
10 great examples of Japanese burnt wood siding (Shou Sugi Ban)
If you’re looking for a siding material that creates a distinctive texture but one that’s also visually striking and adds a unique character to the exterior, look no further than Japanese burnt wood siding, also known as Shou Sugi Ban.
06.29.2023

What is Shou Sugi Ban?
Shou Sugi Ban has been around for hundreds of years and has a long history in Japan. The technique—which includes burning the surface of the wood to create a layer of char that protects it from weathering, insects, and rot—originated in the 18th century to help preserve cedar siding on traditional Japanese homes and temples.
Shou Sugi Ban then gained popularity worldwide, with designers, architects, and homeowners using charred Accoya wood for various applications. Its durability, sustainability, and unique appearance make it a sought-after material for modern residential and commercial design projects.
Here are 10 stunning examples to inspire you if you consider installing for your Shou Sugi Ban house or other projects.

Modern touches meet sustainability
For this ultra-modern home, Shou Sugi Ban is aesthetically beautiful, and the dark finish also achieves a striking, standout appeal. Utilizing charring as a surface treatment is a natural, sustainable, non-toxic alternative to treated wood that harms people and the environment.

Beautiful and energy efficient
This Passive House in Utah is not only sustainable and energy efficient, the gorgeous exterior is wrapped in charred Accoya wood, fitting the eco-conscious theme—but is designed to last, providing stability throughout the seasonal changes in Utah.

Chicago two-tone
This simple two-story home in Chicago used two shades of charred Accoya wood. The base is concrete, while the upper levels used an Accoya wood façade system in two different shades – grey and black. The façade mirrors the internal arrangement of the two floors. Not so simple anymore!

Swimming in design
Sometimes a pool house is just a pool house, but in this case, the homeowner went deep and chose Accoya Barnwood Siding in Delta Black by Delta Millworks. The result is a modern, beautiful structure that will delight the homeowners to enjoy during the summer and show off at future pool parties.

Going coastal
Accoya’s MATSU (from the Japanese term ‘pine tree’), by reSAWN Timber Co., provided a burnt look on the outer facing side of the tongue and groove cladding but also extreme durability, exterior weathering capabilities, FSC®-certification, exterior warranty, and the hardiness of Accoya for those brutal coastal conditions.

Unique and Striking with Accoya
Manufactured by reSAWN TIMBER Co., Accoya was used to bring a unique and striking look to this private residence. A specific range of Accoya wood, MATSU Shou Sugi Ban, was selected for the project. This charred cladding is burnt on the visible side only and then sealed on its face and back.

Slatted for luxury
A deep gray, slatted Accoya wood covers the exterior, while charred, stained, sealed, and deep gray, slatted Accoya wood siding by reSAWN Timber Co. enhances the roofscape’s dynamic edges and arcs. Accoya was chosen for its durability, low maintenance, and distinctly contemporary appearance.

Not your grandfather’s garage
This striking facade for this homeowner’s garage is made from Accoya wood but was left uncoated to reveal the natural light coloring of Accoya. In complete contrast, the garage itself was clad using charred Accoya. The two varying finishes complement each other well and show just how versatile Accoya is.

Not just for homes
Who says fire stations have to be drab, concrete affairs?
This fire station in Aspen used Accoya Smooth Coastline by Delta Millworks, which provides splashes and accents to break up the fire station’s exteriors.

Ready for its close up
Last is an up-close look at one of our Shou Sugi Ban—Accoya Deep Char, by Pioneer Millworks. An additional feature of Accoya’s Shou Sugi Ban wood is that the grain is emphasized much more than any other timber due to how well the process chars our wood—and is offered in various colors.
Whether you call it Japanese burnt wood siding or Shou Sugi Ban, you’ll be impressed by Accoya’s aesthetically pleasing looks, sustainable and long-lasting method of wood preservation, and charred layer highly resistant to moisture, UV rays, and fire.
An additional feature of Accoya is that our grain is emphasized much more than any other timber due to how well the process chars Accoya. The process makes it an attractive timber for exterior siding and even internal feature walls.





10 great examples of Japanese burnt wood siding (Shou Sugi Ban)
If you’re looking for a siding material that creates a distinctive texture but one that’s also visually striking and adds a unique character to the exterior, look no further than Japanese burnt wood siding, also known as Shou Sugi Ban.
03.20.2023

What is Shou Sugi Ban?
Shou Sugi Ban has been around for hundreds of years and has a long history in Japan. The technique—which includes burning the surface of the wood to create a layer of char that protects it from weathering, insects, and rot—originated in the 18th century to help preserve cedar siding on traditional Japanese homes and temples.
Shou Sugi Ban then gained popularity worldwide, with designers, architects, and homeowners using charred Accoya wood for various applications. Its durability, sustainability, and unique appearance make it a sought-after material for modern residential and commercial design projects.
Here are 10 stunning examples to inspire you if you consider installing for your Shou Sugi Ban house or other projects.

Modern touches meet sustainability
For this ultra-modern home, Shou Sugi Ban is aesthetically beautiful, and the dark finish also achieves a striking, standout appeal. Utilizing charring as a surface treatment is a natural, sustainable, non-toxic alternative to treated wood that harms people and the environment.

