Extra! Extra! Read all about it! “Ipe is Dead”. Now that’s a sensational headline…If only it were true. An ipe purchase contributes to deforestation, and the likelihood of illegal logging and forged documents is high. It’s a risky purchase. Especially if you need FSC certification, you’ll find those documents are hard to come by. Ipe has a dark side that everyone should inform themselves on before making a purchase. Read on to learn more about ipe and to hear about TerraMai’s new line of Water Reclaimed materials that are the complete solution for your decking, siding and outdoor furniture needs. Until consumers grasp the full picture, ipe unfortunately lives on in the exterior wood world.

So you need exterior wood…

Your project needs exterior wood and you’ve done your homework. At first, ipe seems the perfect option. It looks good. It’s readily available. The price point is manageable. It’s dimensionally stable and can stand up to rot and pests. It’s durability means it will last a long time. All good, good and good. 

You note that its extreme hardness can make it quite difficult to install. Okay, one strike, but then you discover there is a truly dark side to ipe. Specifying ipe in your project is like specifying rainforest destruction. What?! The more you learn, the more you realize the difficulty in knowing if your ipe purchase will have been legally harvested.

The impact of an ipe purchase

The story of ipe logging makes for great cinema. Tragedy, drama, and suspence all together ripe with shady characters and do-gooders just one step behind. Except, it’s real and its wreaking havoc on the planet. I can’t make this stuff up. Here’s a direct quote from the Forest Monitor:

Illegal logging now accounts for between 15 and 30% of the global legal trade, according to recently published The Rapid Response Report, entitled ‘Green Carbon: Black Trade’. If we take into account that between 50 to 90% of illegal logging is located in tropical countries of the Amazon basin, Central Africa and South East Asia, we see that the problem is substantial. This illegal logging activities are carried out by organized crime, threatening efforts to combat climate change, deforestation, conserve wildlife and eradicate poverty.

In addition, together with illegal logging there are associated other meaningful crimes such as murder, corruption, fraud and theft, with indigenous forest inhabitants particularly affected.

Big stuff. You just wanted to purchase decking and found your purchase could be part of criminal activity and a cause of climate change. We are losing 1.5 acres of rainforest every second. Which is a crazy amount but it has been much worse. Some progress on rainforest destruction has been made. The rate of deforestation went down 76 percent from 2004 to 2007 and Brazil’s government stated the rate of deforestation fell by 16 percent between August 2016 and July 2017, compared to the same period 12 months earlier. Yet the exportation of ipe continues to flourish with the US being the largest importer. The criminals are creating more unique methods to skirt authorities such as sliding through implausible timber inventories and referencing harvest locations that require field audits to determine viability. 

You can learn more about the problems associated with ipe here. Interpol, Greenpeace, and other courageous groups are working to combat illegal logging and to find solutions but you can do one thing to stop it all. Don’t specify or purchase ipe. What a difference a specification can make! Together we can stop specifying rainforest destruction.

But, what to do?!

What should architects and designers do when they need durable, attractive exterior wood? 

Tropical hardwoods make for the best exterior material selection. These are hard, dense woods that are water and insect resistant, and able to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. In commercial decking applications, tropical hardwood can last 20 to 50 years depending on installation, care and level of use. But as I’ve just belabored, purchasing tropical hardwoods presents real ethical concerns and should only be done with careful consideration. Enter the solution: TerraMai Water Reclaimed.

Decades ago, hydroelectric companies in the tropics dammed rivers and in the process flooded standing forests of tropical hardwoods. These reservoirs are numerous and enormous. Beneath the surface are perfectly preserved standing dead trees.

With special equipment and divers, the standing dead trees are brought to the surface and hauled onto land. This effort not only reclaims a hidden resource but can offset the need for tropical hardwoods derived via rainforest destruction. And here is the great news; TerraMai Water Reclaimed is durable, rot resistant, pest resistant, dimensionally stable, good looking and priced to fit your budget. All that plus a fantastic eco story.

Reach out today for samples and more information. We’d love to tell you more about this sustainably derived tropical hardwood resource.

TerraMai also offers two other sustainable decking options: FSC 100% Recycled Teak Decking and water reclaimed Cumaru Decking.

Earth Day is upon us, and it is time once again to give our support and attention to environmental protection. With that said, TerraMai will be launching a new sustainable product line of tropical hardwoods that could one day lead to the end of rainforest destruction. Stay tuned!

For me, Earth Day is a not only a time to celebrate this beautiful planet we all call home, it is a time to reflect, to ask ourselves “am I having a positive impact on our planet in my day-to-day life?”. For many in the architect & design community, their entire career is devoted to solving some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems. To them, every day is Earth Day. I reached out to some of these leaders in sustainable design to see if they have anything special planned for April 22^nd. Maybe it will inspire you to get out there and make a difference in your community:

• Sandy Musante of L2P will be running the Clear Air Run (go Sandy!), dedicated to clean air and a celebration of Earth Day. L2P is dedicated to sustainability, and has completed almost half of all LEED-CI projects in Philadelphia.

• Miki Sullivan and SOM in San Francisco are dedicating an hour to turn off all lights in the office, and have an initiative to use less PVC in their projects. SOM recently won the prestigious 2019 Green Good Design Award for their Chengdu Tianfu International Airport City Master Plan

• Jean Hansen from HDR in San Francisco will be in DC, working with the AIA to drive a conversation on healthy and sustainable materials. Back at the office, Ruth Abbe (zero waste engineer & expert) will be doing a lunch and learn on recycling/compost best practices in the workplace. HDR is engaged in numerous sustainability partnerships & commitments, including the Architecture 2030 Challenge.

• Jill Hintze and Hager Design International have the day off in observance of Earth Day, which will save electricity and gas, and will be attending an Earth Day event in Vancouver BC. Jill sees a big area for improvement in the use of re-used products in interior design, saying finishes have come a long way but finding things like re-upholstered furniture is rare.

