Features
New report demonstrates the sustainability of American hardwoods
AHEC’s approach is shown to go beyond existing forest certification systems and is much wider in scope than most timber procurement policies
Hospitality at its finest
The world is travelling like never before, and the global hospitality and tourism industries seek to appeal to the modern traveller. Besides having a focus on top-notch service standards, an increasing number of hoteliers around the world also look to blend the use of sustainable materials and impeccable design to gain a competitive marketing advantage.
In this issue of Wood in Architecture, we take a closer look at five hotels that utilise wood as a medium to create a warm welcoming ambience, provide guests with photo opportunities at every corner, and at the same time reduce the carbon footprint.
Besides the clever use of wood in both façade and interior designs, these projects also take into consideration the history, customs and landscapes of their surroundings. Many designers see the need to have the built environment complement the natural one, further enhancing the qualities and properties of timber as a material of choice.
Biophilic design: reconnecting human and nature
According to Harvard biologist, Edward O. Wilson, biophilia is “an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world”. Many architects and designers today incorporate natural elements into their projects, and Amsterdam-based studio GG-loop achieved a stunning result in the design of Freebooter.
