How Green Cities Are Literally Changing the World

The green city movement continues to strengthen and expand, further emphasizing the need for green buildings. While there’s been a constant focus on sustainability in Architecture & Design for the last several years, the city-wide approach fuels these initiatives. With buildings accounting for a third of all greenhouse gas emissions, it only makes sense that … Read more

Patterns in Nature: The Importance and Examples

Natural Patterns and Human Well-being: A Deep Connection Nature has incredible patterns. Everywhere we turn in the natural world, these intricate patterns emerge, painting a complex tapestry that spans from the expansive spirals of distant galaxies to the delicate symmetry found in a leaf’s structure. These inherent patterns in nature are more than just visual … Read more

Restaurant Design Trends: How reclaimed wood fits in

People are eating out more than ever. Customer expectations have risen and they want more from their dining experiences. Restaurants need consumers to come in and come back. Great food alone is not enough. Design is integral to the total experience. It sets a tone and conveys a message and promise to customers. According to … Read more

The Longstanding Allure of Reclaimed Teak Wood

When I first learned about teak, its history, and all its benefits, I was fascinated by it. Over the years at TerraMai, we work with many wood types and surface materials but teak holds a special place. In many ways it reminds me of the great redwoods in the U.S. Another really majestic and amazing … Read more

Wood and Wellbeing: The Connection Between Building Materials and Cognitive Health

Wood is beautiful, but did you know it can actually improve cognitive health? That’s the conclusion that many recent studies have reached, and it’s inspiring architects and designers to make wood a central locus of the built environment. Wood is now being chosen not only for its looks but also its psychophysiological benefits. This research … Read more

Surprise! Reclaimed Wood Doesn’t Have to be Rustic

Mention reclaimed wood and rustic, character-rich wood tends to come to mind; wood with weathered and naturally distressed patina, nail and bolt holes, circle sawn markings and checking. But, reclaimed wood can have a clean, slick aesthetic too. Clean or rustic, reclaimed wood brings biophilic attributes to a space. For minimalist design, incorporating the organic … Read more

10 Ways to Use Lost Coast Redwood Reclaimed Wood

Beautifully Weathered Lost Coast Redwood has a naturally distressed patina associated with the Northern California coast providing a color range of weathered browns and greys. The wood has developed a lovely character from decades of natural weathering. The rich textures, attractive color range, and surface checking is evidence of its prior life. You can imagine … Read more

Ipe Wood Decking & Siding: Is it Sustainable?

The Ipe Wood Decking & Siding Dilemma   Ipe wood decking, with its unique beauty, has steadily risen as a favorite in architecture and design circles. But there’s a darker side to this popular choice, casting a shadow over its durability and strength. Harvesting Ipe wood for decking or other projects contributes to tropical deforestation. … Read more

Reclaimed Teak: Why This Wood is a Top Choice

Teak is one of the most beautiful woods in the world. Its warm, luscious honey-brown color and tight, dense grain are highly sought after by many of the best architects and designers in the industry. It is a versatile wood and can be found as paneling, flooring, siding, furniture and decking. For any application, interior … Read more

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