Reclaimed wood is a wonderful design option that’s lauded for its eco-friendly nature. It’s a popular green building material for a good number of reasons. It resolves many factors on a designer’s checklist but for some the question of availability is a concern- will there be enough for my project? Will it ever run out? In this article, I’ll take a look at how reclaimed wood is both created and sourced in order to answer those questions.

Where Reclaimed Wood Comes From

First, an understanding of what constitutes reclaimed wood will be helpful. Often, reclaimed wood is sourced from old structures. Vintage buildings such as factories, houses and barns are what usually comes to mind but fencing, gymnasium bleachers, bowling alley floors and bridges are also common sources of post-consumer reclaimed wood. These sources are post-consumer meaning they have been utilized for some time for a specified purpose by people, and are now at a stage where they are being removed or replaced. Other times, the wood is obtained from sources in which the wood would go to a landfill, a wood chipper or be burned. Reclaimed wood is a means of salvaging wood for a higher purpose, keeping valuable resources out of landfills and utilizing resources to offset the need to cut down new trees.

There are five major sources that TerraMai seeks for reclaiming wood: post-consumer, post-industrial, water reclamation, orchard salvage, and forest floor salvage. With each of these methods, we offset the need for generating products utilizing new resources. Instead, we find unused off-cuts and rejected wood and repurpose it into beautiful architecture.

Moreover, reclaimed wood can be found all over the world. Many planks of wood, like our Mission Oak and MC Walnut, are from the United States, but when it makes sense, we will source varieties from overseas as well. An excellent example is our Surfaced Long Plank Teak that comes from Southeast Asia. A wide variety of woods are able to be reclaimed from many locations but a number of factors must be considered when choosing woods from outside the U.S. For example, we have to weigh transportation impact or larger eco issues like finding an alternative tropical wood source to halt the demand for materials that negatively impact the rainforest. CO2 emissions for transporting goods via ocean freight at its worst is still less than transportation by truck at its best but the whole picture must be considered.

From TerraMai: We source our reclaimed teak from unused vintage structures in Southeast Asia like this one

Why Reclaimed Wood Isn’t Going Anywhere

Many people think that all reclaimed wood is decades or even centuries old, and this is largely why reclaimed wood might seem like a limited resource. While much reclaimed wood is old wood, some reclaimed wood is not. Many reclaimed wood sourcing methods are sustainable as in enduring and continual, which means reclaiming wood will remain as a valuable and lasting process. It has to do with the various sourcing methods.

As already mentioned, there is post-consumer reclaimed wood, which occurs when wood is reclaimed from sources where consumers have used the wood and that purpose of use is no longer viable. This reclaimed wood is often older since the buildings it’s sourced from are vintage and sometimes dilapidated. Some post-consumer wood results from processes that aren’t readily known. For example, shipping dunnage or wood that is used to hold cargo in place on rail and ocean voyages is also a post-consumer souce. As long as goods are transported, shipping dunnage will be needed. Often, the wood from post-consumer reclaim shows signs of aging, weathering, and use, giving the wood the trademark rustic or barn wood appearance and character like nail and bolt holes that’s commonly associated with reclaimed wood.

From TerraMai: Our Dirty Face wood is sourced from shipping dunnage, vintage barns, fencing, and other structures

This sourcing method will continue as long as there are structures slated for demolition and other sources like dunnage from which to reclaim the wood. Wood is still one of the most widely used building materials, so this method will continue to be practical. The reclaimed wood used today can be reclaimed and repurposed again. Longevity should be a factor in the material choice decision but at some point the wood chosen today can be reclaimed well into the future.

Another sourcing method that is on-going is post-industrial reclaimed wood. This is the result of scrap wood that is generated when wood products are created. For example, when furniture or items like wooden cutting boards are manufactured, there’s excess wood that ends up in a scrap pile. We reclaim it, diverting it from the landfill and giving it a new lease on life. This wood is salvaged new wood that is deemed as garbage. The resulting end-product can provide a very clean (for example, no nail holes) or eclectic aesthetic (for example, Acacia Metro).