Beautiful and energy efficient
This Passive House in Utah is not only sustainable and energy efficient, the gorgeous exterior is wrapped in charred Accoya wood, fitting the eco-conscious theme—but is designed to last, providing stability throughout the seasonal changes in Utah.

Chicago two-tone
This simple two-story home in Chicago used two shades of charred Accoya wood. The base is concrete, while the upper levels used an Accoya wood façade system in two different shades – grey and black. The façade mirrors the internal arrangement of the two floors. Not so simple anymore!

Swimming in design
Sometimes a pool house is just a pool house, but in this case, the homeowner went deep and chose Accoya Barnwood Siding in Delta Black by Delta Millworks. The result is a modern, beautiful structure that will delight the homeowners to enjoy during the summer and show off at future pool parties.
2023 Design Trends
Design trends come and go, but the staying value of core house color design doesn’t stray too far from keeping it neutral. Homeowners can complement house color design with mixed materials to achieve their desired design goals.
The total value of remodeling projects in 2023 is expected to be nearly $450 billion, says the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. So, whether a homeowner is remodeling or building a new custom home, they want home design styles and products to match their vision. In an era emphasizing durability, sustainability, wellness, and less maintenance, products that last and perform will gain in usage and popularity.

Decks That Impress: 4 Reasons to Choose Real Wood Decking by HOUZZ
Looking to refresh your outdoor area? Find out why a natural wood deck is the best place to start
10.10.2022

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor space, it’s hard to beat a beautiful deck. If you’re considering one, you’ve got some decisions to make since decks come in all sizes, shapes and materials. Whether you’re looking to extend your living space with a back deck, enhance the lounge area around your pool, add a roof deck for relaxing or install a durable dock, here are four compelling reasons to opt for real wood as your decking material.

1. Natural Beauty
For warmth and natural appeal, nothing compares with real wood as a decking material. With its beautiful texture and rich tones, wood’s authentic look oozes rustic charm and instantly elevates your outdoor entertaining space. What’s even better? If you’re after a more modern, on-trend look, you can reap the benefits of real wood with an extra touch of style thanks to pre-greyed decking boards.
Real wood is practical as well. It’s incredibly durable and able to stand up to the elements, regardless of the climate. And it feels wonderful to walk on, being warmer underfoot in winter and cooler in summer than other outdoor materials such as concrete, pavers and composite decking. Not only that, but the right wood is resistant to cracks and splinters, so it’s barefoot-friendly and still feels smooth over time.
Love the idea of real wood decking but concerned about the upkeep? You needn’t be — there are innovative new products on the market that give you all the beauty of real wood with none of the drawbacks. High-performance acetylated wood decking, which is made from quick-growing, responsibly sourced pine, boasts the good looks of tropical hardwood in a rot- and crack-resistant material that requires practically zero maintenance.

2. Stands Up to Its Surroundings
Whether you’re building a pool deck, a rooftop deck or a dock, real wood can be a durable choice, effective against rot and decay even when in contact with water. But it’s important to select the right type of wood: Pine and western red cedar are popular choices for wet areas like poolside areas and hot tubs. However, untreated wood can splinter (not ideal for those barefoot summer days by the water) and require regular upkeep to maintain its appearance.
Acetylated wood, on the other hand, is an extremely hard-wearing and easy-care alternative. It doesn’t require any coating and it resists rot, splintering and insect attacks, even in water. And unlike many other types of wood, it offers exceptional dimensional stability, which means the boards won’t visibly shrink or swell when subjected to rain, sun, heat and cold, so they’ll retain their smooth, tailored appearance for decades. Acetylated wood outlasts many other types of wood by decades, with manufacturers providing a 25-year in-ground or freshwater warranty and a 50-year above-ground warranty.

3. Ages Beautifully
Unlike synthetic decking materials, genuine wood decking ages gracefully over time, acquiring a beautiful silvery grey patina that adds style and depth to your outdoor area. If you’d prefer not to wait around for the natural aging process to occur, you can purchase pre-greyed decking boards that are dyed all the way through from the surface to the core. Because of the sophisticated non-toxic dyeing process, there’s no need for repeated painting or recoating to maintain the wood’s good looks. The grey color remains long-term, with no need for re-oiling. (It also means that scratches and scrapes won’t be visible.)
Pre-greyed wood decking is an increasingly popular choice for designers and homeowners who are drawn to its sophisticated look and feel and the fact that it allows for a seamless connection with concrete or grey-tiled interior floors. Grey wood also sits beautifully alongside other popular exterior materials such as brick, slate and stone to create a warm and appealing outdoor palette.

4. Sustainably Sourced
Responsibly sourced and manufactured wood decking is an environmentally friendly material so it’s better for the health of your family and Earth. If you’re interested in going green, look for real wood with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for proof of sustainability. You’ll also want to check that it has been manufactured cleanly, without the use of toxic chemicals. One indication? Cradle to Cradle Gold (C2C Gold) certification, a globally recognized measure of a safer, more sustainable product.
More: To discover Accoya’s selection of high-performance, real wood decking options, visit the company’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.

