The use of Accoya for The University of Florida’s award-winning submission to the international Solar Decathlon competition demonstrates the wood’s design excellence and performance. Given its ability to withstand harsh climactic conditions, Accoya was used to create adjustable exterior shading devices that are equally attractive and functional. Accoya wood supported the structure’s design intent: to celebrate the poetic simplicity of traditional Florida houses using modern, innovative materials that would contribute to the home’s energy efficiency.

A naturally beautiful wood that can be adapted for any design style or function, Accoya offers an innovative solution to sustainable sourcing while complementing projects where durability, sustainability and aesthetics are paramount.

Introduction

As a premier importer, exporter and distributor, UCS Forest Group is committed to environmentally responsible products and technologies. In line with this mission, UCS proudly supplies Accoya®, the world’s leading high technology wood.

About Accoya Wood

Using a non-toxic acetylation process, Accoya wood is produced from renewable FSC, PEFC and other certified softwoods. The result of the acetylation process is a wood that matches or exceeds the performance characteristics of tropical hardwoods while reducing the strain on those limited resources. Its exceptional dimensional stability, durability and UV resistance make Accoya amenable to the most demanding conditions while retaining its appearance and strength.

Nominee: IWPA Innovative Excellence

Transforming sustainably-sourced softwood into a product with Class 1 durability, Accoya wood is innovative in its sourcing, manufacturing and range of architectural and design applications. By molecularly modifying the softwood without adding any foreign elements to it, the production process strengthens the wood without the addition of toxic chemicals. The result is a versatile product that fosters innovation in expression whether it is applied to windows, cladding, decking, or even bridges, canals or marinas.

While tropical hardwoods are typically sought for exterior applications, Accoya provides architects and builders with a visually stunning, versatile and environmentally friendly alternative.

IWPA AWArd SubmISSIonS: Category: Innovative

Supplied by

The scenario:

Competing in the Solar Decathlon, an international competition that challenges universities to design and build a self-sustaining, energy-efficient solar house, the University of Florida’s team, Project RE:FOCUS, sought sustainable, high-performing materials for its innovative design. The solution:

The team merged elements of traditional Florida “Cracker Houses” with newer design strategies to design and build a dwelling that could withstand a range of climatic conditions while lowering energy consumption and providing optimal livability.

Accoya® wood was chosen for the five adjustable exterior shading devices that surround the home, creating a highly adaptable facade. These screens can be fully opened to flood the house with sunlight or closed to control sunlight and reduce solar gain during the summer months. They also act as a rain screen, a wind blocker and provide privacy control. The use of Accoya wood contributes to the house’s ability to withstand a variety of weather conditions; with resistance to UV degradation, outstanding dimensional stability and superior thermal properties, the Accoya wood screens can endure extreme conditions without compromising on strength or durability.

Dereck Winning, project lead for the University of Florida’s house, says, “We chose Accoya wood due to its environmentally friendly process and because it performs similar to hardwood.”

The result:

The Project RE:FOCUS team created a house that upholds strict energy conservation standards without cutting corners when it comes to aesthetic impact or longevity. Accoya wood aligned with the team’s goals for sustainable sourcing and the product offered a durable, cost-efficient solution with minimal need for maintenance. The wood’s natural appearance is retained longer than standard woods, plus it’s weatherproof and durable against rot and decay.

With their award-winning effort, the University of Florida team designed not only a home using Accoya wood but also a model for the future.

Architect University of Florida www.solardecathlon.ufl.edu

Principal University of Florida

Project Location Madrid, Spain Gainesville, Florida

Date June 2010

to find out more visit

www.ucfp.com

official supplier of

© Accsys Technologies February 2011. Accoya®, Tricoya® and the Trimarque Device are registered trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Accsys Technologies PLC, and may not be used or reproduced

without written permission. To the best of the knowledge and belief of Titan Wood Limited the information contained in this document is in accordance with the facts and is provided on the basis that Titan Wood Limited and/or any

of its affiliates, officers, employees or advisers are not liable for any loss or damage whatsoever in respect of the accuracy or completeness of such information or the result of having acted upon it.

the world’s leading high technology wood