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Accoya

Accoya wood is not special because of the tree that is used, but because of the production process. According to scientists, the modification process of accoya wood is an effective method to drastically improve the technical properties of wood. The wood no longer absorbs moisture, so it lasts much longer.

Treating accoya wood: The acetylation process with acetic acid

In wood acetylation, the cell structure of the wood is changed by the application of acetic acid. As a result, the cell walls are so to say ‘blocked’ for moisture absorption. As a result, the modified wood absorbs up to 80% less water. Accoya wood therefore requires less maintenance. This special treatment also ensures that fungi and insects do not recognize accoya wood as a food source and therefore one will not suffer from termites or other wood-eating insects.

Applications of accoya wood

The accoya wood applications vary due to the versatility of the sustainable building material. For example, accoya wood is often used for window frames, doors, facades, cladding, or decking. Accoya wood can be used both underground and above ground. An underground example can be found in the article about bird observatory TIJ.

Sustainability of accoya wood

In the processing of accoya wood, nothing that is not naturally present is added to the wood. This makes accoya wood completely circular. The sustainable building material is therefore Cradle to Cradle Gold Certified.

Accoya wood is guaranteed to sustain at least 50 years above ground and at least 25 years underground. This long guarantee period gives forests enough time to regrow. Other types of wood have a much shorter lifespan in a humid outdoor environment.

Does this material appeal to you or have you gained inspiration for your own sustainable architecture project? We cordially invite you to come by to discuss your ideas with us. Please feel free to contact us.