Predictions for Sustainable Building in 2022
What will characterize our sustainable cities of the future?
01.10.2022
In 2020, at 149 exajoules (or 149 quintillion joules), energy consumption for the construction and operation of buildings totaled 36 percent of global energy demand. Down from a peak of 150 exajoules in 2019, it is likely that pandemic lockdowns played a part in this reduction. Now, at a time when the world seems to have stood still for so long, we are beginning to allow ourselves to look forward and ponder on the shape of our future, and the general consensus is that this will begin with growth. As economies emerge from the pandemic, most believe that construction output will return to pre-COVID levels over the next year, and we have an opportunity to ensure that growth is sustainable. Below are our four key predictions for how this might look.

Sustainable Building Materials
Actively guiding the construction industry towards a more sustainable path will not only ensure compliance with tightening green regulations, but improve brand image in an era where sustainability is king. A key consideration is reduction of waste and a more carefully considered stance on the materials we are using. Given that 11% of the energy and process-related carbon dioxide emissions from the buildings and construction sector in 2018 stemmed from manufacturing materials such as steel, cement, and glass, it makes sense to consider a move towards an altogether more eco-friendly choice: wood.
An inherent part of the natural environment, bringing sustainably sourced wood into our built environment champions nature and its fundamental biodegradability, allowing us to balance the need to provide for a growing population with the need to ensure the climate resilience of its future. In fact, the global green building materials market size is expected to have reached USD 364.6 billion by 2022. Of course, in this we must also step away from treating these materials with toxic paints and finishes, ensuring that they are truly biodegradable, and can safely be returned to nature at the end of their life.

Lifelong Wellbeing
Considering the return of wood to nature leads us on to the next key prediction, lifelong wellbeing. We must now be mindful of the entire lifecycle of the materials and building process and, beyond this, the health and wellbeing of those that work on and live in the buildings we erect. The World Green Building Council’s Six Principles for a Healthy, Sustainable Built Environment underlines the importance of the relationship between sustainable development and human wellbeing, detailing how harmony with nature and climate change action is linked to social values, including the health of construction workers. Buildings made of wood have seen not only construction time, effort, and waste reduced by as much as 90%, but have had a positive impact on construction workers, whose exposure to the dust and toxic fumes of a regular building site is drastically lowered. Furthermore, wood buildings continue to have a positive impact on people throughout their lives as wood surfaces have been found to lower stress levels, improve attention and focus, and increase creativity. With the difficulty of the preceding two years, a movement towards design that benefits wellbeing is likely to be at the forefront of many minds.

Biophilic Design
Fundamental to development that centers itself upon wellbeing, is biophilic design. Biophilia, the human tendency to interact and be close to nature, is increasingly being integrated into architecture as we recognize the health benefits that come from a connectedness with the natural world. In fact, in the World Green Building Council’s principles mentioned above, biophilic design is a key tenet of ‘Harmony with Nature’. Not only can we achieve this through the use of wood, which is seen to bring a number of health benefits in itself, but through expanding this by bringing green in.

Net Zero Is Not Enough – Positive Is The New Neutral
Our final prediction is that net zero emission targets will no longer cut the mustard. With several governments and large companies committing to net zero targets, reducing emissions is a global target. However, with increasing pressure from those who recognize this may no longer be enough, we believe there will be a push towards climate positivity: removing more greenhouses gases from the atmosphere than are released. In an industry that is responsible for a large portion of global emissions, we think companies have started to notice the scale of the positive impact we could have if we pushed for these more ambitious targets.

How Does Accoya Align With These Predictions?
At Accoya, sustainability has always been at the heart of what we do. Our products are made out of FSC certified timber grown in well-managed forests that protect the surrounding natural biodiversity. Modified through a process of acetylation, which does nothing more than alter than existing natural compounds of the wood, it becomes more durable, stable, and better performing without the addition of a single toxic chemical. This ensures that not only is its life lengthened, but when this eventually comes to an end, the timber is completely biodegradable or recyclable. As if this wasn’t enough, by the end of their life Accoya timber windows and doors will have helped to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. That’s right, they’re climate positive. So, while sustainable materials, lifelong wellbeing, biophilic design, and climate positivity are set to be the four new sustainable building trends of 2022, we hope that by fulfilling every one of these, Accoya becomes the fifth.
References
2021 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction – Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction & United Nations Environment Program
2019 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction – Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction & United Nations Environment Program
https://www.thestablecompany.com/blog/8-ways-timber-can-benefit-our-health-the-research
https://worldgbc.org/health-framework
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-green-building-materials-market
https://www.glenigan.com/construction-output-predicted-to-return-to-pre-covid-levels-by-2022/
https://www.thestablecompany.com/blog/8-ways-timber-can-benefit-our-health-the-research

Decks That Impress: 4 Reasons to Choose Real Wood Decking by HOUZZ
Looking to refresh your outdoor area? Find out why a natural wood deck is the best place to start
12.20.2021

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor space, it’s hard to beat a beautiful deck. If you’re considering one, you’ve got some decisions to make since decks come in all sizes, shapes and materials. Whether you’re looking to extend your living space with a back deck, enhance the lounge area around your pool, add a roof deck for relaxing or install a durable dock, here are four compelling reasons to opt for real wood as your decking material.