Water reclamation is another relatively untapped source for reclaiming wood that is of very high value. With this method, wood is reclaimed from flooded reservoirs that were created decades ago for purposes of flood control, irrigation, drinking water and to generate hydroelectric power. There are standing trees that have been underwater for decades. The wood is still good and with processes now available to retrieve the wood, it is an ethical method to source tropical hardwoods that will not negatively impact the rainforest. There are a large number of these reservoirs in Central and South America, and Africa that remain untapped.

From TerraMai: Cumaru decking comes from the depths of Panama’s Lake Bayano

Orchard salvage isn’t often discussed, but it produces some hardy and beautiful woods. When old orchard trees are no longer producing they are replaced. The culled trees are either relegated to firewood or worse yet, landfilled. Considering that the oldest orchard in the U.S. dates all the way back to 1913, it’s safe to say that orchards are going to stick around for a while. The important thing is to build alliances with the orchard industry to divert this material to higher purpose use like flooring and paneling.

Finally, there’s forest floor salvage. This happens when trees are left behind as the result of timber cutting. Most companies leave behind smaller timber. Large volumes of wood left after a timber-cut delay regrowth, create fire hazards and can degrade water quality. Sometimes, this rejected wood is hauled away and turned into mulch. We believe it’s much better to reclaim this wood to allow it to meet its full potential. This is another method that will continue to be in use as long as the new wood is being cut down.

The Lasting Nature of Reclaimed Wood

Because wood can be reclaimed from so many sources, reclaimed wood will continue to be available as time goes on. These various sourcing methods provide variety of species and aesthetics to meet the many qualifying factors and demands of any design project. Quantity and quality are items not sacrificed when deciding whether or not to select reclaimed wood. We hope you see the upside to choosing reclaimed wood for your next project and will give it a look.

Ever wonder how the world’s best architects approach sustainable design? Their insight, perspective, and approach to tackling current and forthcoming challenges provide inspiration fuel for future building design projects.

Here are 6 sustainable design tips from leading A&D professionals. Through their work, they push us to have an expanded understanding of sustainable design.

Jean Nouvel: Think into the future

Jean Nouvel is unquestionably one of our time’s most impactful sustainable architects. The Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Philharmonie de Paris is widely renowned for his groundbreaking work in sustainable design. Projects like the futuristic One Central Park and the National Museum of Qatar showcase Nouvel’s knack for blending eco-friendliness with beautiful design.

Nouvel has always been an innovator, so it’s not surprising that his advice is similarly forward-looking. In a 2017 interview, Nouvel encouraged sustainable architects to think about how their design might adapt to long-term changes: “More than ever, sustainability is at stake…We live in a world of constant and profound transformation, so architects have to radically rethink the way we build. New expressions need to reflect new paradigms and the rise of technology. We have to project our ideas far into the future, they need to stand the test of time.”

From Ateliers Jean Nouvel: One Central Park embodies Nouvel’s consideration for long-term sustainability

Thankfully, many new and exciting sustainable resources and materials are being developed. From the widespread popularity of the LEED building standard to an increased availability of sustainable building materials, architects have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Still, Nouvel’s words ring true; the projects we build today need to be able to adapt to the challenges of tomorrow. Everything from the locally surrounding ecosystems to the durability of materials needs to be considered. What will the natural environment look like in 5, 10, or even 50 years? How can our buildings withstand those changes? These are the questions that must be asked in order to create buildings that stay relevant.

William McDonough: Treat nature as a model

To many A&D professionals, William McDonough is synonymous with sustainable design. This sustainability trailblazer earned the first EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award and a host of others, and he designed the acclaimed Ford Rouge plant, which still serves as a beacon of sustainability with an enormous living roof.

