as one of our most traditional and natural construction materials, plays a pivotal role in both balancing and removing greenhouse gasses from the environment. Since their inception, trees have been integral to the ongoing process of removing greenhouse gasses by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. This carbon is stored within their structure throughout their lifecycle, even after they are harvested and transformed into building materials, thereby continuing to contribute to carbon retention and storage. 

By leveraging wood’s natural properties, timber is less carbon-intensive to manufacture compared to cement and steel. According to ARUP’s report, Rethinking Timber Building, cement production accounted for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions, while the iron and steel industry accounted for 6-7%. With the significant carbon footprint associated with cement and steel production, timber emerges as an increasingly compelling alternative.

Timber stands out as a renewable resource with ideal characteristics for construction materials. Beyond its role as a carbon sink, its tensile and compressive strength fortify building structures with enduring durability. The cellular structure of wood, consisting of strong fibers and a matrix of lignin, provides natural strength and flexibility. This composition allows the wood to bear significant loads and resist deformation. 

UW-Platteville-reed-hemlock-inteiror-wall-cladding-Rev-Slider
University of Wisconsin Platteville Sesquicentennial Hall feat. REED Reclaimed Hemlock Wall and Ceiling Cladding

Though exterior applications like cladding may render wood vulnerable in certain environments, ongoing investments and advancements in preservation techniques, including thermal and chemical modifications, have bolstered its reliability as a sustainable building material over the years. Given the paramount importance of employing safe and dependable building materials for commercial projects, there remains a steadfast commitment to this cause. Simultaneously, the burgeoning emphasis on the health and comfort of occupants continues to garner increasing attention and significance in the construction industry.

When considering indoor health and comfort, the availability of natural materials is known to reduce occupant stress levels and heightened positive responses. Natural materials such as wood play a pivotal role in fostering biophilic design within commercial projects, integrating natural elements seamlessly into the built environment. A biophilic design approach in interior space enhances cognitive function and elevates mood and productivity for occupants. The warmth and organic qualities of wood create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, evoking human’s natural sense of connection to nature. 

In addition to psychological well-being and comfort, natural materials help maintain better indoor air quality. Certain synthetic materials may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential health hazards. Opting for wood in construction and furnishing choices enhances the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of spaces and supports a healthier indoor environment by minimizing the emission of harmful chemicals. Incorporating wood into a biophilic design can fulfill green building certification criteria due to its inherent environmental benefits.

Vitus-Project-featuring-mate-european-white-oak-flooring-2
Vitus Project feat. MATE European White Oak Flooring

Wood is renowned for its durability as a building material, often enduring for over a century when properly maintained. Nevertheless, as with all materials, there comes a point when wood reaches its end-of-life. When this moment arrives, the options for its disposal extend far beyond mere waste. The common options typically encompass disassembly, adaptation, and reuse, ensuring the longevity of wood as a building material while minimizing its environmental footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future. Through thoughtful practices, wood can continue to contribute to sustainable construction and design, embodying the principles of environmental stewardship and resource efficiency.

Wood isn’t just a conventional building material; it plays a vital role in advancing sustainability in construction. Wood stands as one of the most organic building materials, exhibiting reduced carbon intensity in manufacturing when compared to synthetic alternatives. Its inherent characteristics, including carbon sequestration throughout its lifecycle, remarkable durability, and renewable nature, wood emerges as a key player in environmentally friendly building practices. As we navigate the future of construction, prioritizing wood in commercial projects will continuously make positive impacts on our environment. 

reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Sylva™ thermally modified product line presents domestically sourced and manufactured wood cladding suitable for both interior and exterior applications, providing environmentally friendly options with a minimal carbon footprint. Thermally modified wood further enhances the wood’s structure, transforming the wood into a material with improved durability, stability, and aesthetic qualities. Selecting a product that is both locally sourced and modified reflects a commitment to mitigating climate change and endorsing sustainable design for future buildings. 