1. Natural Beauty
For warmth and natural appeal, nothing compares with real wood as a decking material. With its beautiful texture and rich tones, wood’s authentic look oozes rustic charm and instantly elevates your outdoor entertaining space. What’s even better? If you’re after a more modern, on-trend look, you can reap the benefits of real wood with an extra touch of style thanks to pre-greyed decking boards.
Real wood is practical as well. It’s incredibly durable and able to stand up to the elements, regardless of the climate. And it feels wonderful to walk on, being warmer underfoot in winter and cooler in summer than other outdoor materials such as concrete, pavers and composite decking. Not only that, but the right wood is resistant to cracks and splinters, so it’s barefoot-friendly and still feels smooth over time.
Love the idea of real wood decking but concerned about the upkeep? You needn’t be — there are innovative new products on the market that give you all the beauty of real wood with none of the drawbacks. High-performance acetylated wood decking, which is made from quick-growing, responsibly sourced pine, boasts the good looks of tropical hardwood in a rot- and crack-resistant material that requires practically zero maintenance.

2. Stands Up to Its Surroundings
Whether you’re building a pool deck, a rooftop deck or a dock, real wood can be a durable choice, effective against rot and decay even when in contact with water. But it’s important to select the right type of wood: Pine and western red cedar are popular choices for wet areas like poolside areas and hot tubs. However, untreated wood can splinter (not ideal for those barefoot summer days by the water) and require regular upkeep to maintain its appearance.
Acetylated wood, on the other hand, is an extremely hard-wearing and easy-care alternative. It doesn’t require any coating and it resists rot, splintering and insect attacks, even in water. And unlike many other types of wood, it offers exceptional dimensional stability, which means the boards won’t visibly shrink or swell when subjected to rain, sun, heat and cold, so they’ll retain their smooth, tailored appearance for decades. Acetylated wood outlasts many other types of wood by decades, with manufacturers providing a 25-year in-ground or freshwater warranty and a 50-year above-ground warranty.

3. Ages Beautifully
Unlike synthetic decking materials, genuine wood decking ages gracefully over time, acquiring a beautiful silvery grey patina that adds style and depth to your outdoor area. If you’d prefer not to wait around for the natural aging process to occur, you can purchase pre-greyed decking boards that are dyed all the way through from the surface to the core. Because of the sophisticated non-toxic dyeing process, there’s no need for repeated painting or recoating to maintain the wood’s good looks. The grey color remains long-term, with no need for re-oiling. (It also means that scratches and scrapes won’t be visible.)
Pre-greyed wood decking is an increasingly popular choice for designers and homeowners who are drawn to its sophisticated look and feel and the fact that it allows for a seamless connection with concrete or grey-tiled interior floors. Grey wood also sits beautifully alongside other popular exterior materials such as brick, slate and stone to create a warm and appealing outdoor palette.

4. Sustainably Sourced
Responsibly sourced and manufactured wood decking is an environmentally friendly material so it’s better for the health of your family and Earth. If you’re interested in going green, look for real wood with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for proof of sustainability. You’ll also want to check that it has been manufactured cleanly, without the use of toxic chemicals. One indication? Cradle to Cradle Gold (C2C Gold) certification, a globally recognized measure of a safer, more sustainable product.
More: To discover Accoya’s selection of high-performance, real wood decking options, visit the company’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.

4. Focus on Natural Materials
As the saying goes, less is more. Choosing one “hero” natural material and using it in different ways across your home’s exterior can be a subtle, but very effective, way to bring cohesion to your home’s design. To create an uninterrupted sense of flow, you could carry the material through to the interior of your home or to any outbuildings.
The key to success when using a single natural material is to be creative with how you apply it. This award-winning boathouse (The Haven) in Norfolk, England, has been given light-tone Accoya wood cladding, decking and curved screening. As the property is surrounded by water on three sides, the architects selected Accoya wood for its water-resistant properties and dimensional stability, as well as its stunning natural looks and sustainability. The result is a graceful home that sits lightly in its tranquil coastal setting.

5. Play Up Textures
Natural appeal aside, wood cladding gives you endlessly creative ways to express your personal style. Take this three-story office building designed and occupied by architectural firm Dillon Kyle Architects in Houston, for example. It’s clad in 2,500 Accoya boards that have an abstract leaf-like pattern carved into the wood. The pattern references the oak trees that line the neighborhood, and it adds not just texture and softness to the modern structure but a unique personal touch.
“The Accoya wood boards are unsealed and allowed to weather over time,” says Peter Klein, associate principal architect at Dillon Kyle Architects. “The idea was to use a material where you couldn’t tell where the patterns started and stopped — just one big continuous object.”
As the wood siding would play a pivotal role in the look and performance of the building, the firm took their time choosing the right one. “Even left untreated, it didn’t warp or mildew or mold, and that let us know we were on the right path,” Klein says. “The neutral gray tones coupled with its long-term durability, resistance to rot and insects made Accoya wood the ideal material for this project.”

