Wood Education

Does it really have to feel this bland? This drab? This dreary? If you’ve ever visited a healthcare facility, chances are you felt these thoughts.

The one type of environment that should feel the most calm and nurturing so often feels the opposite.

Thankfully, a miracle cure exists – Wood.

Wood has the unique ability to transform a space, making an otherwise cold, stark, even unhuman, environment feel warm and welcoming.

Studies show wood possess a near miraculous ability to calm the nervous system and settle the mind. The presence of wood in a space has been shown to help lower blood pressure and heart rates. Studies have also shown people report more positive psychological and emotional feelings of well-being in spaces that feature wood.

Most directly in this case – studies have shown patients recover more quickly in environments that feature wood and natural materials. (See below for citations and further reading.)

These wood benefits also extend to the classroom and the workplace – where students and workers perform better, and report feeling better, in spaces that employ wood.

The psychological and emotional design qualities of wood naturally translate to other sectors, such as retail and hospitality. Shoppers and guests who feel more welcome, at ease and overall better in a retail or hospitality space are shown to stay longer, spend more and leave with more positive brand associations. These positive brand associations then carry over to online shopping and reviews, long after a patron has left a space.

At the heart of all these wood health benefits is one core attribute – one elemental feature that is unquantifiable but also undeniable – wood is simply beautiful to the human eye.

Wood is also naturally noise dampening and warm to the touch, qualities that further appeal to the human senses and offer a welcome relief from the cold, clanging, harsh finishes typical of so many medical spaces.

The healing power of Beauty to the human mind and body is well established, yet somehow often ignored or shamefully disregarded.

While it’s easy to make sport of the sad state of healthcare design (bare vinyl floors, pharmaceutical-beige walls, steel surfaces and a Good Housekeeping magazine circa 1997 anyone?), the ramifications become profoundly serious when one considers the full scope of what transpires and can ultimately be at stake in these environments on a daily, hourly, basis.

This is where wood can make a real difference.

Thankfully, many architects and designers share this realization. TerraMai has had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of smart, thoughtful healthcare projects with firms like Perkins&Will, CollinsWoerman, Abramsom Architects, to highlight just a few.

These designers all took advantage of wood’s unique ability to infuse warmth and beauty into the healthcare environments they designed.

Medical environments can be the setting for some of the most stressful conditions imaginable (even unimaginable). It’s fair to say, people simply deserve to be in a space that feels warm and comforting when facing these life-altering challenges. Not just the patients, but also the patient’s family and loved ones, along with the doctors, nurses and staff who also grapple with extreme stress and traumatic circumstances in these environments.

When considered in this light, the true essence and power of architecture and design flash to the fore. The power of design to affect how we feel in a space is perhaps nowhere more apparent than in a healthcare setting. And wood, perhaps more than any other material, can positively affect how one feels in a space.

In a year that has forced a special spotlight on medical facilities, a new awareness of these environments has emerged. As designers rethink their approach and look to new projects, wood remains perhaps their most useful, effective, versatile – and beautiful – resource.

With all this considered, the unique power of wood as a miracle cure for stark, bleak healthcare environments is a saving remedy.

Matt Nichols, TerraMai VP of National Accounts – Western U.S.

Resources and further reading.