From Greenroofs: The Ford Rouge plant in Dearborn, MI boasts an approximately 454,000 square foot living roof

In 1992, McDonough created the Hannover Principles, a set of guidelines for sustainability. His eighth principle says: “Understand the limitations of design. No human creation lasts forever and design does not solve all problems. Those who create and plan should practice humility in the face of nature. Treat nature as a model and mentor, not as an inconvenience to be evaded or controlled.”

McDonough’s statement goes hand in hand with Nouvel’s. Since sustainable design ultimately draws inspiration from nature, it’s only natural that it should also emulate nature. When problems are encountered in the built environment, look to nature for potential solutions. Projects that work seamlessly with nature can give back to the surrounding environment. This approach has led to innovations like biomimicry and energy positive buildings that bring the built environment closer to nature than ever before.

Glenn Murcutt: Choose your materials mindfully

Glenn Murcutt is often called Australia’s most famous architect. The only Australian winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Murcutt is a vocal proponent of sustainability. A quick look at his projects reveals a studied balance between design and nature. (Check out the biophilic Australian Islamic Centre.) His guiding ethos: to “touch the earth lightly.”

From Architecture AU: The Murcutt-designed Australian Islamic Centre is a sustainable masterstroke

Material selection is a large part of that ethos. As Murcutt puts it, “It’s about: where did that material come from? What damage has been done to the land in the excavation of that material? How will it be returned to the Earth eventually, or can it be reused, can it be recycled, can it be put together in a way that can be pulled apart and changed and reused?” For Murcutt, touching the earth lightly means considering the environmental impact of every design choice, not the least of which is choosing the right building materials.

Sustainable designers have been following Murcutt’s lead and investing in green materials like reclaimed wood and recycled steel. It’s important to be able to determine a material’s impact, which is why from sourcing to processing, we continually scrutinize our processes so as to touch the earth as lightly as possible.

Rob Harrison: Water is the new energy

Rob Harrison of Harrison Architects describes what he does as “lyrical sustainable design.” As a Passive House consultant with 25 years of green design experience, Harrison combines his expertise with a passion for making beautiful spaces, and it shows in his portfolio.

In an interview with The Atlantic, he shared his thoughts on why energy is so important: “Now, it’s all about energy. Soon, finding ways to participate in the water cycle more intelligently will become even more important than demand-side conservation of energy. Water is the new energy.”

Hydropower is already a massive energy source, but it still has lots of room to grow. In the future, expect to see more architects using hydropower and other forms of clean energy.

Scott Ceasar: Keep occupant comfort in mind

Increasingly, sustainable designers are thinking about not only a project’s environmental impact but also its effects on occupants. While sustainable design aims to create more eco-friendly spaces, it must also optimize the built environment for occupants.

Scott Ceasar is one architect who deeply understands the symbiosis between sustainability and occupant enjoyment. Ceasar, a principal at Cosentini Associates, has helped to break sustainability through to the mainstream with projects like 4 Times Square.

Whereas some designers view sustainability and occupant comfort as separate issues, Ceasar says they go hand in hand. He considers how a space’s sustainable design will affect occupants: “We select systems that will go the farthest toward reducing energy usage and increasing occupant comfort.”

From Unique Workspaces: Ceasar’s sustainably designed 4 Times Square building shows how Ceasar designs for maximum occupant comfort

For Ceasar, occupant comfort is especially crucial in the workplace. “Basically, when the workspace is designed for occupant comfort, people are much more productive,” he said in an interview. “That hits the bottom line more than energy efficiency because companies spend 75 to 80 percent of their operating budgets on their employees.” That’s not to say that designers can’t have the best of both worlds; sustainably designed offices have been shown to improve productivity. The takeaway: sustainability and occupant comfort need to seamlessly mesh.

Amanda Sturgeon: Imitate nature as much as possible

Earlier I mentioned an area of design called biomimicry, and this approach of architecturally imitating nature is being practiced of the some of the world’s best designers. From insect-inspired pavilions to theaters that take inspiration from cave formations, the results of biomimicry are astounding.