6. Go Skinny
Add texture and depth to your home’s exterior with narrow boards for siding, louvers and screening.
For this luxury apartment block (Blackwood Street Apts) in Melbourne, Australia, the architect specified 40-by-40-millimeter Accoya wood boards with a coat of Woca Exterior Walnut Oil for the louvers and screening in the alfresco areas. The oiled boards create a soft and inviting feel while bringing a sense of intimacy to the apartment complex.
The rest of the detailing in this spot, including hardware and pavers, was deliberately pared back to keep the focus firmly on the textural wood.

Running slender boards vertically, as the architect has done here, is a clever design technique for making a low roof or ceiling appear higher. You can use this strategy both outside your home with wood siding and inside with wood wall lining.
If room height is not a concern, consider mixing vertical and horizontal patterns for added texture and interest inside or outside your home.
More: Learn more about Accoya’s range of sustainable, acetylated wood products by visiting our homepage here.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.

Olympics is here – but which is the most sustainable sporting stadium?
08.02.2021
Sustainable Sports Stadiums
The 2020 Olympics are now underway (in 2021), and sustainable buildings and stadiums are playing their own important roles in today’s world – superstars of a sustainable future! Forward-thinking design and building of these centres for human excellence is perhaps the ultimate way to raise awareness of the benefits and assets of future sustainable buildings, and the positive impacts they can bring not only to the environment but also to people.
Every four years usually sees more athletes performing as well as more people attending, and the contributing countries are feeling the pressure to build more sustainably: these are big investments as well as showcases of national policies and performance, and the buildings are almost as important as the sports being played – and last a lot longer than a 100m sprint! The need for more sustainable buildings is leading contractors to specify more sustainable options to promote sport in a sustainable environment. To fully understand why sustainable buildings and stadiums are so important, we need to look at the benefits and the reasoning behind them.

What are the benefits on building a sustainable stadium?
With the help of sustainable construction and the use of non-toxic materials, many future benefits are being realised. And here are just 5 of the great reasons why building sustainable stadiums promotes a healthier environment1:
- Water preservation: because a lot of water is needed in stadiums to water and prepare the real grass pitches, clean the venue or for sanitary reasons, water consumption in stadiums are very high. When considering how to reduce water consumption, green initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and recycling can be considered.
- Energy preservation: in order to reduce the use of energy, more and more stadiums are being made to conserve energy consumption, and even being equipped with solar and wind power to provide them with an alternative energy source.
- Low pollution: nowadays, more and more stadiums are built with healthier, more sustainably-sourced and recycled materials, such as wood, plastic and paper. With the help of using greener building materials that help fight global resource depletion, the amount of waste and pollution in the environment is reduced and the destructive impacts of construction are minimised.
- Financial benefits: by choosing greener and longer-lasting materials for stadiums, environmentally-friendly projects will be
cheaper in the long run when the maintenance and operation of the buildings are taken into account. Moreover, the value of the project can actually increase over time, while the costs of water, energy, maintenance and insurance premiums can decrease. - Reduced health risks to the community: using non-toxic materials can not only reduce health problems within the community, but also safety risks while stadia are constructed and in use for years after!
Sustainability in sports stadiums
So now that we are aware of the benefits of why it is important to focus on sustainable construction, let’s take a look at the current sport stadiums that have made it to the top of the list of most sustainable sports buildings in the world2.
Amsterdam ArenA, Netherlands
The ArenA, home to Ajax Football Club, is powered by more than 4,200 solar panels and even a wind turbine. The main facility of the Arena is equipped with an amazing energy-generating escalator, an energy storage system using recycled batteries and electric vehicles. And to complete the list, the stadium reuses rainwater by collecting it on the roof to water the pitch while reducing water consumption.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, USA
By receiving platinum Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a global standard for measuring the sustainability of buildings, the Mercedes-Benz professional sports stadium is one of the world’s most sustainable sports venues: it consumes 29% less energy, is equipped with LED lighting and there are around 4,000 solar panels on the roof as a contribution to a more sustainable environment. With its own storm water management system, the stadium can store up to 2 million gallons on site to prevent natural disasters and use 47% less water at the same time. Pedestrian-friendly paths allow supporters to reach the building safely and easily. The stadium even provides a bicycle valet program and electric vehicle charging.
Levi’s Stadium, USA
With not one but two LEED certifications, Levi’s Stadium is one of the most sustainable buildings in the city of San Francisco. The stadium has found a perfect way to highlight innovative sustainability elements by installing more than 1,000 solar elements, solar-powered pedestrian bridges, a solar-paneled terrace and a 27,000-square-metre roof. The stadium has implemented its own materials procurement programme, meeting strict sustainability criteria, and has been able to commit to local food sourcing. In 2018, the stadium promised to fight climate change, which was even recognised by the White House’s Science and Technology Policy Office.
Golden 1 Center, USA
By engaging fans in the message of climate action through their global sports platform and organising “sustainability nights”, the Golden 1 Center has put a lot of pressure on helping to build a more sustainable environment. With the use of 100% solar energy, a water conservation practice to reduce water consumption by 45% and recycling 99% of demolition materials, the stadium has certainly shown its effort to maintain a sustainable stadium. In 2017, the Golden 1 Center was even awarded the world’s greenest and most technologically advanced sports and entertainment facility, and according to Green Project Management, the stadium is among the top 3 percent of high-performance buildings worldwide.