Zelenski, J. M. & Nisbet, E. K. Happiness and Feeling Connected: The Distinct Role of Nature Relatedness. Environment and Behaviour 46, 3–23. (2014).
Zhang, J. W., Howell, R. T. & Iyer, R. Engagement with natural beauty moderates the positive relation between connectedness with nature and psychological well-being. Journal of Environmental Psychology 38, 55–63. (2014).
Munir, M.T., Pailhories, H., Eveillard, M., Aviat, F., Lepelletier, D., Belloncle, C. and Federighi, M. Antimicrobial Characteristics of Untreated Wood: Towards a Hygienic Environment. Health, 11, 152-170. (2019).
Browning, W., Ryan, C. & Clancy, J. Patterns of Biophilic Design: Improving Health & Well‐being in the Built Environment. (2014).
Anme, T. et al. Behaviour Changes in Older Persons Caused by Using Wood Products in Assisted Living. Public Health Research 2, 106–109. (2012).
Wolf, K.L. “Trees in the small city retail business district: comparing resident and visitor perceptions.” Journal of Forestry 103, 390–395. (2005).
Pakarinen, T. “Success factors of wood as a furniture material.” Forest Prod J 49(9):79-85. 1999. As cited in Nyrud, Anders Q. and Bringslimark, Tina. “Is Interior Wood Use Psychologically Beneficial? A Review of Pyschological Responses Toward Wood.” Wood and Fiber Science V.42(2): 211. (2010).
Fell, D. R. “Wood in the Human Environment: Restorative Properties of Wood in the Built Indoor Environment.” University of British Columbia, Vancouver. (2010).
Health and Well-being: Building Green with Wood Module 6. 1–4 (reThink Wood, 2015).
Ohta, H. et al. Effects of redecoration of a hospital isolation room with natural materials on stress levels of denizens in cold season. Int J Biometeorol 52, 331–340. (2008).
Welker, C., Faiola, N., Davis, S., Maffatore, I. and Batt, C.A. Bacterial Retention and Cleanability of Plastic and Wood Cutting Boards with Commercial Food Service Maintenance Practices. Journal of Food Protection, 60, 407-413. (1997).
Wahlgren, K. A Look at Sustainable Harvesting in a Hardwood Forest. Wood Floor Business. (2005).
National Report on Sustainable Forests. United States Department of Agriculture | Utilization of Harvested Wood by the North American Forest Products Industry, Dovetail Partners, Inc. (2010).
Oswalt, S. & Smith, B. U.S. Forest Resource Facts and Historical Trends. United States Department of Agriculture. (2014).
Bringslimark, Tina. “Is Interior Wood Use Psychologically Beneficial? A Review of Pyschological Responses Toward Wood.” Wood and Fiber Science V.42(2): 211. (2010).
Tsunetsugu, Y., Miyazaki, Y. & Sato, H. Physiological effects in humans induced by the visual stimulation of room interiors with different wood quantities. Journal of Wood Science 53, 11–16. (2007).
Dementia and memory loss statistics. Available at: https://fightdementia.org.au/about-dementia-and-memory-loss/statistics. (2014).
Kelz C., Grote V., Moser M. “Interior wood use in classrooms reduces pupils’ stress levels.” Retrieved from http://proceedings.envpsych2011.eu/files/doc/342.pdf
Bergman, R., Gu, H., & Falk, R. “Using Reclaimed Lumber and Wood Flooring in Construction.” (2010).
Human Spaces. “The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace.” (2015).
Browning, B., Garvin, C., Fox, B., & Cook, R. “The Economics of Biophilia.” Terrapin Bright Green. (2012).
Toochi EC. Carbon sequestration: how much can forestry sequester CO2?. Forest Res Eng Int J. 2(3):148‒150. (2018).
Ulrich RS. “Aesthetic and affective response to natural environments.” Pages 85-126 in I Altman and JF Wohlwill, eds. Behavior and the natural environment. (1983).

Outside of the home, the classroom environment is where most children spend the majority of their time. K-12 education is a pivotal time in children’s development that helps them grow intellectually and socially. Since so many factors affect student achievement during this imperative period, having a holistic view of the educational experience is important.

The focus is often on teaching techniques and curriculum, but the physical building and school surroundings shouldn’t be ignored. More and more research is highlighting the impact that classroom design––specifically design materials––has on students. In this article, I’ll explore biophilic design in the educational sector and how reclaimed wood, in particular, can benefit students.

The Benefits of Biophilic Design in Education

Given the importance of a strong education system for student success and to our economic growth and ability to compete in the global economy, it is time to rethink the spaces that our children spend so much time in. In particular, we need to reimagine the classroom as a biophilic space since studies support the positive effect of biophilic design on education. Bringing nature and natural analogues like reclaimed wood into the learning environment makes the classroom more conducive to learning, which results in more productive students and teachers.

Currently, millions of students around the world are attending school in highly urban (and thus highly unnatural) environments. These conditions hinder a child’s development. That’s because biophilic tendencies have been observed in children under two years old. This observation proves the biophilia hypothesis, which states that humans have an innate desire to connect with nature. If children don’t have access to nature, their development will be stifled.

In regards to education, this is absolutely critical. Children spend so much time in classrooms, and if the classroom setting is unnatural and lacking in biophilia, student development and enjoyment will suffer. The questions this poses for designers are important. How can design impact the learning process? How can we ensure that students live up to their full potential? These ideas are crucial to the future of the educational sector.

The Power of Biophilic Design in Educational Spaces

The praises of biophilic design are now well-known in regards to the workplace, but using biophilia in the classroom yields similarly beneficial results. One study by researchers at Texas State University and Texas A&M University found that the presence of plants improves students’ learning experience, especially in spaces that lack other natural elements like exposure to sunlight or views of nature. Biophilic spaces clearly make for better learning environments.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed distressed wood flooring and paneling has a big impact on students, faculty and visitors at Central Washington University.

Biophilia drastically changes how students interact with the curriculum––and one another. The more biophilic a space is, the more interaction will take place. Basically, biophilic elements (like reclaimed wood) bring natural patterns and systems into the built environment. These patterns and systems activate the brain and help humans engage better within their immediate environment.