• Dan Heinfeld and LPA will be having an all-hands meeting to discuss their recent 2030 Challenge results. LPA is committed to the Architecture 2030, who’s goal is to achieve a dramatic reduction in energy and greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment. LPA has one of the largest LEED Gold & Platinum project portfolios in the country.

• Kirsten Weeks and Arup in San Francisco have an entire week devoted to Earth Week celebrations. Events include: Earth Day trivia, energy use awareness, zero-waste day, Eat Vegan day, and wrapped up with a Vegan bake-off. Arup is currently developing the Sustainability Master Plan for the Mexico City New International Airport, aiming to become the first LEED Platinum-certified airport

• Natalie Engels and Gensler – San Jose will be participating in a beach cleanup in Santa Cruz. Gensler is on the cutting-edge of sustainable design, employing over 1,200 LEED accredited professionals and completing 700+ USBGC certified projects.

• Kate Stuart and GBD Architects have participated in the EcoChallenge, which offers challenges for various activities related to environmental awareness & improvement, as well as a Spring Cleaning / recycling event with games & prizes. GBD’s work is largely confined to the Pacific Northwest, yet they have just completed their 50^th LEED certified project.

Thanks to the above list, and to all of our customers for the work that they do to make the world a better place, for ourselves and future generations.

Happy Earth Day!

Photo by Brianna Santellan on Unsplash

Reclaimed wood flooring is a unique, organic, and natural design element. Choose wisely and wood floors are a highly sustainable and durable flooring option even in high traffic commercial settings. Asking and answering key questions at the beginning of your project will ensure your floor not only looks great at installation but in the months and years to follow. When choosing reclaimed wood, a few more questions get added to the mix.

Here are key tips to finding the perfect type of reclaimed wood flooring for your next project.

Start with the end in mind

The floor has to look great. That’s a given. Asking pertinent questions upfront can ensure your selection will not only look great at installation, but 60 days later as well as 5 and 10 years later. Start with the end in mind when selecting wood flooring. Achieving the Wow Factor at installation is a nice rush but no designer wants a phone call 60 days later from a distressed and angry customer because the flooring has been compromised. You’ll go from hero to zero. In order to look great, the flooring must be durable so as to withstand the intended occupant usage and it must be able to meet required cleaning standards.

Key Questions:

• How will the space be used?
• How much traffic is expected?
• What kind of traffic?
• Where do you land on the aesthetic scale, highly rustic or super clean?
• Is some patina or character acceptable?
• How must the floor be cleaned and how often?
• Are there required cleaning processes?

An office with 20 occupants and the occasional visitor has far fewer flooring concerns than that of a reception lobby in which 100’s of occupants wearing hard soled shoes (many of which are high heeled) will traverse a specific path on any given day. The care and maintenance for a lobby will vary from that of a restaurant. Some spaces may require the movement of furniture or have the need to slide equipment from place to place. Understanding how the space will be used will guard against a flooring selection that will fail in short order.

From TerraMai: CBRE chose Teak Engineered Kukui for a refined rustic look that will work with any imperfections that might arise along the way while still maintaining a crisp, clean space.

Enter Durability Standards – Janka

Industry wide, the test used to evaluate flooring hardness and wear is the Janka hardness test. It measures the force required to embed an 11.28 millimeters diameter steel ball halfway into a sample of wood. The industry median for hardness is red oak (northern) at 1290 lbf.

Photo from Wikipedia.

Although Janka is a good starting place, don’t discount species that fall below red oak on the hardness scale. There are other factors to consider when determining whether a species is suitable for your flooring project. Use the questions above to reflect on desired aesthetic and how the space will be used. Walnut, which falls below red oak on the Janka scale, may not be suitable for a high traffic elevator lobby as it may dimple and dent under the pressure of high heeled shoes. If you’ve fallen in love with walnut for a high traffic area, staining a harder wood so that it resembles walnut is an option that will deliver a similar look. If some dimpling is acceptable, using an oil finish on the walnut will help diminish any indentations whereas a polyurethane finish can magnify them. In a low traffic environment like a residential home, walnut flooring is perfectly appropriate.

From TerraMai: MC Walnut Engineered Flooring in a reception area.

Doug fir, which also falls below red oak on the scale, has been used for flooring for centuries. Just like walnut, situations of high wear and tear may result in scratches and indentations. Some installations may embrace these “imperfections”. If one embodies character and has intentionally selected a reclaimed wood with a naturally distressed face or one with nail holes and circle sawn markings, then any new “imperfections” will further add to and enhance the floor’s appearance.

From TerraMai: The Doug fir flooring in the Breslin Bar and Dining Room in NYC looks as good today as it did when it was installed in 2009.

One of the best things about the large variety of reclaimed woods available is the range of unique characteristics you can find. When most people think of reclaimed wood, they think of a rustic aesthetic. However, reclaimed wood isn’t limited to the typical rustic appearance associated with it. When opting for a cleaner more pristine design look, woods higher up on the Janka scale will ensure your design intention is maintained.

From TerraMai: The Perkins+Will Chicago office selected MC White Oak Pale Ale for their expansive, uncluttered space

Choose a Wood That Enhances the Experience

Today, experience design is an important concept in Architecture & Design. Designers are striving to create built environments that not only look great but also feel great. The goal is to provide occupants with a wonderful, engaging experience. That means facilitating interaction with the built environment, developing a unified design aesthetic, and designing for occupant well-being.

From TerraMai: This REI location in Seattle uses Dirty Face flooring to add to the outdoorsy environment

When choosing reclaimed wood flooring, considering its role in the experience will help to select the right wood. Is the wood a backdrop that frames and allows other design elements to shine or is it a major statement maker? For example, using a bold yet clean, eye-catching wood like Acacia Metro or Teak Metro in a minimalist environment will draw people’s attention toward the flooring while creating a sense of energy in the space.

From TerraMai: Agave’s striking, ethnically inspired atmosphere is bolstered by Teak Metro flooring

One important aspect of experience design is the presence of an emotional connection. Flooring can actually help achieve this by thematically uniting the design as a whole and providing various visual textures for occupants to feel connected to nature to enhance overall well-being.