International Living Future Institute CEO Amanda Sturgeon says that biomimicry is one of the keys to great sustainable design. To her, the “perfect building” is one that “is really acting as if nature would” and that “has to be a building that really deeply connects people to nature.” Architecturally, this means a building that operates in a closed loop system. In terms of design, biomimicry can be used to create that essential connection to nature.

From TerraMai: Google’s Quad Campus features an eye-catching multi-story reclaimed wood sculpture that exemplifies biomimicry

Imitating nature can be as simple as using wood to connect occupants with natural patterns or as complex as creating entire buildings that use nature-inspired structures. Utilizing biomimicry as a platform for creative inspiration will lead to more natural spaces that resonate with occupants and have a lasting impact.

Conclusion

Sustainable design continues to evolve with new technology and understanding. Architects and designers are thinking into the future and creating buildings based on a broader concept of sustainability; one that embraces more than improved energy performance. With building design having a profound impact on the environment, its occupants and the economy, A&Ds have a unique ability to impart real positive change.

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 cities are taking a closer look at their buildings. As green cities take sustainability to new heights, their leadership and willingness to share what is successful has influenced more and more cities to develop their own sustainability programs.

What Is a Green City?

From Eco-Business: In 2015, Singapore was among the top 10 most sustainable cities in the world

A green city is simply a city focused on sustainability. As Scientific American noted, green cities “lessen their environmental impacts by reducing waste, expanding recycling, lowering emissions, increasing housing density while expanding open space, and encouraging the development of sustainable local businesses.” These cities are taking the basic tenets of sustainable design and putting them into action throughout their boundaries. Lowered levels of pollution, greater energy conservation, and renewable energy sources are a few hallmarks of green cities.

Cities like Portland, San Francisco, Singapore, and Oslo are renowned for their high levels of sustainability. These cities have quickly and effectively implemented greenness into their local cultures, resulting in high percentages of residents who contribute to their hometown’s sustainability. For example, in 2014, San Francisco recycled 80 percent of its trash. Many green cities have also funded various energy-conserving resources and structures. In São Paulo, Brazil, thermoelectric power plants reduce methane emissions. The plants also produce clean energy and fulfill 7 percent of the city’s electricity demands.

In addition, many cities are going above and beyond typical sustainability measures. Oslo, for example, requires all municipality-built structures to be both zero-emission and energy positive, meaning that they generate energy while releasing no pollution into the atmosphere. These energy positive cities lessen their environmental burdens while completely sustaining their inhabitants.

From GB&D: Oslo’s buildings actually generate energy while staying emission-free

These cities’ superb environmental friendliness is due in large part to sustainability measures, but design is also proving to be a critical factor. Utilizing sustainable design for homes and skyscrapers alike, these cities are innovating with their approach to building new structures. In these green cities, built environments are rejuvenating for both occupants and the earth, and they look fantastic to boot.

The Innovation in Green Cities

From TerraMai: HOK Chicago’s sustainably designed office resides in one of the greenest cities in the U.S.

Chicago, affectionately known for its big city hustle with midwestern charm, now has even more to love about it. A study by CBRE and Maastricht University named the metropolis the cleanest city in the U.S. to work in. That’s because roughly 70 percent of Chicago’s office real estate has been certified for environmental efficiency through programs like LEED and EPA’s Energy Star.

Take a peek into some of Chicago’s offices, and you’ll see why the city earned such high praise for sustainability. Design firm HOK’s Chicago office is an excellent example. It was designed with sustainability in mind. Notably, the office earned LEED Platinum certification thanks to its use of natural building materials like reclaimed wood.