On an intrapersonal level, this means students will be more present, enhancing their ability to learn. Mahlum Architects is one firm that has seen this happen firsthand. They’ve seen immense benefits of wood in the classroom as a design firm that’s promoted the use of wood in the educational sector. Wilkes Elementary School on Washington’s Bainbridge Island is a beautiful example of their biophilic approach to Architecture & Design. There’s wood on virtually every surface throughout the school. The result is a highly biophilic environment that brings nature indoors and creates optimal learning conditions. It’s no surprise that the school has won many design awards and is highly rated by parents.

Interpersonally, this will facilitate improved social interaction between students. Biophilic design is closely associated with higher levels of interaction, and there’s a substantial body of research that details this. Researcher Alan Ewert looked at the effects of human interaction with the outdoors and found that people who participated in outdoor programs gained “improved cooperation, the ability to work in teams, avoidance of conflict, respect for others, leadership, and the capacity to make new friends.” In a K-12 environment, these effects can benefit children when they need it most and create an ideal balance of nature and nurture.

How Reclaimed Wood Scientifically Improves Schoolwork

From TerraMai: The Energy BioSciences Building at UC Berkeley features rich reclaimed teak ceilings

So how does reclaimed wood play into all of this? In short, reclaimed wood provides generous doses of biophilia, and this grants all of the benefits mentioned in this article. It’s why schools like Wilkes Elementary that implement lots of wood see such exceptional results.

Reclaimed wood just might be the most beneficial building material for educational settings. In numerous studies, wood has proven to be particularly effective at stress reduction. One such study analyzed the effect of interior wood use on students in an Austrian secondary school. Students who were placed in solid wood classrooms experienced lower heart rates and reduced levels of stress than students in classrooms without wood. Heart rate variability also increased in the wood classrooms, and high HRV is a sign of a healthy, resilient heart according to Harvard University. In that study, HRV decreased in the solid wood classrooms. The takeaway: wood is a boon to students’ heart health.

From TerraMai: Chartwell School uses reclaimed wood in the classroom for a better learning experience

Designers are realizing that the use of natural materials is critical to creating better learning environments. One goal, as expressed by NAC Architecture, is to blur the boundaries between the built environment inside and the natural world outside. Schools with biophilic design like Chartwell School (pictured above) or Manassas Park Elementary (pictured below) accomplish this goal beautifully. The textures and patterns available to students help to connect them with nature both visually and tactilely.

Additionally, architects are finding that reclaimed wood works well outside the classroom. Libraries, study areas, dormitories, and other on-campus facilities can all reap the rewards of reclaimed wood. In these spaces, reclaimed wood installations will help students work and study more effectively, whether individually or in groups. And since wood has been shown to increase social interaction and improve collaboration, it’s an excellent material choice for any space in which students are working together.

From TerraMai: The University of Michigan uses beautiful reclaimed teak paneling throughout its centrally located dormitory complex

An investment in biophilic school design has economic and social benefits. According to PRISM, biophilic design can not only increase the tax dollar value of a school but also provide social support for children: “Nature supplies social support for children as they interact with others. When children become engaged in nature, their neural mechanisms are allowed to rest and recover.” Again, stress reduction is vital here, as the adolescent brain has been demonstrated to be especially vulnerable to stress. Reducing stress when it affects children the most has developmental, social, and emotional benefits that cannot be overstated. Furthermore, these wide-ranging effects of improved childhood development should not be overlooked because these formative years influence an individual’s economic and social outcomes later in life.

Conclusion

With current studies showing that classrooms designed with biophilic elements improve test scores, support health, and increase learning rates, it is time to elicit these positive outcomes by placing more emphasis on classroom design. Architects and designers can reimagine the classroom using biophilic design as their compass. There is an incredible opportunity to have a profound impact on education and students’ daily lives. Using lots of green building materials like sustainable wood will provide students with an environment that will help them stay connected to nature throughout their development. Schools will be healthier and students will spend their days in more productive and happier spaces, sowing the seeds for future generations to reap.

Natural Patterns and Human Well-being: A Deep Connection

Nature has incredible patterns. Everywhere we turn in the natural world, these intricate patterns emerge, painting a complex tapestry that spans from the expansive spirals of distant galaxies to the delicate symmetry found in a leaf’s structure. These inherent patterns in nature are more than just visual marvels for us; they carry an essential bond to our human psyche. Humans are drawn to nature’s patterns, finding solace, inspiration, and balance within them. They serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the delicate equilibrium that sustains life.

Whether we’re taking a tranquil walk through a dense forest, observing the mesmerizing ripples in a pond, or simply admiring the elegant tessellations in honeycomb structures, people’s emotional and physiological responses are deeply intertwined with these natural designs. This connection is not merely aesthetic. Research shows nature’s patterns influence our well-being, reducing stress, fostering relaxation, and, ultimately, connecting us to the vast web of life that surrounds us.