Sam Edelman’s Palm Beach location does this by using reclaimed Mission Oak White flooring in conjunction with an abundance of reclaimed oak throughout the store. This results in feelings of calmness and tranquility that help shoppers focus on the experience without being distracted. The wood also helps to tie in and fortify the store’s brand, as the reclaimed wood reinforces the culture of heritage and craft.

From TerraMai: Sam Edelman’s use of wood fosters a strong emotional connection in shoppers

Which wood is the best to maintain?

This is a bit of a trick question. The wood is not being maintained; the finish is. Maintain the finish and the wood is protected.

If heavy traffic will result in wear patterns, oil is likely the best finish option. Surface scratches, dents, and stains can be spot treated by rubbing a small amount of oil into the area and buffing it with a cotton cloth until the affected area blends with the surrounding floor. The same is true for spot recoating larger areas of wear. Floors with extreme traffic may require a complete recoat every several months but floor areas of light traffic may not need a complete recoat for many years and can be managed with touch ups. At any rate, when the wood looks dry or starved, it is time to recoat. Always recoat an oil finish before it wears through completely exposing raw wood. This is especially true in layered finishes in which a stain has been used then an oil topcoat. Stain is a colarant and offers no protection. It is difficult to restain a small area and have it blend well. Maintaining the oil topcoat will eliminate concern with wearing through the stain layer.

An oil finish penetrates the wood. Polyurethane finishes coat the wood. If the wood flooring is finished with polyurethane, occupants are walking on the finish. A polyurethane finish is more damage resistant but comes with some drawbacks. Damage on a poly finish is more noticeable and cannot be spot repaired. To repair wear and tear, the entire floor needs to be sanded and refinished.

Cleaning standards and expectations must be well understood. If the installation requires routine wet mopping, an option other than wood floors may be best. Floors with a polyurethane should be dry mopped or vacuumed while oil finished floors can be damp mopped using the cleaner recommended by the oil manufacturer. Nothing will ruin a floor faster than improper cleaning and maintenance.

Conclusion

Flooring is a critical aspect of any built environment, so it’s important that it unifies the design and creates an unforgettable experience. No matter what type of project you’re working on, there’s a great reclaimed wood flooring option for you. With these tips, you’ll be able to select the right wood species and finish to create and maintain the look you want.
Contact us for free reclaimed wood samples and while you’re at it, check out our new collection of wide plank flooring.

The library has always been an important social hub in many communities. One might think the importance of the library as diminished with the world becoming more and more digital but usage is up driven by millennials who are visiting and using libraries more than ever. Libraries are no longer the quiet, austere spaces they used to be.  

Instead, they’re buzzing with activity. They host community events and workshops and give patrons access to a wide variety of multimedia resources such as recording studios and game development labs. The library has always been the great equalizer, offering access to worlds of information and resource to everyone regardless of social status or income. This is still one of the great beauties of the local library.

As the world changes, the library is adapting and architects and designers are tasked with reinventing and creating spaces that meet the new requirements of society and the digital age. The result are libraries that continue to inspire and bring together entire communities under one roof. Libraries are being designed as a flexible, multi-purpose spaces that can be adjusted to meet ever-changing occupant needs. Many contemporary libraries are doing just this, and wood is playing an integral role in their development.

The Evolution of the Library

From John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library: This mid-1980s snapshot depicts a typical library from yesteryear

The library has evolved throughout the millennia, but the 20th century in particular was a pivotal time for the institution. This era saw the quick adoption of computer-based technologies that would forever transform what libraries would look like. Eventually, the way patrons used libraries changed. Instead of coming in just to check out a book or read a magazine, people visited to use the computers or borrow a DVD.

So while libraries still hold a reputation for being extremely quiet and full of books, they look quite different today. Libraries are still repositories of information, but they’re also communal gathering places. Their design has changed accordingly. Throughout the late 20th century (and even the early 21st), libraries largely consisted of warm yet often windowless indoor spaces, reflecting the design of many other educational institutions at the time. Today, libraries are open, naturally lit spaces that are ideal for a host of events. As a result, library usage has gone up. According to Pew, millennials use libraries more than any other generation.

Naturally, building design has been critical for libraries’ success. Material selection has had an especially significant impact on this transformation. Let’s look at how wood has become instrumental to the renaissance of libraries.

The Changing Uses of Wood in Libraries

Traditionally, wood has been an important material for libraries. It’s contributed largely to the aesthetic of the library in the collective conscious as a studious, intellectual space, as wood is often associated with refinement and elegance. It also serves multiple design functions. Its natural acoustic properties make it a good natural noise dampener, which is ideal for libraries, and it also fosters a feeling of comfort. In many of the world’s biggest libraries, such as the New York Public Library and the Bodleian Library, wood has a strong presence in almost every room.

From the New York Public Library: The Wallach Division of the New York Public Library features ample wood in a timeless style

Today, wood does all of that and much more. It still adds a polished touch, but it also boasts several practical applications that benefit patrons directly. In other words, wood is no longer solely for aesthetics in the contemporary library. Instead, it’s used to increase productivity, facilitate interaction, and bring people together, reinforcing the role of the library as a communal space and ensuring that patrons can get the most out of their experience.

Several studies have proven that wood can have a significant effect on the experience people have within the built environment. People find wood to be welcoming and relaxing and associate the material with feelings of innovation, energy, and comfort. These emotional benefits are accompanied with physical benefits including lowered blood pressure and reduced levels of stress, ultimately culminating in an inviting, rejuvenating occupant experience when wood is present.

Wood can have a positive effect even before patrons walk inside the library itself. Wood exteriors are great for setting the tone for what people will experience within and has been shown to make a building seem more inviting. Kenmore Library in Washington is an example of a library with an open and inviting exterior. Clad with reclaimed teak siding, the building presents a timeless look with lots of character. The golden-brown warmth of teak nicely complements the building’s other materials of glass, cement and metal providing a biophilic, natural element to the building’s contemporary aesthetic.