Building a sustainable stadium
So now you have been introduced to world’s leading sustainable sporting stadiums, the real question is: How can you contribute to making a sustainable stadium?
As we know, many of the commonly used building materials are made of non-renewable resources, such as PVC or aluminium, which are finite, depleting resources, and often come with heavy energy and emissions costs. Every day, more and more pollution is released and CO2 is added to the surface air. However, our world can also provide us with raw materials that offer a long-term solution to both of these impacts: this material is wood, from well-managed and sustainable forests.
By specifying Accoya wood, you are already one step closer to helping build a more sustainable stadium by selecting it as your material for decking, cladding, windows and doors – frames or any other application. Accoya wood is sourced from fast growing trees and sustainably certified forests and offers many benefits to application-oriented industries around the world! Its high performance, unrivalled durability and sustainable credentials make it the perfect solution; a truly unique combination of qualities.
Thanks to our unique acetylation process, Accoya wood is highly resistant to decay – meaning it lasts and stores carbon for decades, making it a perfect alternative not only to carbon-intensive and resource-depleting materials, but also to slower-growing and unsustainably sourced hardwoods.
Just think about it. Who wouldn’t want beautiful installations from a material that has a longer lifespan while simultaneously increasing global carbon storage and providing us with a climate-proof alternative to concrete, metal and plastic, all for the sake of a more sustainable environment?
And don’t forget; you are opting for a premium product with exceptional stability that can easily last twice as long and require less upkeep than other alternatives – so in the long run the running costs can be much cheaper too.
Accoya wood may not be competing in the Olympics, but it has it’s very own Gold: Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold to be precise, marking it as the top performer in the building materials industry.
To give you some inspiration and ideas, let’s look at a couple of the few sustainable projects where Accoya has contributed to a more sustainable world by helping to build a greener sports stadium!

Velodrome
The renovated Omnisport building in the Netherlands, which not only hosts world championships but also local competitions and is a practice track for many future cyclists, was named the world’s first fully sustainable cycling track made of wood: the Velodrome. The Velodrome is the perfect place to watch the world cycling championships with the whole family, as the building has 5,000 seats, giving you the atmosphere as if you were cycling on the track during the race itself!
The building is something to be proud of and will be remembered not only for its exceptional design, performance and unparalleled durability, but also for all the medals it has won. In 2018, the track cycling world championships were held in the Omnisport building, which became the most successful global tournament ever for the Netherlands.
And when you come to think that the indoor Velodrome is breath-taking wait until you see the outdoor Velodrome; adding an extra touch to a cycle track for future cyclists.

Outdoor Velodrome
The outdoor velodrome, designed by Sander Douma Architects, was specified with Accoya wood for the 200m cycling track in Assen, the Netherlands, making it the perfect place for cyclists to train for their future cycling races while enjoying some fresh air.
The outdoor velodrome not only gives cyclists a feeling of freedom, but also creates benefits for the cyclists by giving them less resistance and more speed when cycling on the track. This is thanks to our unique modification process, which makes Accoya the perfect material for both internal and external applications of the sports stadium.
References
- Sports And Environment: Green Initiatives In Stadiums, online source: https://cascadiasport.com/sports-and-environment-green-initiatives-in-stadiums/ [access June 11, 2019]
-
The 5 most sustainable sports venues in the world, online source: https://www.climateaction.org/news/the-5-most-sustainable-sports-venues-in-the-world [access 04 January 2018]

10 Wood Deck Swimming Pools You Want to Experience This Summer
07.22.2021

Swimming pool wood deck design ideas
Wood swimming pool deck and pool surround for the perfect backyard retreat
There is nothing better than an Accoya swimming pool deckPool Decking. It’s perfect to cool down on a hot summer day and the ideal place to relax and forget the stress of a busy week. As we swim through the cool water, it’s like we are on vacation and all our worries feel far away. Ideally, sitting on the wooden pool surround while dangling our feet in the water.
Here are some of the best swimming pools with wood decking to get you dreaming this summer. And if you are looking to build your own swimming pool, let’s get inspired by some of the swimming pool deck design ideas…

Swimming pool wood deck designs
The advantages of wood swimming pool decks made from Accoya
Is Accoya the best wood for swimming pool decks?
Accoya wood is the ideal material to build wood swimming pool decks and pool surrounds, due to its high performance and unrivaled sustainability.
Choose natural wood and give your swimming pool decking a special charm; only genuine wood can deliver this authentic look and pleasant feel. In our backyard, we also only want to use environmentally friendly materials that are in harmony with nature.
Thanks to its exceptional performance benefits, especially when in contact with water, Accoya is ideal for swimming pool decks. Accoya decking and pool surrounds are very durable, low maintenance and resistant to rot and decay. Accoya wood decking and swimming pool surrounds come with a 25-year warranty, even when installed with direct contact to water.
You can also feel the benefits of Accoya decking: Accoya decking is very barefoot-friendly, as it will not noticeably crack or splinter even after decades. It also doesn’t get too hot in the sun and remains cool on your skin, perfect to spend hours lounging by the pool.
Here are 10 beautiful examples of Accoya wood swimming pool decks to be inspired by. Let’s take a plunge…