Surrounding ourselves with these patterns can induce feelings of calm, reduce stress, and even stimulate cognitive functions. On the contrary, environments that lack these organic motifs can often leave us feeling disoriented, anxious, or overwhelmed. It’s as if our very DNA, a spiral pattern in itself, echoes the need to be in sync with the rhythms and patterns of the natural world.

Examples of Patterns in Nature

From the spirals of a nautilus shell to the symmetry of a butterfly’s wings, nature is a master artist. Everywhere we look, there are mesmerizing patterns that don’t just please our eyes, but also serve a purpose. These natural designs, each with its own unique function, play a vital role in the rhythm and balance of our ecosystem. Let’s dive in and explore examples of repeated patterns in nature:

• Symmetry: A pervasive pattern in nature, symmetry ensures balance and functionality. It’s seen in the face of many mammals, the petals of flowers, and even in the arrangement of leaves on a stem.
• Spirals: From the galaxies in the night sky to the DNA structure within us, spirals are omnipresent. On Earth, the sunflower head and the nautilus shell are testament to this mesmerizing pattern.
• Waves and Ripples: Beyond the obvious waves in oceans and lakes, this pattern can be seen in sand dunes, wind-blown grass, and even in certain rock formations shaped by erosion.
• Spots and Stripes: The animal kingdom showcases this pattern beautifully. The spotted coat of a leopard helps it camouflage, while the zebra’s stripes may play roles in confusing predators and managing body heat.
• Cracks: Often seen in dried landscapes, mud cracks, and tree barks, these patterns arise due to tension and drying.
• Tessellations: Honeycombs, with their hexagonal cells, and the scales of certain fish are classic examples of patterns made of repeated shapes fitting together without gaps.
• Branching: Nature uses branching for distribution, be it the veins in leaves, the structure of coral reefs, or river deltas.

Patterns in Nature: The Power of Fractals

Nature’s tapestry is vast, and while it boasts an array of patterns, one particular design holds a fascinating allure: fractals. These unique patterns, often seen in snowflakes, tree branches, fern shoots, and coastlines, have the special property of self-similarity, meaning they look similar at any scale. Whether you’re looking at the whole or just a tiny part, fractals keep revealing the same intricate details.

Nikos Salingaros, a luminary in the realms of architecture and mathematics, sees the significance of fractals as more than just aesthetic wonders. He believes that by echoing the mathematical properties observed in nature’s fractals, we can create human-made spaces that enhance well-being, boost productivity, and even aid in healing. The fundamental idea is that when our surroundings mirror the patterns we’re evolutionarily attuned to, we thrive.

In the grand scheme of nature’s patterns, fractals have a special place. Their endless repetition at different scales is not just a visual marvel but also hints at the deeper, inherently fractal essence of nature itself.

Richard Taylor, a physicist from the University of Oregon and another ardent advocate for fractals, believes there’s an intrinsic connection between our eyes and these unique patterns. “Our visual system seems inherently designed to understand fractals,” states Taylor. This understanding isn’t just intellectual; it’s physiological. There’s a harmonious resonance when the fractal structure of our eyes aligns with a viewed fractal image. When our surroundings lack these organic patterns, it subtly yet profoundly disturbs us, even if we’re not consciously aware of it.

The Human Brain: A Master of Pattern Recognition

For ages, scientists have delved into how our brains perceive and interact with patterns in nature. Our brains aren’t just good at recognizing patterns; they excel at it. Some research goes as far as to label pattern processing as “the essence of the evolved human brain.” It’s believed that our evolutionary prowess and progress hinge on our ability for Superior Pattern Processing (SPP). We’re so inclined towards spotting patterns that we often see them even in randomness.

The Healing Nature of Patterns

It’s not merely an academic fascination that patterns resonate with us; they also have therapeutic effects. For instance, patterns, particularly fractals, are known stress reducers. A study from 2006 revealed that integrating fractals into architectural designs can significantly reduce stress. In fact, simply observing fractals has shown to curtail stress by up to 60%. Another compelling piece of research highlighted the recuperative power of nature. Surgical patients with rooms offering views of nature had shorter hospital stays compared to those looking out on a mundane brick wall.

Nature’s patterns also have an undeniable visual appeal that’s immediately apparent to the viewer. This has a larger implication as well: that nature and its patterns are inherently beautiful. Indeed, people are drawn toward natural materials like wood in the built environment, as observed by A. Quincy Jones. The closer a constructed environment is to the natural world, the more enjoyable it will be, and patterns play a large role here.

Salingaros, of strong opinion that the way we shape our buildings will shape us, feels minimalist spaces void of nature make us uneasy. We must bring nature and its patterns into design. Designers can incorporate natural patterns into the built environment in many creative ways. People have an affinity for natural materials. Thus, to maximize the positive effect of pattern, it makes sense to use natural materials in the process. Materials can be the vehicle to provide pattern or the instrument to create them. Think wooden spiral staircase. The spiral shape is a reflection of nature and the wood, analogous of nature, provides its own natural patterns.