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06 Mar

Classic Sophistication: Herringbone and Chevron Flooring Design

By Blake Huang In Flooring, Inspiring Designs, New Products, Wood University /   No Comments

The choice of flooring strongly influences an interior space’s overall aesthetic and ambiance. Each material brings its own set of characteristics, textures, and colors that can significantly affect the ambiance and style of a room. Hardwood flooring exudes warmth and elegance and lends itself perfectly to classic settings, adding a touch of biophilia sophistication. Beyond material selection, the design of flooring patterns introduces its own unique character to interior spaces. Herringbone and Chevron patterns bring their own unique character, charm, and versatility to interior spaces. We will delve into the fascinating world of these flooring patterns in the discussion below, uncovering their origins, unique characteristics, and the visual enhancements they bring to living spaces.

Herringbone Pattern
The Herringbone pattern, characterized by a distinctive zigzag arrangement, has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. Initially utilized in road construction, this interlocking design effectively mitigated impacts and traffic stress, resulting in roads of remarkable durability. This pattern found its way into interior design during the Renaissance period. The Renaissance fascination with classical design elevated the herringbone pattern to a symbol of elegance and sophistication, driving its widespread popularity during this period.

Herringbone is created by laying rectangular planks at a 45-degree angle to form a V-shaped pattern. The Herringbone pattern requires a divisible ratio between the plank’s length and face width. The divisible ratio brings a balanced proportion to the pattern, contributing to the symmetry and harmony of the overall pattern.

One of the key advantages of the Herringbone pattern lies in its ability to expand a room visually. The diagonal lines draw the eyes outward, creating an illusion of more space. The carefully calculated ratio ensures that the herringbone pattern maintains its distinctive and eye-catching appearance, further elevating its aesthetic appeal in interior design.

Herringbone floor patterns
Herringbone Pattern

Chevron Pattern
Often confused with Herringbone, the Chevron pattern is a close relative that distinguishes itself through its interlocked, V-shaped design. When building the Chevron pattern, the jointing end of the plank is cut at a precise angle, often at 45 degrees, to create a seamless, arrow-like pattern that exudes a sense of dynamic movement. The Chevron pattern finds its roots in ancient Greece, where its intricate layout displayed the Greeks’ expertise in geometric design and served a vital role in reinforcing the structural integrity of significant buildings such as temples and palaces.

What sets Chevron apart is its ability to impart a sense of order and directionality to a space. It works exceptionally well in long hallways or narrow rooms, providing a visually striking effect that leads the eye forward. The Chevron pattern brings versatility to architecture and interior designs; its geometric symmetry and precision represent harmony and order, reflecting the Greeks’ philosophical and mathematical ideals. This pattern design has evolved over centuries and symbolizes elegance and modernity.

Chevron Flooring Pattern
Chevron Pattern

Choosing the Right Pattern for Your Space
Each of these patterns brings its own unique character to interior spaces, and choosing the right one depends on various factors, including the size of the room, the desired ambiance, and personal preferences.

The Herringbone pattern can work wonders for smaller spaces by visually expanding the area. Its classic appeal adds warmth and character, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms, dining rooms, or cozy living areas.

With its dynamic and directional quality, the Chevron pattern is well-suited for elongated spaces. Hallways, entryways, or open-plan living areas can benefit from Chevron’s ability to guide the eye and create a sense of flow.

In the realm of interior design, flooring patterns define the character and style of a space. The Herringbone and Chevron patterns are timeless choices that have transcended centuries of design evolution. Whether you prefer the classic and sophisticated feel of Herringbone or the dynamic and directional nature of Chevron, these patterns offer a canvas for creating genuinely remarkable interiors that stand the test of time.

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11 Dec

Reclaimed Mushroom Wood – A Powerhouse of Character, Beauty, History, & Sustainability

By Jocelyn Mahan In Mushroom Wood, Reclaimed Hemlock Wood /  

 

“Wood is universally beautiful to man. It is the most humanly intimate of all materials.”

– Frank Lloyd Wright

HISTORY OF MUSHROOM WOOD

Otherwise known as hemlock reclaimed wood, mushroom wood has an inspiring and historical sustainability story attached to its derivation. This name is a bit misleading since the wood is not actually made from mushrooms. This wood is used to line the boxes of mushroom crops at mushroom growing facilities today and as far back in history as 1896.

WHAT IS MUSHROOM WOOD?