From TerraMai: Kenmore Library’s reclaimed teak siding greets patrons and creates a stunning first impression

For the interior, the library takes a similarly biophilic approach. Panoramic windows allow natural light to pour in and give ample views of the surrounding nature. These feelings of openness and a connection to nature haven’t always been found in libraries, but they’re becoming more and more common. Minimal furnishings, brightly colored bookshelves, and thoughtful lighting add to the atmosphere, making the library ideal for all sorts of events.

From ArchDaily: The interior of the Kenmore Library is bright and biophilic

The Kenmore Library is a far cry from the stuffy libraries of the 20th century. It’s open, bright, and, in many ways, modular, allowing patrons to modify the layout to meet their needs. While there’s lots of technology present, the Kenmore Library is still dominated by print books, and there are plenty of spaces to sit down and read. All in all, it’s inspiring and refreshing. Libraries like Kenmore are paving the way for a new generation of libraries to not only stay relevant but also continue to serve the community in new and evolving ways.

The WOW Factor

A library provides a great number of services while also symbolically representing the community. Architects and designers have an opportunity on these special projects to really tap into their creative talents to give patrons big WOW experiences.

From ArchDaily: The design of Calgary Central Library, Calgary, Alberta was inspired by arch-shaped Chinook cloud formations.

Completed in 2018, Calgary’s Central Library has six floors of well-designed spaces that provide for digital, analog, group, and individual interactions. There are areas where the indoors merges with the outdoors, there is ample natural lighting and fun areas as well as serious areas. The design goal was inclusivity and the facility reflects the urban community, its culture and natural surroundings.

From Architectural Digest: Calgary Central Library reading room

Throughout the facility, an extensive amount of wood was used especially in areas for focused study and quiet time. People believe they will think more creatively in spaces with wood and studies have shown that wood does promote higher beta waves, an indicator of focus.

From Architectural Digest: Mansueto Library, University of Chicago

University of Chicago’s Mansueto Library is sure to impress the students lucky enough to study in this space. The glass domed ceiling is great inspiration for innovative and expansive thinking. The 3.5 million books are all stored underground and can be retrieved by robots. Wooden floors and tables help with focus and stress reduction while adding to the clean natural look of the reading room.

Conclusion

Libraries are reaching farther and wider than ever before, and they’re getting design upgrades to match. As libraries continue to enjoy increased levels of patronage, these flexible and multi-purpose designs will enable them to consistently serve their communities. Wood is at the center of it all; it’s a material that is inherently humanistic and social, perfect for library settings where people gather to learn and edify themselves. The library is one of our most important and treasured institutions, and these updates are helping to ensure that libraries will live on to benefit future generations and provide an abundance of resources to those who need it most.

Initial experiences and first chances set the stage, often in ways we can’t conceptualize, for what will become second or third chances in our lives. Within a first chance are the components that lead to that second chance. Rarely does a second chance come about by sheer will. There is usually a helping hand in the process. Someone who sees beneath our exterior (perhaps a rough exterior) to the value just below the surface; A value that is there just waiting to be recognized and acknowledged.

Second Chance Wood

In the US, an average of 13 square miles of trees were cut down every day between 1850 and 1900. Since then, forest coverage in the US has stabilized and has remained pretty steady at 33% of all land. As aging structures are replaced, reclaiming the original old growth wood from these lost forests is a valuable find. Not all reclaimed wood has such vintage roots though. That same drive to ensure vintage wood is repurposed is the drive that pushes us to find any wood that has been forgotten or has been slated for the landfill.

It takes a trained eye to assess cast-off or seasoned and weathered wood to know if there is valuable, beautiful material in the mix. Over the years, TerraMai has used this skill to find and repurpose millions of square feet of quality wood back into use as flooring, paneling, tables, stair treads, siding and decking. Reclaiming wood and providing it a second chance in the built environment is what TerraMai is all about but it only happens when designers, architects, contractors, homeowners and end users also value the need to repurpose and reuse existing resources.

Repurposing it all

TerraMai partners with a variety of sources, and as you may imagine, the wood we reclaim comes in a variety of dimensions from large beams to small planks. Our team looks for opportunities to utilize as much of the reclaimed material as possible or, to align with the theme of this article, to ensure as much of the wood as possible gets its second chance.

From TerraMai: Dirty Face Jacket Boards

One source of reclaimed wood at TerraMai is shipping dunnage. This is wood used to brace and protect cargo like large machinery on railcars. Over time the wood used as shipping dunnage must be replaced. TerraMai then reclaims the dunnage which has acquired a patina during its working life as well as nail holes and other character from its time on the railcars. We remove the face or jacket from dunnage. This face layer is commonly referred to as the woods’ dirty face. And, you may have guessed it, that is our line of Dirty Face Flooring and Paneling.

The surfaced wood beneath that weathered exterior retains a lot of character sporting nail and other fastener holes. You’ll know it as Mission Oak Flooring and Paneling. Both Dirty Face and Mission Oak materials have been installed in a number of REI locations. The wood aligns with REIs mission and values of environmental stewardship.

From TerraMai: Mission Oak Red Engineered Flooring at REI’s Denver Flagship Store.

From TerraMai: REI’s flagship Seattle Store combines Dirty Face with Mission Oak Flooring throughout the store.

During our production process, materials may get ‘kicked-out’ due to dimensions not fitting a particular product’s set standards (too narrow, too thin, too short). We save it all and turn it into “Last and Final” products. Check with your TerraMai account manager if you think your project is a good fit for one of our own falldown items.

Can a culture of doing good, be good business?

There are a number of reasons to choose reclaimed wood. Sometimes that choice is motivated purely for aesthetic reasons but often the decision serves a greater purpose and aligns with a business’s goals and culture. REI is a great example.

Another such company is MOD Pizza. Founded by Ally and Scott Svenson, their overarching goal for the fast-casual pizza business is to make a positive social impact. As the business took off, MOD had a challenge to solve. Not only did they need to locate talent for the 2000 jobs they were creating each year, but employee turnover was high. The restaurant industry typically has high employee turnover but MOD was not complacent to be typical.