The patterns present in wood are especially beautiful. The size, type and arrangement of wood cells differ from one wood species to another, and this affects the appearance of the grain.Some wood species have very figured grain pattern while others are more refined, all of which can be presented differently depending on how the wood is sawn. Reclaimed wood that has been weathered or naturally distressed over time adds another level of character that can enrich the patterns found in wood.

Patterns of nature in wood table.

The Aesthetic Benefits of Nature’s Patterns

Natural patterns are universally beautiful. When we view the patterns found in wood ––whether it’s a complex fractal or a simple series of cracks ––we perceive beauty. The numerous wellness benefits that patterns can provide present amazing design opportunities.

Even in ancient times, humans grasped the power and attractiveness of patterns. Perhaps that’s why the ancient Pueblo people designed complex geometric structures even though they lacked a number system and alphabet. Patterns that occur in nature, like fractals and the Fibonacci sequence, are timeless and universal. In his book Patterns in Nature, author Philip Ball summed up the effect of patterns: “Natural patterns offer raw delights, but they also point to something deep.”

This focus on patterns has been instrumental to the rise of biophilic design. In the landmark report “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design,” Terrapin Bright Green put forth 14 central concepts that detailed the relationship between humans and biophilic architecture. One of those concepts is Biomorphic Forms & Patterns. A biomorphic pattern is simply a pattern found in nature or a pattern that simulates a natural pattern. As Terrapin puts it, “The objective of Biomorphic Forms & Patterns is to provide representational design elements within the built environment that allow users to make connections to nature.” One of the best (and easiest) ways to make that happen is to use natural materials, which is why reclaimed wood is so useful.

The Abundance of Patterns in Reclaimed Wood

From TerraMai: The patterns in this Reclaimed Red Oak are compelling and eye-catching

From TerraMai: This reclaimed redwood has wavy and spiraling figure pattern

From TerraMai: Mission Oak Vintage showcases arches and cathedral pattern, and displays occasional nail holes and checking from its prior life

No matter the type of wood, the abundance of patterns will have a positive effect on the viewer. The patina and weathering marks present in post-consumer reclaimed wood accentuate the natural patterns and add character.

Conclusion

Patterns make up a critical part of the natural world, and as humans, we’re meant to connect with these patterns on an innate, instinctive level. Knowing how beneficial patterns are, it makes perfect sense to build them into all aspects of design. In short, including patterns into the built environment––especially in the form of natural building materials like reclaimed wood––will optimize the design for the human brain. Occupants will be happier, more productive, and enjoy the overall experience more.

This year, there is a bevy of new, interesting design trends. Almost all of these trends have three things in common: biophilia, sustainability, and authenticity. These goals are what underlie some of the most popular design trends today, from reclaimed wood to net-zero energy usage.

Architects and designers are looking for new and innovative ways to create spaces that are healthier for humans and better for the environment. They are using design to intentionally create experiences. Some trends borrow on past artisanal methods that hearken back to another time.

One captivating design trend is an increased interest in shou sugi ban, a traditional Japanese technique of preserving wood by charring it. The resulting wood is a deep obsidian that’s strikingly rich, and it’s become more common in all kinds of commercial settings. As trendy as it may be right now, shou sugi ban is much more than just a design trend. I’d like to show you how an understanding of traditional shou sugi ban is paving the way for a new era of sustainability.

How Shou Sugi Ban Wood is Made

The practice of shou sugi ban dates back to the 18th century, although some more primitive examples of the technique have been used since at least 700 AD. At its core, shou sugi ban is a fire-based wood preservation method that was used for exterior siding. Traditionally, it’s only used with Japanese cedar, which reacts to the fire in a unique way to create the trademark charcoal look.

First, pieces of Japanese cedar are handpicked to ensure the resulting wood is both beautiful and high quality. Next, the wood is burned, blackening the wood itself and creating a layer of char. Traditionally, the Japanese cedar planks were bundled into triangular tubes to create a sort of chimney. The interior was lit for an intense exposure to fire and heat. After burning, the char is brushed off and the wood is oiled. The brushing method determines the final look. Today, many try to create shou sugi ban utilizing blow torches and other species of wood. If used properly, the shou sugi ban technique can preserve wood for years, which means little to no maintenance is required. If traditional methods and wood species are not utilized there can be issues with finish longevity and stability.

The process itself provides an insight into the popularity of shou sugi ban. Builders are constantly seeking out materials and methods of creating built environments that last. Having to renovate or update a space every few years is costly and consumes lots of energy. It’s much better for the environment (and design budgets) to develop spaces that are resilient. Since traditional shou sugi ban is durable and requires very little upkeep, it’s a good choice for architects and designers who prioritize lasting and durable siding materials.

