Architects learn about US hardwoods
3 December 2005More than 100 architects have learnt about US hardwoods in a seminar hosted by the Amercian Hardwood Export Council (AHEC).
The event, held at the Royal Institution of British Architects in London, saw AHEC European director David Venables highlight the need to use species such as American red oak, an underused wood in Europe.
Mr Venables showed how signature buildings across Europe were using US hardwoods, such as Renzo Piano's Rome Auditorium and Norman Foster's Sage Gateshead.
He also discussed the differences between European hardwoods and species unique to the US, such as black cherry, walnut, soft maple and red oak.
The seminar, chaired by author of Wood Architecture Ruth Slavid, also saw furniture designer Luke Hughes tell architects that the Forest Stewardship Council was not "the only show in town" with regard to timber certification.
Mr Hughes said an honest appraisal of forest resources and hardwood production in Europe and America should give confidence to specifiers requiring sustainability credentials.