MOD’s hiring philosophy, “that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not”, guided MOD to find a solution to their turnover problem that also aligned with their culture of making a positive social impact. A bit of research revealed that 5.5 million young people in the U.S., ages 18-24, were out of school and unemployed. With the help of FSG Innovation Lab, a mission-driven consulting firm, MOD found the perfect solution. They were connected with JUMA, a national organization dedicated to finding pathways to break the cycle of poverty for youth throughout the U.S. Through JUMA, MOD is employing youth from underserved communities and gaining a MOD-loving, hard working staff.

Many of their hires are looking for a opportunity, often a second or third chance, for someone to support their effort to re-engage in education or develop the skills needed for their career aspirations. It’s a win win. At some point, we all need a second chance. We have the will and desire but need that break that allows for growth and skill development. MOD revealed to TerraMai that they choose to use reclaimed wood in their pizza locations because they love the idea of using second chance wood. Taking materials that others may look past and finding a new life for it.

From TerraMai: Lost Coast Paneling at MOD Pizza in Medford, Oregon

Conclusion

For all of those bravely exploring a second, third or even fourth chance, we hope you find your mentor and support system as you pave your way. TerraMai greatly appreciates those that are advocates for the environment, are socially responsible and are dedicated to making the built environment more healthy and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for partnering with us to put reclaimed wood back into use.

Change is a vital part of architecture and design. As occupant needs change and morph, designers constantly reevaluate and redesign the built environment to meet those needs. This is especially evident in the workplace. Over the years, the workplace has undergone a dramatic transformation from a windowless room of cubicles to bright, inviting spaces that inspire and rejuvenate. In this article, let’s take a look at how office design has changed and where it’s headed.

The Open Office Revolution

If there’s a design style that has dominated the workplace for decades, it’s the open office. The open office was developed in the early to mid-20th century in an attempt to create more spacious offices. This layout revolutionized the workplace by removing walls and other borders, and it was meant to improve social interactions between workers, which would theoretically boost everything from productivity to idea generation. Other variations followed, such as Bürolandschaft, a German school of thought that literally translates to “office landscape,” that prioritized informal layouts.

On paper, the open office seems ideal, but in practice, the open office has had its fair share of challenges. When the design first became popular in the mid-1900s, it didn’t quite take the form architects had hoped. Instead of hubs of innovation, open plan offices consisted of long rows of desks packed to the brim with workers. There weren’t any gains in interaction, either; if anything, this early iteration of the open office more closely resembled a factory.

From the Electronic Engineering Journal: A vintage photograph of a mid-20th century open office

Throughout the 20th century, the open office continued to evolve, and while some of the initial issues were remedied, the design was still proven to be ineffective. Contemporary research from Harvard University looked at two Fortune 500 companies that switched to open office layout and found that workers spent 72 percent less time interacting face-to-face. Electronic communication shot up, but personal interaction decreased substantially. However, the open office was an important step in workplace design, and it led to the creation of what would be a hugely popular office design element: cubicles.

The Advent of Cubicles

Today, most people think of the cubicle as an outdated, old-fashioned relic of a past era. So it might be hard to believe that the cubicle was designed with the goal of empowering people. The cubicle was a response to the open office and claimed to solve some of its problems.

First, the cubicle brought privacy back into the office. Instead of working in tight spaces directly next to one another, workers could have spaces all their own. This also brought an aspect of personalization to the workplace.

From WSJ: A typical “cubicle farm” office layout

Second, the cubicle was designed to optimize productivity. Cubicle inventor Robert Propst told Fortune that he envisioned an “Action Office” that provided varying desk levels and multiple workspaces. Like the open office plan, this was excellent in theory but failed in real life. The Action Office became the cubicle, which was much smaller and cheaper. Since the workforce was experiencing a surge of new workers, the cubicle was a perfect way for businesses to minimize costs.

From Wired: A promotional concept image for the Action Office from 1964

For decades, “cubicle farms” took over the workplace. The image of a windowless room stuffed with cubicles is now part of popular culture, and for many, it’s become the standard depiction of an office building. Unsurprisingly, cubicles also lower employee satisfaction and productivity. Even Propst himself was adamantly against the cubicle. In addition, since cubicles were made with materials that contained high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), they made workers sick. Over time, it became clear that cubicles weren’t the answer, so designers looked for a better, healthier solution.

The Rise of the Biophilic Office

Today, occupant health in the built environment has become a top concern for architects and designers. The average American worker spends 90,000 hours at work throughout their lifetime, so it’s important to design the office to promote health and wellness. In addition, offices have historically been under optimized for human health. Cubicles aren’t the only parts of offices that make workers sick––many factors can detract from worker health and result in a condition such as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

This is where biophilic design comes in. This philosophy of placing nature at the center of a building’s design has gained attention for its numerous health benefits, including reduced stress and lowered blood pressure. For many designers, it’s the design approach of choice for any type of commercial environment. It works well with a variety of layouts, transcending any single design approach.

Material selection is a critical part of biophilic design. In the past, illnesses like SBS often occurred because of the toxic materials used in interior design. These high-VOC materials release chemicals like formaldehyde and other pollutants into the environment. Today, architects carefully handpick and source materials that contain little to no VOCs.

Reclaimed wood is a material that designers can reply on, and it offers unique biophilic benefits. Its rich appearance and vivid textures help to connect people with nature in a way that no other material can. Perhaps most importantly, it enhances occupant wellness. It relieves stress and encourages interaction, which makes it an ideal material for the workplace. And thanks to the zero to low-VOC products we use to finish our reclaimed wood, it won’t be making anyone sick.

From TerraMai: HOK’s biophilic office helps workers stay happy and healthy

Biophilic design is often used to complement flexible workspaces. Unlike the open office or the cubicle farm, the flexible workplace is designed to be modular. Workers are able to modify their surroundings as they need, so at any given moment the same space could be used for a presentation, a solo work session, or a private meeting. Mobile furniture, adjustable surroundings, and multi-purpose furnishings help occupants get the most out of a flexible space. When biophilia is infused into a flexible workplace, it’s an ideal combination of form and function that is inspiring office design today.

