Wood – THE natural product
Wood is not only one of the most widely used plant products, it is also a renewable raw material and one of the most stable element in the plant kingdom.
At 115,55 meters, the longest tree in the world – the coast redwood “Hyperion”
Trees are among the largest living creatures on our planet. Under favorable environmental conditions, they reach sizes that are hardly surpassed by any other living creature. The protective bark, their height growth and longer life expectancy are the reasons for these size records.
The charm of wood
6 very interesting facts about it
- Wood is the oldest building and material in the world.
- The oldest tree is called “Old Tjikko” and stands in Sweden. Its age is estimated at 9,500 year.
- Some types of oak are so heavy that they sink in water.
- The lightest wood is holly and the darkest in Europe is bog oak.
- Almost half of all felled trees worldwide are processed into paper.
- Wood consists of 50% carbon. This removes the CO2 from our air.
The forest knows no waste,
everything is recycled in one way or another.
Annual rings and growth phases
In spring, after the winter break, the light early wood appears. Then all nutrients are mobilized. This quickly creates a large-pored and soft wood. This means that water and minerals are transported more quickly from the roots to the tips of the leaves.
The darker and narrower-pored latewood serves primarily to strengthen the trunk. This is formed during the second growth phase.
The more favorable the climatic conditions are, the higher the growth potential and the wider the annual rings. The annual rings are created by the color differences between early and late wood.
W350 – from timber construction giant Sumitomo Forestry
Japanese timber construction giant Sumitomo Forestry is planning W350, a 350-metre (!!!) high wooden skyscraper in Tokyo’s Maronouchi business district. This new ecologically built business headquarters is due to be completed by 2041.
The wooden skyscraper will not only dominate the cityscape but will also be the tallest planned pioneer of a special construction method. While Tokyo is primarily known for giga-buildings made of steel and concrete, the W350 building complex will be a monument to sustainable and ecological timber construction. In addition to stores, offices, hotels and apartments are also planned for the building.
Age and appearance
The age and appearance of trees varies depending on the species, climatic conditions and environmental influences such as humidity and temperature.
Temperatures
A tree cannot thrive long-term at constant temperatures below 0°C or above 55°C.
Water balance
At temperatures below zero the water freezes and above 55°C the evaporation is too high, meaning the water balance can no longer be maintained efficiently.
Color variations
Color variations in grain and wood are possible as wood is a natural product. This gives each part its own character.
“I found far more answers in the woods than I ever did in the city.”
– Mary Davis
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