That said, while shou sugi ban produces some beautifully unique and memorable woods, depending on the wood and process used, it may not be the most sustainable process. In practice, a deep burn must be achieved or the char on the wood can fall or flake off, dirtying floors or getting onto occupants’ clothing. Loss of the top charred layer not only can create a mess and diminish the look but with it go the functional benefits of shou sugi ban; the pest, fire and weatherproof properties. In an indoor environment, there are also some air quality concerns to consider. Thankfully, there is a convenient and elegant solution to these problems, allowing you to get the appealing looks of shou sugi ban with none of the disadvantages.

Faux Sugi Ban®: A Biophilic, Sustainable Alternative

Enter Faux Sugi Ban®, a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional shou sugi ban. This product line of reclaimed woods has been designed to look like shou sugi ban. Best of all, Faux Sugi Ban delivers on many levels with none of the risks or consequences that come with charring wood. It’s completely biophilic, sustainable and provides an authentic shou sugi ban look. There’s no char to flake off to make a mess, eliminating any air cleanliness concerns. Instead, our finish team has created the unique look using reclaimed wood to provide the charred, detailed look you’d expect from shou sugi ban.

Faux Sugi Ban has been carefully developed for interior and exterior use to mirror many of the benefits of shou sugi ban while keeping sustainability and biophilia in mind. We first select and source the best-reclaimed woods that will provide the shou sugi ban Gendai look, or burned and brushed once. Utilizing reclaimed wood in itself is a sustainable process. The ways in which we source reclaimed wood consume far less energy than traditional sourcing methods. Additionally, all of our woods used for Faux Sugi Ban are FSC-certified recycled.

Next, we use eco-friendly finishes to create a charred appearance on the surface of the wood. Since no flame is used, Faux Sugi Ban bears none of the health risks that are common with shou sugi ban wood. The final product is durable, attractive wood that brings the timeless look of shou sugi ban to contemporary commercial buildings.

How Faux Sugi Ban Benefits Commercial Spaces

The inspired aesthetic of shou sugi ban is perfect for biophilic design applications. Authentic shou sugi ban is biophilic on its own, but we find that using reclaimed wood as the base for Faux Sugi Ban makes the end product even more beneficial. Reclaimed wood is one of the best biophilic building materials, and it boasts additional advantages that don’t come with shou sugi ban.

First and foremost, Faux Sugi Ban is a safe way of incorporating sustainability into building design while delivering an authentic, artisanal look. Specifying reclaimed wood is a choice for reusing current resources, reducing energy consumption and preventing living trees from being unnecessarily cut down.

Conclusion

Ultimately, shou sugi ban’s appearance on the scene points to a love of craftsmanship and need for materials and practices that stand the test of time. Sustainability is of utmost importance in all areas of architecture and design nowadays. More builders are aiming to reduce their energy footprints and improve their impact on the environment while simultaneously implementing the cutting edge of design trends. Faux Sugi Ban is our effort to harmonize the latest trends with groundbreaking sustainable design. With a stunning appearance and a conscious heart, Faux Sugi Ban proves that almost any design trend can become sustainable with just a little work.

The crossroads of aesthetic and sustainable design objectives has always piqued my interest. Aesthetics are not limited by sustainability but it is interesting to view sustainable design as a way to achieve certain aesthetic objectives. Eco-friendly building design is mainstream thinking in the Architecture & Design world, and that juncture offers exciting opportunities to create breathtaking buildings. In this article, I’ll examine how reclaimed wood allows designers to realize their aim of creating beautifully green buildings for the twenty-first century.

How Reclaimed Wood Achieves Environmental Goals

To appreciate the ways in which reclaimed wood contributes to sustainable design, it’s important to review the tenets of sustainability. The Whole Building Design Guide’s site lists six fundamental principles of sustainable design: optimization of site potential, optimization of energy use, protection and conservation of water, optimization of building space and material use, enhancement of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and optimization of operational and maintenance practices.

Optimization of site potential refers to the relationship between a building and its location. Site selection, energy consumption, and renovation of old or historic buildings all fall under the umbrella of site potential. Conveniently, reclaimed wood can help any building maximize its site potential in many areas. A noteworthy use here is to decrease energy use, which is also the second key principle of sustainable design. According to the American Forest Foundation, wood improves energy efficiency. It even stores carbon, which can also increase IEQ. Reclaimed wood also boasts the distinct advantage of being sustainable throughout its lifecycle. Sourcing reclaimed wood uses much less energy and than new wood. Reclaimed wood contributes to geographic, historic, ecological and cultural connection to place based on its story, sourcing location and eco contribution.

Reclaimed wood also helps optimize building material use. The WBDG emphasizes focusing on long-term sustainability, especially when it comes to materials. Sourcing new wood as a Construction & Demolition (C&D) material requires considerable resource consumption and chemical production. On the other hand, the processes involved with reclaimed wood emit fewer toxins into the environment, save living trees, and prevent usable wood from being landfilled.