Every business has specific needs, and of course budget, to consider when making office design decisions. Before latching onto a trendy (or dated) office concept, it is best to consider different worker needs and personality types. Part of the biophilic design process is polling occupants for their input. Some predict the end of the desk and chair and a trend toward all couches but according to Inc Magazine, “We are naturally territorial creatures with a need for categorization, rules and structure. We also like to have a place to put our stuff, even if it’s just some notepads and a coffee mug.”

Although remote work is becoming more common, it’s unlikely the office will disappear. Office design may be headed toward creating zones; a quiet zone with personal workstations; Collaboration/Social zone inclusive of casual open work areas, work hubs to accommodate small groups and cafe-like areas; and private offices and conference room suites. The zone concept accommodates different worker needs while still providing workers with a sense of place.

Conclusion

The modern office has come a long way since the open office plan of the 1950s. Rows of desks and cubicles have been traded for green building materials and inspiringly natural offices. Architects and designers are constantly innovating to make the office a better place to be. It’s a tall task to create a dynamic, collaborative workplace that addresses the many different working styles and situations while mitigating noise and other distractions. If done right, occupant productivity and worker happiness increase. A biophilic design approach is highly worthwhile when looking to foster a healthier office environment.

The mindful intention spurring the sharing economy is also evident in the world of design and architecture. It’s not prudent or smart to have spaces that aren’t capable of doing double or triple time. Creating multi-functional spaces introduces both challenges and exciting new approaches to the built environment. Crowdfunding. Ridesharing. And, now Flexible Architecture. Hyper consumerism is dead. Collaborative consumption and collaborative, multi-use spaces have arrived.

What is Flexible Architecture?

The term “flexible architecture” was popularized in the book Flexible: Architecture that Responds to Change by Robert Kronenburg. Kronenburg noted that the majority of architecture is static and doesn’t change or adapt over time. This stands in contrast to the natural world, which adapts to its surroundings. Kronenburg’s big idea was that architecture could be as flexible as nature. He posited that the built environment should be able to change to meet shifting needs, whether social or environmental.

Basically, flexible architecture is designed to be malleable, movable, and multi-purpose. Think of it as modular design on a grand scale. Forward thinkers like Kronenburg are realizing that we live in a constantly changing world where we have constantly changing needs. Think of the workspace as an example. At any given moment, workers might need a conference room, collaboration space, or solo work area. In response, designers have created modular workspaces that allow workers to modify the environment around them to fit their needs.

The office of Melbourne-based firm Particular Architects is a good example of flexible architecture in action. Modular furniture allows for workers to completely reconfigure the space on a whim. The design was inspired by small Hong Kong apartments that feature many multi-purpose elements to make the most of the little available space. Most of the office’s furniture boasts storage capabilities, with movable shelves and fold-down desks further enhancing the office’s design.

From Dezeen: Particular Architects in Melbourne designed a modular, flexible studio that adapts to workers’ needs

This is the heart of flexible architecture: the idea that the built environment should act similarly to a living organism, able to respond to changes in its environment. Until only recently, most architecture has been immovable and thus unable to properly adapt. This can result in under-optimized (and underused) spaces. Flexible architecture seeks to change this by reimagining the built environment as dynamic and mobile. It’s inspiring new innovations and resulting in game changing concepts.

From EdSurge: Bryant University’s Academic Innovation Center was designed to accommodate large gatherings or many small collaborative break-out groups.

The Benefits of Flexible Architecture

The largest benefit of flexible architecture is the ability to keep the built environment relevant and useful as time goes on. Occupant needs can change drastically even in the span of just a decade, and this typically results in the need for buildings to undergo renovations or other updates.

Flexible architecture proposes a solution to this problem by conceptualizing how a built environment can be constructed to adapt. It focuses on the long term by considering how occupants’ needs may change and designing with those changes in mind. Theoretically, this reduces the need for redesigns.

The Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre in Japan is an exemplar of flexible architecture. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Toyo Ito, the Centre is beautiful and responsive. In a paper, Kronenburg noted the myriad flexible qualities that the Centre boasts. He broke these qualities down into three key categories: changeable spaces, multipurpose spaces, and freedom of operation.

For example, the Centre’s largest theatre features a ceiling that can be raised or lowered to change the space’s acoustics or even shrink the space for more intimate performances. These sorts of changeable spaces are essentially modular design taken to the next level. Multipurpose design was another crucial aspect of the centre. Mobile furnishings allow for occupants to rearrange and split up the space as needed, and open design ensures that the entire campus encourages multipurpose use. Finally, the design encourages occupant movement and flow, enhancing the flexible nature of the space.

From Visit Matsumoto: The open design of the Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre promotes flexibility and multipurpose use

Instead of being designed as one large static structure, the Centre was designed to be entirely modular in almost every respect. As a result, occupants can maximize their usage of the space. If different groups have different needs, the building can meet those needs without causing one group to compromise. This ability to dynamically respond to occupant needs is the chief benefit of flexible architecture, and architects are quickly embracing this unique approach to design.

Impressive Examples of Flexible Architecture

Ever since Kronenburg helped to turn the spotlight on flexible architecture, designers from around the world have been using the philosophy to create some amazing buildings. One of my favorites is the Serene House HCMC, a mixed-use development in Vietnam. Amazingly, it’s a prefabricated structure, and it features ample flexibility for occupants. Most of the furnishings are movable, and the design blends the inside and outside to encourage movement and a wide range of uses. It also implements biophilic design, which further improves the space.

From Inhabitat: The Serene House HCMC is a flexible prefab built for multipurpose use

In fact, it’s so flexible that it can be disassembled if needed: “We can easily break it up when our ten-year lease ends and move it to a new location for another serene house of our own.” This challenges the common notion of buildings as immovable structures and emphasizes the possibilities inherent in flexible architecture.

While flexible design is currently popular in residential spaces, it also has many promising implications for commercial environments, and some of these implications are already becoming realities. One notable example is the Babylon Beach Club, a Turkish restaurant that features a unique sliding wall system. The walls are retracted during the summer, and when colder weather arrives, the walls slide out to cover the dining area. This is a great case that demonstrates the power of flexible architecture, and the same idea can be applied to many spaces in all kinds of industries. This sort of technology could be used for mixed-use spaces, hotels, and even offices that have an outdoor component.