From TerraMai: HOK’s LEED Certified Chicago office

This focus on sustainable design is a noteworthy component of Chicago’s movement toward increasing environmental health. Moreover, in recent years, Chicago has taken large strides to become greener. The city reduced its carbon emissions by 7 percent from 2010 to 2015 and continues to make recycling easier for residents. However, this is all just the tip of the iceberg for Chicago; the city is aiming for 100% renewable energy use in all municipal buildings by 2025. That also means that city-funded buildings will be designed with sustainability at the core.

This emphasis on sustainable design is true for all green cities around the world. Homes with solar panels, public spaces with extensive recycling options, and even airports with runoff reduction systems can all be found in these cities. Sustainable design is an integral part of the landscape, and that shows in the super-green buildings that populate these cities.

Weaving Sustainability Into Design

From GB&D: The Boston Public Library incorporates many sustainable features into its design

As architects and designers address broader complex societal issues like sustainability, well-being and happiness, community engagement, and social equity, they enter into new territories to create striking and effective buildings that fill green cities. These green buildings are elegant solutions that are often highly biophilic. Since natural building materials tend to be environmentally friendly choices, they appear prominently in these structures. Reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and cross laminated timber are just a few green building materials that can be found in sustainable buildings.

The Boston Public Library is a stunning example of gorgeous sustainable design. Boston is widely acclaimed as a particularly green city, and its library is no exception. In 2016, architecture firm William Rawn Associates completed a series of renovations that enhanced the library’s sustainability. Natural and LED lighting replaced traditional, high-energy lighting; low-flow plumbing was installed; and energy-saving airflow systems were employed. The result is a building that looks good and does good, mitigating the amount of energy it consumes from the surrounding environment.

From GB&D: Natural light floods into this open space at the Boston Public Library

One reason building design is a priority for green cities is because traditional buildings are extremely taxing on the environment. Commercial buildings are usually the biggest contributor of carbon emissions for a city and account for 19% of total US energy use. However, by using sustainable design, buildings can reduce their energy consumption by as much as 80 percent. Building standards are joining the movement as well, with programs like LEED, Living Building Challenge and Passive House setting the bar for energy efficiency.

Many architects are thinking outside the box to come up with unusual and innovative methods to reduce a building’s energy use and overall footprint. Pictured below is One North, a mixed-use development in Portland (one of the greenest cities in the US) that’s a marvel of sustainability. Its curves, overhangs and apertures may seem merely cosmetic, but they actually maximize both sunlight and shade where each is needed, saving on energy costs by leveraging the power of nature. It’s this sort of forward-thinking sustainable design that ensures the goals set by green cities become realities.

From Construction Specifier: One North in Portland is a multi-use complex built to exceed sustainability standards

Between the Green Cities movement backed by Earth Day and the increasingly rigorous standards of sustainability programs like LEED, the world is quickly moving toward better sustainability in design. As more and more cities turn green, the environmental benefits of sustainability will be intensely magnified, and our world will become much cleaner and healthier.

Conclusion

The green city movement is the future of civic design. Today’s green cities have taken on a daunting task––to mitigate the effects of climate change––and they’re accomplishing that goal remarkably. Green building materials, waste reduction systems, and energy positive structures are becoming the new norm. It’s inspiring to think about how different cities will look in the next few decades.

Ipe decking is a popular trend in Architecture & Design. However, ipe carries with it several issues that make it a less than ideal choice for building projects. Namely, harvesting ipe contributes to deforestation, and due to the likelihood of illegal logging and forged documents, it is a risky purchase. You can read more about the problems with ipe here.

That raises the question: What should architects and designers do when they need durable, attractive decking? There are several sustainable alternatives that are highly resilient. Here are a few woods to consider using instead of ipe.

Where do the best Commercial Decking Woods Originate

Tropical hardwoods make for the best decking materials. 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 there is a downside, according to INTERPOL, Illegal logging accounts for 50-90% of all forestry activities in key producer tropical forests, such as those of the Amazon Basin, Central Africa and Southeast Asia, and 15-30% of all wood traded globally. Meaning, purchasing tropical hardwoods presents real ethical concerns and should only be done with careful consideration.