IEQ enhancement is yet another benefit of reclaimed wood. IEQ is defined as “the quality of a building’s environment in relation to the health and wellbeing of those who occupy space within it.” In other words, IEQ can be thought of as a reflection of a space’s biophilia. Reclaimed wood comes in handy here as well. IEQ is determined by a plethora of factors, many of which can be optimized by using reclaimed wood. For example, there are benefits like increased social interaction and productivity associated with reclaimed wood use and typically reclaimed wood is finished with products that have zero or low amounts of VOCs. Contaminant levels can be minimized by selecting reclaimed wood providers who are committed to using finishes, fill or adhesives with low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a result, occupants will be exposed to fewer contaminants, and their health and performance levels will be bolstered.

In short, reclaimed wood is an environmental win. That’s why Architecture & Design firms from all over the world use it extensively especially when working to achieve WELL, Living Building Challenge or LEED certification standards. From workspace floors to hotel walls, reclaimed wood provides builders with an easy route to more eco-friendly design. The work of A&D firms like Perkins+WIll, Roman & Williams, and CallisonRTKL further demonstrates that reclaimed wood is one of the most useful sustainable building materials. And it’s not just good for the earth; it’s also a flexible design tool.

Reclaimed Wood and Aesthetics

The study of aesthetics in architecture first began in ancient Rome with Vitruvius, and there’s still plenty of lively discussion happening today. While design aesthetics have been reimagined and challenged over the years, the same basic tenets remain. The three factors that Vitruvius mentioned––commodity, firmness, and delight––still comprise the backbone of design. Many modern aesthetic principles come from such influential architects and designers as Louis Sullivan, who famously posited that “form follows function” and Frank Lloyd Wright who modified Sullivan’s phrase to “form and function are one”.

The WBDG points out that successful aesthetics in architecture means utilizing an integrated approach, which should result in a space that “achieves useful, humane, and economical results, and…expresses those qualities regardless of style.” Reclaimed wood can realize all three of those goals and thus act as an agent of aesthetics. In Design and Aesthetics in Wood, architect A. Quincy Jones examined the reasons behind wood’s aesthetic popularity, noting that people think of spaces with wood as more habitable than spaces without. Wood is instantly familiar and can lend a sense of welcome to any built environment.

Recently, this concept of aesthetics has been pushed even further. Now, designers need to not only pay close attention to industry trends but also construct inspired environments that reflect their intended purpose as well as their natural surroundings. This is biophilic design in action. Biophilic design aims to create spaces that connect its occupants to nature and, in doing so, improve their health. Many Architecture & Design professionals have been using biophilia as a way to achieve aesthetic goals, and reclaimed wood is a widely used biophilic building material that engages occupants in many of the 14 patterns of biophilic design.

What’s so special about reclaimed wood is its ability to create an aesthetic that is at once natural and contemporary. It simultaneously reminds occupants of the environment and brings forth association with high-end architecture. Post consumer reclaimed wood reflects its age through its unique visual character that’s different with every piece, and in this way, reclaimed wood installations tell a story all their own. The distinct type of weathering that reclaimed wood undergoes and the natural patina it develops over time are beautiful in ways that virgin wood cannot match. Other methods of reclaim wood sourcing, like orchard salvage, industrial fall down or water reclaimed can allow for a clean aesthetic or a unique look.

From TerraMai: Reclaimed wood in the fitness center and commissary areas produces a pleasing aesthetic at Toyota’s North American HQ

Conclusion

It’s easy to see why reclaimed wood is a modern designer’s dream building material. It’s not only sustainable throughout its lifecycle but also capable of fostering a refined aesthetic. It’s become more important with the growth of biophilic design, and it will continue to be a vital part of Architecture & Design as a whole. When looking for materials that are both sustainable and visually pleasing, reclaimed wood delivers on both fronts.

Over the last several years, certain Architecture & Design trends have risen to prominence and are now widely used. How these trends interconnect is really interesting to me. Sustainability, modular design, minimalism, and biophilic design may seem disparate, but they all have one common thread: intentionality. All of these ideas promote a deliberate, purposeful design approach toward the built environment. To create a desired experience, design must be done with intention in mind.

That ethos is summed up by intentional environment, a holistic way of viewing intentionality in architecture. The idea is to give architects and designers a comprehensive framework that champions health and wellness, and it’s an exciting and innovative step forward in the world of A&D. Here’s why intentional environment is so important.

What Is Intentional Environment?

Intentional environment is the approach taken in the design process so that conditions will be created that will encourage and result in great work. Design and the resulting environment are absolutely connected. The physical environment will affect occupants emotionally and physically; how they feel, act and what they do and how they do it. When the consulting firm, aptly named Intentional Environment, opened its doors in 1997, they properly introduced their namesake term with the goal of creating healthier built environments. The company takes inspiration from myriad design and wellness principles, simultaneously utilizing concepts like sustainability and feng shui to optimize buildings for humans. Founders Damon and Cathy Coyne define intentional environment as building “healthy living and work spaces that support health, well-being and higher consciousness.”