From Libart: This innovative sliding wall system provides seasonal flexibility

Conclusion

As the world changes and occupant needs evolve at an ever faster pace, the built environment must be designed with flexibility in mind. Architects and designers are challenged to meet and exceed these developing demands. Flexible architecture offers an effective solution to the challenges that face designers in this new era of the sharing, collaborative economy. By adopting an agile approach, they are creating truly innovative, configurable spaces that are fundamentally practical but pack a big wow.

Biophilia is one of the most important sources for inspiration in today’s interior design. Architects and designers are looking at design through a biophilic lens to create projects that will have positive long-term impact for the planet and for human health and wellness. Biophilic design creates beautiful spaces that literally make people happy but also spaces that will resonate well into the future.

While there are many ways to implement biophilic design, one popular choice is to use reclaimed wood. Starchitects to Start Architects see its many possibilities, and chances are you’ve seen it in all kinds of commercial environments. Here’s why biophilia and reclaimed wood are such a good pairing.

The Importance of Biophilia

At its core, biophilia is all about connecting humans to the natural world. It’s an increasingly important area of design because it solves many of the problems present in the built environment. Stuffy offices and enclosed retail space environments cut occupants off from nature, which can result in lowered performance and satisfaction. Biophilia’s answer to this problem is simple: incorporate more nature.

One of the most important tenets of biophilic design is the creation of beneficial, enjoyable spaces. We spend 90% of our day indoors, and if our indoor environments are harmful, that can lead to a host of issues. On the flip side, when indoor environments are designed for human health and well being, they become places people love to spend time in.

From Gensler: Biophilic spaces aren’t just healthy––they also create wonderful occupant experiences

So, how exactly should the built environment be designed for humans? In large part, it comes down to using nature as a guide especially when it comes to material selection. Engaging the senses is so important in biophilic design and materials play an enormous role here.

How Reclaimed Wood Achieves Biophilic Goals

Reclaimed wood is a powerful and versatile material. While a lot of designers and occupants love it for its appearance alone, reclaimed wood has many biophilic benefits. Clearly, it is a natural material and establishes an easy connection with the great outdoors. Depending on the species of wood and its patina, the wood can offer many levels of sensorial variability.

Terrapin Bright Green’s 14 patterns of biophilic design underscore the importance of material aesthetic. Since nature is multi-sensorial, biophilic building materials ought to similarly engage our spectrum of senses. Reclaimed wood is able to integrate many of the patterns because of its multifaceted nature. Its appearance, textures, and colors create a visual connection with nature, while its wear and patina make us aware of natural systems. Furthermore, the look of wood grain implements complexity and order into the built environment.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood, like the Mission Oak Red Flooring shown above, integrates several natural patterns into the built environment

Natural patterns and fractals are universally soothing. Patterns found in nature deeply affect and nurture us. Incorporating fractals into architecture results in lowered stress levels. Utilizing reclaimed wood in applications like flooring, paneling, tables and stairs are all ways to bring more natural pattern and fractals into design.

Central to the biophilia hypothesis is that people experience better health and happiness when closer to nature. Reclaimed wood has been shown to have many physical health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, slower heart rates, and reduced levels of stress. One fascinating study comes from the Journal of Wood Science. Fourteen participants sat in rooms with either steel or wood paneling, and the researchers found that the participants who viewed wood enjoyed decreased blood pressure. Meanwhile, the participants in steel-paneled rooms experienced significantly higher blood pressure. This landmark study was instrumental in highlighting the wellness benefits of wood.

The Human-Nature Bond in the Built Environment

One of the principles of biophilic design is to use nature as a vehicle to create an emotional connection between occupants and the built environment. Wood can help elicit emotion and feeling better than just about any other surface material. As humans, we are inherently drawn to wood. Wood can help make a geographic connection to a place or help convey a particular spirit of a space. When the wood is reclaimed, it further facilitates an emotional connection through it’s reclaim story and sustainability.

From TerraMai: The Center for Urban Waters in Tacoma, WA uses ample reclaimed Douglas Fir sourced from the Pacific Northwest in their facility

Reclaimed wood also mixes with other biophilic design elements. Ample daylight, greenery, and large windows with views of nature are all commonly used in biophilic design. When used in conjunction with these sorts of elements, reclaimed wood continues the natural design palette, bringing the fullness of nature into the built environment. The result is a refreshing atmosphere that works in any commercial space from a modern office to a relaxing hotel.

From TerraMai: Lost Coast Redwood Paneling frames a living wall at Crown Castle in this bright common area

Weathered reclaimed wood with a barn wood look like Lost Coast Paneling or Dark Horse may be considered as a bigger biophilic contributor because of the distressed patina. Weathered woods boast markings and signs of wear that are evocative of the natural world. This can be ideal for biophilic design but all wood brings a natural element to a space.

Using natural, non-toxic materials is also a vital part of good biophilic design. Reclaimed wood is an excellent green building material. Since reclaimed wood is salvaged from various sources, it keeps useful materials from needlessly being landfilled and eliminates the steps and energy needed to harvest and extract new, raw materials.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood paneling complements potted greenery and trees outside this Seattle Starbucks

Reclaimed wood is also a popular choice for spaces that don’t have immediate access to views of nature or excess daylight. It’s an easy way to add a biophilic touch to any design, and it works well no matter the location or type of space. Check out how it creates a natural feeling in the James Perse store pictured below. With no windows nearby, the wood warms and balances the space. This shows it’s completely possible to create an extremely natural look even in a landlocked space.

From TerraMai: This reclaimed white oak flooring works its magic even in an enclosed space

Reclaimed wood’s appeal is universal. It packs a biophilic punch, making spaces instantly healthier and more beautiful. Whether juxtaposed with vibrant plant life or all alone, reclaimed wood excels at bringing nature into the built environment. As you explore biophilic design, you absolutely should take a strong look at reclaimed wood.