Reclaimed Teak Decking: A Strong and Beautiful Option

From TerraMai: Reclaimed Teak is a hardy wood that’s great for decking, flooring, or other applications that require resiliency

In particular, old-growth teak from Southeast Asia is globally renowned as the best teak in the world. It’s extremely robust and looks fantastic. Due to the decline in wild teak forests, teak is often classified as endangered or illegal to purchase. Purchasing reclaimed teak is one ethical method of obtaining old growth teak and its one of the best alternatives to ipe decking. At TerraMai, we reclaim teak from vintage buildings in Southeast Asia, and we work to ensure that the wood is milled locally when possible. Our reclaimed teak decking is also FSC Certified Recycled.

Using reclaimed teak helps preserve standing teak forests and gives these amazing woods another lifetime of use and appreciation. It’s an ideal option for architects and designers seeking a sustainable, durable wood. Another teak source is new, fast growing plantation teak but it does not compare in either looks or durability. Above all, reclaimed teak stands head and shoulders above ipe with regard to sustainability.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed Teak Decking at Imagination Playground in New York City

As far as functionality goes, teak can withstand a wide range of environments; it’s been used everywhere from the summery tropics to the arctic tundra. According to the Wood Database, teak is the gold standard for decay resistance. Teak also weathers extremely well and develops a grey patina as it ages. In terms of appearance, it often bears gold, copper, or tan hues with brown or silver grain highlights. The right teak can even visually resemble ipe if that’s something you desire.

From inVOYAGE: The wellness center at COMO Metropolitan Bangkok features teak decking that contributes to the biophilic atmosphere

Cumaru Decking: A Sustainable Ipe Lookalike

From TerraMai: Water Reclaimed Cumaru Decking

If going for a similar look to ipe, consider cumaru. The two woods are so similar that they’re often confused for one another. Like ipe, cumaru is a rich, vibrant wood with reddish brown tones. Cumaru is also durable and weathers well; it’s colloquially called Brazilian teak. Its high density and longevity make it one of the best woods to choose for decking or other intensive structural purposes. It ages almost identically to teak, gaining a grey patina over time if left unfinished.

Cumaru, like ipe, grows in the same Central and South American regions but cumaru can be sustainably sourced. TerraMai’s cumaru is water reclaimed from Lake Bayano in Panama, which has a unique history. It was one of the many lakes throughout Central America that was flooded decades ago for power generation, submerging vast amounts of tropical wood under water. TerraMai salvages the submerged wood, preventing the unnecessary harvesting of living trees and making use of otherwise forgotten timber.

A Final Note on Illegal Logging

Illegal logging destroys forests but it also causes other economic and social problems. Illegal logging pushes down the market price for timber, lowering prices by 7% to 16% according the  American Forest & Paper Association. Those following legal forest practices cannot compete and are incentivized to join in with other illegal loggers creating a vicious cycle.

There are social implications as well. Many small communities near the illegal logging locations are taken advantage of with human right violations being recorded. It may be tempting to purchase tropical hardwoods at a low price but one must be diligent when checking the chain of custody certification. Ipe and illegal logging are so intertwined, it’s possible that logging companies are transmitting inaccurate or outright false information to the FSC.

Conclusion

It’s clear that ipe decking is not an environmentally sound option. However, there are sustainably sourced woods that can be use in place of ipe. Reclaimed woods are especially beneficial and prevent unnecessary logging, preserving forests around the world. Reclaimed woods can also comply with many green building standards like LEED and WELL. When choosing a decking material that is optimized for both humans and nature, choose a sustainable option. TerraMai currently offers two reclaimed decking materials, teak and cumaru. Teaser Alert! We are working on sourcing a third reclaimed hardwood decking option. Look for more to come as we get closer to introducing this new option.

Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) wood is one of the world’s most unique woods, but many architects, designers and builders have been refusing to use it because it is difficult to source from environmentally sustainable operations.

