We’re exploring the roots of architecture – quite literally! This week we’re talking about wood, the ultimate resource for structures, buildings and interior design. Described as both the oldest and the newest material in the construction industry, wood is one of the most simple solutions to many architectural briefs. Timber is flexible, it is durable and if harvested properly, is a renewable resource and one that can effectively be treated against the elements (even fire!).
Perhaps the fact we’ve been building with wood since we moved out of the caves we once dwelled in, makes our connection with it stronger. The combination of modern, innovative technologies with the traditional techniques fiercely protected by those who build and work with wood, mean the timber construction industry is really one to watch evolve and expand. The versatility of timber can be observed across a whole range of build projects. Wood can be used in small scale to high rise, from low budget to luxury and from permanent to temporary structures.
The beauty of timber is it’s ability to evolve, adapt and merge with it’s surroundings. Wood weathers, but so does any material – and in a age where buildings are made quickly rather than for a long time, wood is often more appropriate than steel or concrete. In recent years, our expectations have been exceeded time and time again with innovative and inspirational design with wood. Let’s be honest about it, wood looks good. We’re seeing an increasing rise in the use of raw materials and exposed surfaces in interior design. The trend allowing for chipboard surfaces, exposed beams and carpets being ripped up to show those beautiful wooden floorboards. There is a natural allure to wood in design, it has an unrivaled purity and charm to it.
Introducing organic materials into a modern architectural design scheme satisfies our biophillic need to be connected with nature and the outdoors. The use of wood in interior design brings the outside in, a neutral yet warm material for any style or concept. We’ve use timber as a focal point in so many of our own design schemes – there is an aesthetic and elegance provided with wood that cannot be achieved with any other similar material.
Wood is flexible in both it’s use and it’s cost – it can be cheap, a low cost option without expensive labour or skill sets necessary but on the other hand with state-of-the-art CNC milling, routering and highly skilled wood-workmanship can provide high-end solutions to luxurious projects.
We’ve created a gallery of some of our favourite photos of timber in all it’s glory from some of our own projects. Enjoy!