Conclusion

Reclaimed wood isn’t just another building material; it’s a top material choice for biophilic design. Nothing says nature like wood, whether worn and weathered or clean and classic.  An eclectic look like Acacia Metro or a rustic wood like Dirty Face, still provide all the biophilic benefits that reclaimed wood brings.

We’d love to share our love of reclaimed wood with you. It’s sustainable and beautiful while being mentally and physically beneficial, making humans happier and healthier. If you’re curious about reclaimed wood, check out some of our articles or take a peek at the types of wood available.

Based on the news, it may feel sometimes like scientists are the only ones focused on mitigating climate change, but architects and designers hold enormous power and opportunity through design to create a better world. The built environment has a significant impact on the earth, and if left unchecked, buildings become sources of pollution, excess energy consumption, and even deforestation.

Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom. There is much positive work being done to ensure built spaces are better for the earth. One way is to use sustainable building materials. While many materials can emit carbon and other dangerous toxins into the environment, choosing green building materials can lower greenhouse gases and with low to no toxins, they are the go-to choice for sustainably-minded designers.

Many governments have ambitious goals in place resulting from the Paris Climate Agreement. Within those goals are policies aimed at new construction. Architecture 2030, a non-profit organization, is partnering with many organization in support of these policies. Through Architecture 2030, there are tools and resources available to designers focused on carbon neutral built environments.

The Effect of Building Materials

The numbers are astoundingly high. Buildings have a huge impact on the environment. According to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), buildings account for over a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions.

Obviously, normal building operations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, however, there’s more than just the finished building that impacts the environment. The manufacture, transport and creation of building materials produces heavy amounts of greenhouse gases. One of the most dangerous greenhouse gases is carbon, which is emitted by the production of materials like cement, iron, and steel. This effect is compounded when these materials are turned into buildings. The USGBC found that buildings produce 39 percent of all carbon emissions, and emission levels are only expected to grow.

It’s clear if the 2030 goal to design embodied and operational carbon out of new and renovated buildings is to be met, that traditional building materials are no longer a conscientious option going forward. That’s why green building materials with low/no embodied carbon have been on the rise. These materials produce little to no carbon or other greenhouse gases and are overall environmentally beneficial.

We’re already seeing the benefits thanks to initiatives like LEED in operational efficiencies. A 2014 study revealed that LEED Certified buildings contributed significantly lower levels of greenhouse gases due to their conservative treatment of water consumption, waste management, and transportation. The attention is now turning to the reduction of embodied carbon in the built environment.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the most popular sustainable building materials and the evidence behind them.

Reclaimed Wood

It’s no secret that we at TerraMai love reclaimed wood, and its eco-friendliness is one of the biggest reasons for our passion. When it comes to sustainable building materials, reclaimed wood is a leader. It’s sustainably and responsibly sourced, harming no living trees and using minimal energy consumption in the process.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood can be sustainably sourced from unused structures like this vintage building.

Reclaimed wood is also one of the best materials to use in order to reduce contributions to climate change. Wood naturally sequesters carbon. When wood paneling and flooring are chosen for homes and offices, large amounts of carbon can be stored reducing the emissions associated with the production of other materials. Several studies have confirmed that wood is a particularly beneficial material that produces much lower amounts of greenhouse gases than other traditional building materials. A study from the Journal of Forest Engineering analyzed the use of four building materials: wood, brick and tile, aluminum, and concrete. The study concluded that wood produced the least amount of carbon, with the other three materials emitting noticeably higher levels.

A later study in Forest Products Journal confirmed this fact but noted the importance of sustainability: “use of wood products can help to reduce contributions to GHGs in the atmosphere that increase the greenhouse effect, with the caveat that sustainable forestry continues to occur.” In other words, if new wood is used, there’s still the issue of cutting down living trees and producing the new wood.

Reclaimed wood avoids this problem entirely by repurposing existing wood, which in turn eliminates the processes that accompany the production of new wood. In addition, since reclaimed wood keeps forests intact, it allows those forests to act as natural carbon sinks, further reducing the amount of carbon in the environment. This is one of the biggest reasons why reclaimed wood is so highly sustainable, and it explains why the material is such a popular building material choice today.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood’s low carbon emissions make the material highly sought after by eco-friendly designers

Recycled Non-Wood Materials

Over the last several years, some serious progress has been made in the area of recycled material creation. Many traditional building materials, such as steel and tile, can be found in recycled form. The Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA) is one group that’s pushing for adoption of recycled and reused materials. While these materials initially had a negative impact due to their creation and production, reusing them is a great way to keep them out of the landfill and reduce their future impact on climate change.

From Inhabitat: This vibrant, biophilic cafe in Turkey uses recycled metal plates for its exterior

Many architects are getting creative with using various types of recycled materials. Plastic buckets, bottles, bedsprings, and ice cream containers have all been used for innovative projects that make for some head turning building facades. The very act of reusing materials helps to contribute to carbon emission reduction by extending the lifespan of existing materials while also preventing the harmful production of new materials.

From ArchDaily: The facade of the Bima Microlibrary in Indonesia was constructed from recycled ice cream containers

Rammed Earth

You might not think of the earth itself as a building material, but using compacted earth is an age-old construction technique that’s seeing a resurgence today. Rammed earth is a method of compacting soil in layers to create a surprisingly sturdy and completely organic building material. Naturally, rammed earth is a low carbon option that’s accessible, affordable, and entirely sustainable. Even stabilized rammed earth, which uses small amounts of cement or lime to fortify the soil, is a better alternative to using a material like cement for an entire project.

From WDM Architects: Rammed earth is a great low-carbon substitute for materials like cement

Conclusion

Climate change is an ongoing issue that we need to keep focusing on, and through design, the built environment can minimize its effects and work to prevent further greenhouse gas contribution. Using sustainable building materials is one way to lower carbon emissions. As more architects and designers specify sustainable materials, and with the guidance of organizations like Architecture 2030, Carbon Leadership Forum and Embodied Carbon Network, the built environment will continue to make great progress ––and we and the earth will all benefit.