The wood’s unique character is crafted by nature through a process called fungiculture. During the mushroom growth cycle, the bin wood is exposed to years of acid laden sustainable compost, moisture, and abrasion. Those enzymes digest and gradually wear away the fibers in the top layer of softwood. Once the mushrooms are harvested and the wood is sorted and cleaned, the hardy, durable wood left behind displays a deep, hyper-textured, weathered, one of a kind earthy-caramel patina. Light and shadows dance throughout its rough-grained surface.

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InkBlock7
06 Oct

Ink Block :: WEATHERWORN Reclaimed Barn Siding

By Tina's In Product Installs /  

With a primary goal of revitalizing Boston’s South End neighborhood, Elkus Manfredi Architects created a design aesthetic that focuses on returning the area to a lively, dynamic mixed-use community. Drawing inspiration from former building owner–the Boston Herald–Ink Block has become a pillar in Boston’s revitalization project with classic Bostonian motifs and contemporary, edgy design features.

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Osprey Software REED reclaimed hemlock
05 Oct

Osprey Software :: REED Reclaimed Hemlock

By Tina's In Product Installs /  

With simple, subtle color notes, Osprey Software wanted a wood with a natural color and enhanced grain. reSAWN’s REED features antique reclaimed hemlock that is wire brushed to accentuate the unique grain pattern of hemlock.

Specified for ceiling cladding and wall cladding, REED can be found in reSAWN’s enCORE collection. The enCORE collection is made up entirely of different reclaimed wood species that include heart pine, oak, barn siding, chestnut, hemlock, and hickory. With a design aesthetic that includes dark and light grey colors, the natural coloring of the REED feature wall truly stands out. Hemlock’s unique grain pattern becomes very clear with the overhead, track lighting.

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Broad Institute WEATHERWORN Table and Bench
03 Oct

Reclaimed Red and White Oak Table and Bench :: Broad Institute

By Tina's In RSTco. furniture /  

PRODUCTS

Reclaimed Red and White Oak Table:

TOP:  Reclaimed Red and White Oak – Skip Planed
DIMENSIONS: 39″ wide X 96″ long X 42″ high
FINISH: Clear Conversion Varnish all sides
BASE: Steel tube legs
POWER: Built-in Power including Electrical Outlets and USB Ports
WEATHERWORN reclaimed barn siding bench.
MATERIALS: Weathered and Reclaimed Oak – Mixed Red & White Oak
DIMENSIONS: 3/4″ thick X 6″ wide X 4′-12′ random lengths
*Built on job site

ABOUT THE PROJECT 

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is well regarded for their collaborated work spaces, and incorporated reSAWN’s skip planed, reclaimed red and white oak table into their office space.

Side view of the reclaimed red and white oak table at The Broad Institute.

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27 Sep

NIXON PEABODY :: Rift and Quarter Sawn White Oak Flooring

By Tina's In Product Installs /  

LEED-CI PLATINUM Certified

Located a few blocks away from the White House in downtown Washington, DC, this Nixon Peabody, LLP. location features reSAWN’s FSC ® certified Rift and Quarter Sawn Select Grade White Oak flooring. With a modern design aesthetic that focuses on open floor plans and communal work spaces, the architect, Perkins+ Will, specified the FSC ® certified Rift and Quarter Sawn White Oak flooring as a beautiful, naturally colored design feature that is also sustainable.
Our PLATEAU collection promotes the natural color and beauty of domestic rift and quarter sawn white oak. All of the PLATEAU collection designs are available as FSC ® certified.

Nixon Peabody rift and quarter sawn white oak

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13 Sep

Pizza (216) :: shou sugi ban

By Tina's In CHARRED WOOD, Product Installs /  
ABOUT THE PROJECT

Pizza (216), a New York style, brick oven pizzeria, is located in Cleveland, OH. With an interior motif that sets a maroon color scheme against dark, brown seating, the dining room and bar are cohesively finished with reSAWN’s KURO shou sugi ban charred cypress wall cladding that accentuates the restaurant’s natural aesthetic.

This material was specified by local and national award-winning, Robert Maschke Architects Inc., known for innovative design techniques that create “…complex spatial effects with modest means.”  Materials were specified with a 5-1/8″ wide face and tongue & groove milling. A select grade of cypress was used to ensure a high-quality look and durable functionality.

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