FEATURED: AUGUST 2020
Thermally Modified Ash
Centuries ago, the Vikings learned to overcome natural wood’s shortcomings by treating it with fire. They discovered that burning the surface of cut wood made it more resistant to the effects of outdoor exposure. Consider this the first instance of wood’s thermal modification for fabrication purposes!
Thermal modification uses heat to remove organic compounds from the wood cells, so it will not absorb water, expand or contract. Because the wood is not absorbing chemicals to be treated, but rather removing moisture, the wood is lightweight. This alters the very structure of the wood, giving it extraordinary resistance to mold, rot, decay and insects.
The most important aspect of this wood however is that it does not contribute to clear cutting endangered tropical rainforests; it creates alternative solutions for sustainable use of wood in our living environment: in public spaces as well as in homes. Western Hemlock, Ash and Oak are common species of thermally engineered wood and are sourced from sustainable and renewable sources leaving the Rainforest out of the equation.