Swimming pool surrounded by wood decking
In this property in Nottwil, Switzerland, the swimming pool is surrounded by a beautiful Accoya wood deck, which achieves a very harmonic appearance. The wood swimming pool deck and pool surround was installed uncoated and therefore went through a natural weathering and graying process. The gray decking boards look beautiful in contrast with the blue water, especially in such a beautiful evening atmosphere, as in the photo.
The swimming pool deck was supplied by Herzog-Elmiger AG.

Swimming pool made out of Accoya wood
For this project, wood was not only used for the swimming pool deck but also the pool itself.
Natura specializes in swimming pools and whirlpools that are made entirely of wood. They use Accoya as the solid wood is durable and rot-proof, does not warp and comes with a warranty of 25 years even when immersed in water. Thanks to the high dimensional stability, Accoya can easily withstand high water pressure and ground movements. To ensure that the pool is watertight, Natura has developed a special membrane that is installed below the Accoya wood.

Natural pool surrounded by curvy wood decking
When building this natural pool, it was important to only use natural and environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, Accoya wood decking was used to build a pool surround along with various natural stones. The pool surround and wood swimming pool deck was designed in round shapes, to draw inspiration from natural shapes found in the outdoors. These tailor-made shapes were no problem for the manufacturer, as the brilliant machinability of Accoya mean it can be processed as desired. The Accoya swimming pool deck was installed without coating and will naturally weather and build a beautiful silver-gray patina over time.
This wood swimming pool deck and pool surround was installed by M. Hechenblaickner and its partners.
Photos: ©M. Hechenblaickner

Dark coated swimming pool wood deck design
In Israel, Accoya was used for the wood swimming pool deck, pool surround and an underwater platform to build this beautiful swimming pool.
Due to the high UV radiation in Israel, coated wood decking usually needs constant repainting. Due to its high dimensional stability, Accoya is resistant to deforming, splintering and cracking, which puts much less stress on the coating. Homeowners can therefore enjoy their coated decking for much longer before they need to repaint.
The Accoya warranty of 25 years includes applications that are immersed in water, which ensures that the underwater platform will last for decades.
A Blanchon oil was applied to the Accoya wood swimming pool deck boards. The underwater platform was left uncoated and will turn gray over time.

Accoya wood swimming pool deck in the Pyrenees
A wood swimming pool deck made of Accoya was installed in the French Pyrenees. The project was carried out by Gaius, who choose Accoya for their swimming pool wood deck designs, as they only work with materials that are highly sustainable and have a long service life.
This is a prime example of an idyllic garden retreat that can be built with wood swimming pool decks for inground pools.

Elegant wood swimming pool deck in Puglia
A beautiful Accoya wood swimming pool deck was built in a private residence in Puglia, Southern Italy. The private residence is part of the Trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which are very popular for tourist visiting the area.
The Accoya decking boards were wire brushed before installation, to achieve a textured distressed looking finish.
More information about the wood swimming pool deck, delivered by Kobel SRL, can be found in this swimming pool decking case study.

Versatile Accoya for wood swimming pool deck and pool surround
Example of creative wood swimming pool decks above ground designs
This wood swimming pool deck in Austria shows the versatility of Accoya, as it’s easy to coat and process to achieve creative swimming pool wood deck designs.
The natural wood was not only used for the swimming pool deck, but also the wooden pool surround. There is even some Accoya cladding on the above ground pool surround, which has two waterfalls embedded, for a special swimming pool deck design. The high humidity and regular contact with water are no problem for the wood decking and pool surround, as Accoya has a 25-year warranty even when installed with direct contact to water. The durable Accoya wood is highly water resistant, and should be chosen when looking for the best wood for a swimming pool deck.
More details about this wood swimming pool deck project from Austrian distributor M. Hechenblaickner can be found here:
photos: ©M. Hechenblaickner

Biarritz swimming pool and wood decking

Accoya swimming pool deck in Cannes
Accoya was chosen for the wood swimming pool deck and pool surround of the beautiful Villa Carat in Cannes.
Accoya wood was specified by Woodstone Project due to its exceptional performance: It’s very durable, stable, rot free and sustainable, all whilst adding the charm of natural solid wood. An essential benefit was also, that the swimming pool deck is barefoot friendly: Accoya remains cool even on the hottest day.
This wood swimming pool deck was installed using a Grad system, an Accoya partner since 2013. More details about this project can be found here.
photos: ©woodstone-project

Accoya wood swimming pool deck for Greek dream destination
Best wood for swimming pool deck
Inspiration for your Swimming pool wood deck design ideas
Projects
you may like

Natural pool decking Biarritz
Biarritz, france

Outdoor Swimming Pool
Schachen, switzerland

Villa Carat, Cannes
Cannes, france

Accoya decking tops the Swiss Alps
Gemmi Pass, Leukerbad, switzerland

Decking and pool surround Austria
Radkersburg, austria
Where to Buy
You can buy Accoya and Accoya products from our selection of distributors or manufacturers in your region. Use our map search tool to find your nearest Accoya supplier.