It is a stunning exotic wood that’s ideal for decking, siding and other outdoor uses, but its alure has caused significant loss of rainforests. While the majority of architects and designers prioritize using responsibly sourced wood, many are unclear or have limited awareness of how to source this prized wood in a sustainable manner. If you are considering Ipe, please take a moment to become aware of the environmental pitfalls and sustainable solutions with regard to sourcing Ipe.

The Particulars of Ipe Wood

From TerraMai: Ipe wood is most commonly used for decking and other outdoor structures, such as the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Ipe, also called Brazilian Walnut or Lapacho, is a dense and resilient wood that comes from the forests of Central and South America. Like other tropical woods, Ipe bears some unique characteristics. It’s a particularly durable wood that weathers fantastically and looks beautiful. Ipe was used for Coney Island boardwalks and lasted 25 years with heavy traffic, including garbage trucks several times a week, before needing to be replaced. This longevity is why so many architects specify it and it also explains why Ipe is a popular choice for outdoor applications.

Ipe is a unique wood in many other aspects.  Ipe has a Class A fire rating, and its density means it won’t float in water. Because it is so dense and hard, it is also difficult to work, making sawing and nailing challenging. In commercial applications, Ipe may come into consideration when designers want an exterior material that will hold up to a lot of wear and tear.

The Sustainability Concerns of Sourcing Ipe

From Rainforest Alliance: While beautiful Ipe species are eye-catching with delicate trumpet-shaped flowers, it is known for its resistance to attacks by fungi and insects.

Although Ipe is a fantastic wood, there are several reasons why eco-minded designers may be turning away from it. Perhaps the largest issue is the lack of certainty of sustainable sourcing that comes with selecting Ipe. Mature trees only occur once every 7 to 25 acres. In order to harvest new wood from these mature trees, large portions of rainforest trees have to be cleared for roads, harvesting equipment, and the area around each tree, resulting in deforestation and timber waste. The cleared trees often have little to no commercial value and often go unused.

From World Resources Institute: Illegal logging is one of the many problems with ipe wood

Given that Ipe is so sought after, it comes as no surprise that it’s often illegally harvested. However, the problem is particularly pervasive with Ipe due to its tendency to fetch high prices in the market. To make matters worse, Brazilian loggers often work with corrupt officials to cut down more Ipe than is legal. This makes it difficult to ascertain the sustainability of new Ipe. Romulo Batista of Greenpeace Brazil emphasized this fact: “It is safe to say that it is almost impossible to guarantee if new timber from the Brazilian Amazon can be assumed to have originated from legal operations.”

The Current State of Ipe (And What to Do About It)

For the environmentally conscious architect or designer, avoiding new Ipe is a must. Moreover, it’s important to spread the knowledge about how Ipe is sourced so that other professionals can make informed decisions. Thankfully, water reclaimed wood can be a perfect solution.

From TerraMai: Water Reclaimed Ipe is the most environmentally sustainable source for this highly prized wood.

Vast expanses of forest have been submerged in reservoirs in the construction of hydroelectric dams. These forests are perfectly preserved with standing dead trees still rooted to the ground. Expert divers cut the timber and haul it to shore, using less energy than typical logging equipment and trucks. Because the Ipe trees are easily accessible by water, vast expanses of forest do not need to be cut down, saving enormous amounts of energy without further deforestation.

Conclusion

Today’s architects and designers aim to create buildings that are not only beautiful but also environmentally sustainable. Ipe has many tremendous properties, such as superb weatherability, insect and fungi resistance, a Class A fire rating, and extreme durability. As a result, installations last longer than nearly any other material. Because new Ipe requires the clearing of acres of other trees that end up unused, it’s far from a sustainable or eco-friendly option. This glaring disadvantage is only magnified by the fact that Ipe is often illegally logged. The only environmentally viable source is Water Reclaimed Ipe. No living trees are cut down, and the energy required to harvest is significantly reduced.