Intentional environment can be more specifically defined by considering its various tenets. It prioritizes occupant wellness, conscious design, energy flow, stress reduction, and enhancement of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). In this way, intentional environment is similar to movements like biophilic design. Human health is a prime consideration during the building and design process, and harmony with nature is highly valued.

In practice, intentional environment integrates these many parts into one unified whole. An intentional environment feels good to be in and promotes mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Intentional environment can be broken down into three general constituents: purpose, sustainability, and biophilia.

The Importance of Purposive Design

Obviously intent is a crucial part of intentional environment, but what exactly does that look like? First, a built environment must be designed to increase human health. In other words, occupant wellness should be a thoroughly integrated focus rather than an afterthought. From the outset, everything from building materials to site layout should be viewed through the lens of human well-being. As Terrapin Bright Green’s Bill Browning puts it, “the real point of buildings is people.”

Second, an intentional environment needs to fully facilitate the kinds of activities and elicit the behaviors for which the space is constructed. The emphasis here is on holistic design. For instance, when collaboration is an important business objective, an office building should naturally allow for work and collaboration to happen anywhere within its boundaries. For a hotel, the design should foster rest and relaxation in every room. A retail store may aim to evoke a specific emotion or sensory experience in order to make customers more receptive to their brand. Gone are the days of limiting activities to specific spaces. Instead, designers are considering the purpose of a building and integrating that purpose into every part of the building.

An intentional environment, then, is a built environment that holistically supports human health and activities. Intentional environment architects employ an interwoven web of methodologies and philosophies to accomplish those goals, and sustainability and biophilia are two of the most common.

Sustainability in the Intentional Environment

Intentional environment deals with health and wellness first and foremost, and sustainability plays a large role here. Sustainable design not only benefits the earth but also helps to eliminate building toxins and create a cleaner space. This ultimately results in greater harmony with the earth and improved occupant health. Herein lies the premise behind Building Biology, one of the core concepts of intentional environment design. According to Intentional Environment, Building Biology “strives for methods and materials that create a supportive living environment in balance with nature.” This ensures that buildings nourish their inhabitants and maintain positive energy flow.

Building Biology is composed of 25 principles that moderate everything from site location to air quality. The principles break down into four categories: site and community design; building materials and design; natural and man-made electromagnetic radiation safety; and environmental protection, social responsibility, and energy efficiency. Each category relies on sustainable practices including net zero/net positive energy, preservation of natural resources, and use of green building materials like reclaimed wood.

In intentional environment architecture, sustainability is also applied to site-specific purpose that depends on location and natural surroundings. Architects and designers might think of ways to immediately benefit or protect the surrounding environment. Two excellent examples are rainwater systems that reduce runoff and buildings that are constructed without disturbing trees and vegetation. Safeguarding nature––when combined with other sustainability initiatives––allows a built environment to be conscious of its location, creating the foundation for Building Biology and intentional environment and fostering spaces that humans love to inhabit.

The Role of Biophilia in Intentional Environment

Biophilic design is the last piece of the puzzle that makes up the major aspects of intentional environment. As I mentioned earlier, the goals of intentional environment and biophilic design are identical: to encourage buildings that maximize human health. Specifically, biophilic design operates within intentional environment, using natural elements to realize the goals at which intentional environment aims.

Many of the issues that intentional environment addresses can be remedied using biophilic design. Air quality, which Building Biology prioritizes, can be enhanced with greenery (like potted plants and living walls) and natural ventilation solutions. Biophilia also has the power to foster positive energy in the space by improving mood and social interactions. Design materials from nature, like reclaimed wood, have been proven to do those very things. In addition, a careful balance of physiological and mental benefits is critical in creating the best possible environment.

Together, biophilic design and sustainable design can also reduce unwanted disturbances such as electropollution and geopathic stress. Intentional environment stresses congruence between a building and its location in order to encourage clarity and comfort, and such disturbances can skew that synthesis. Ideally, the combination of optimizing design for humans and mitigating problems produces InZones™, the name Intentional Environment gives to spaces that support and restore human energy and focus. While forms of this idea have long existed in design––private, isolated spaces for solo office work come to mind––InZones™ go above and beyond, providing areas that replenish and rejuvenate the body and mind.

Conclusion

Like biophilia and experiential design, intentional environment reflects the growing emphasis on human-first design within Architecture & Design. It’s a field of study that closely examines the relationship between a building and its occupants, namely insofar as a building’s energy and health affect human wellness. That connection is going to shape the future of A&D as we aim to construct buildings designed specifically to help people feel, work, and live better all day long.