How the products you choose – and the companies behind them – can help the world Build Back Better
07.02.2021
How often do you think about where your products come from? We at Accsys are all becoming increasingly aware that the practices behind the brands matter. Environmental and social impacts, both positive and negative, are associated with everything we buy and use. We have got used to looking for ‘Fair trade’ on some things – like chocolate, coffee, and clothing – but don’t these factors affect all the products, materials and services around us?
By examining and understanding the impacts they have on the world, progressive businesses can shape the way they do things to ensure that what they do, what they make, and how they act can be a force for good. They can identify and choose to operate in a way that can benefit all types of stakeholders that they interact with, such as their employees, customers, suppliers, wider communities and the environment. Operating sustainably with an informed approach will ultimately help us all Build Back Better, creating stronger and more resilient businesses and having a positive impact on the world, the environment, and the communities around them.
Sustainability and purpose, integral to responsible business
At Accsys, our purpose is “Changing wood to change the world”, and we understand how the ‘green’ credentials of our product feed into overall business sustainability. Changing wood is what we do, changing the world is why we do it, and every time someone chooses to use our Accoya or Tricoya products they are making a decision with a positive environmental impact.
It’s not all just about the product though – to create the product, we have our business, and how we operate can be impactful too. In 2020, we looked to formalize our approach to sustainability of the overall business by developing our approach to ‘ESG’, which stands for Environmental, Social and Governance – a way of looking at how what we do affects the world and everyone around us. We did our research and engaged with stakeholders inside and outside our organization, identifying what we call our ten ‘material issues’ for ESG: the ten most pertinent issues to our business. These issues cover the whole breadth of ESG and they all have a role in delivering on our purpose, act according to our values, and make sure we are doing the right things, in the right ways.


Your choice of products contributes to a more sustainable world
If trees are good for the environment, isn’t cutting them down to make products a problem?
Unsustainable wood can have disastrous impacts – from Illegal logging, deforestation, violation of human rights, biodiversity loss and the removal of natural carbon sinks.
Here at Accsys, we only use timber that has been certified to be harvested responsibly from well-managed forests that are continuously replenished, not damaging the surrounding environment or native flora and fauna. 100% of the wood we use to make Accoya and Tricoya is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council certified), the most recognized global standard for assuring sustainable sourcing of wood.
What does Building Back Better mean for health and wellbeing?
In the developed world, it is estimated we spend more than 90% of our time indoors either at home or at work, and the presence of synthetic materials and chemicals in our products and surroundings can actually have a negative impact on our health and wellbeing. It has also been well-researched that, much like having plants in our offices and houses, having wood around us can have positive impacts on creativity, mood and stress. To make sure we contribute to this, we’ve achieved the highest (Platinum) Material Health rating for Accoya from the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard: it is a certified non-toxic product. Our focus on innovation and technology continues to ensure that our wood is non-toxic, meeting high standards for human health.

What happens at the end of its product life? Can the wood also have circular economy benefits?
As well as lasting for decades (and with a warranty for 50 years for above ground use), Accoya doesn’t contain any plastics or new elements that aren’t found naturally in wood: it’s biodegradable and can be handled in the same manner as raw wood at the end of life through recycling, composting or as a bio-based fuel source (as stated in the company’s KOMO product certificate and further evidenced by SHR – Wood Research Foundation Netherlands). It can even be up-cycled into Tricoya wood chips, which are used to make high performance wood panels that can last decades more!
What about the transition to net zero economy?
At Accsys and through our flagship Accoya wood product, we believe that our actions and those actions of our customers can help contribute to one of the biggest challenges of our time – combatting climate change and the transition to a net zero economy.
Wood sequesters carbon, meaning that it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and locks it in for its useful life, and the more durable and long lasting wood, alongside its use at end of life, can have a positive influence on the environment. Last year, our products locked in and safely stored around 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide. This means that everyone involved in the process to use Accoya, from making and distributing it to the owner living with it, has helped take the equivalent of roughly 120 million miles of car driving emissions out of the atmosphere and store it safely in a useful, beautiful product.
Accountability, reporting and communications is vital
Underpinning everything we do, at Accsys, we are working towards the highest standards through our own internal mechanisms around data management, reporting, collaboration, problem solving and sharing of best practices and employee engagement. Alongside our internal mechanisms, we own accountability for our actions through our focus on external accreditations – both to keep us on the right track and to show how we ‘walk the walk’ as well as ‘talk the talk’. Producing a Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Gold product isn’t just an accreditation, it’s about our ethos as a business, which includes the scope of environmental and social issues running through the whole way through our company, culture, values and purpose. Our environmental assessments and accreditations help us to Build Back Better through our processes and our products, and our customers support us in changing the world by choosing our products.
To purchase Accoya, use of search function to find your nearest supplier.
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