Internationally renowned sustainable timber demonstrates versatility
Operating on a global scale with distributors in Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and America, Kebony, a beautiful wood recommended by leading architects, has continued its expansion throughout the United States. Apollo Apartments and The Wharf are two prestigious projects in Washington D.C., which include both decking and cladding. The Brokery is an exterior cladding project in Phoenix, Arizona and Yeti’s new Global HQ in Austin, Texas and Eager Park, Baltimore, Maryland are two additional decking projects.
Washington’s Apollo Apartments are located on the historical site of the early 20th Century Apollo Theatre and are designed to capture its excitement. The multi-faceted Kebony rooftop deck sits above 350 modern apartments and amenities which include a Whole Foods and independent coffee house, in one of the city’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Selected by Insight Property Group for its natural aesthetic and impressive durability, Kebony was recommended by Landscape Architecture Bureau who appreciated the cool temperature of the pool decking compared to the adjacent concrete pavers.
Positioned beside the Potomac River, The Wharf is another remarkable project in Washington exhibiting a 100,000 sq.ft. Kebony deck, selected for the recreational pier due to its hard-wearing qualities and ability to withstand intense foot traffic. Local developer Hoffman-Madison Waterfront created a mix of public spaces to connect people to the waterfront as part of a $2billion development project. Sustainability and durability were key requirements for the build making Kebony an ideal choice owing to its impressive hardwearing qualities  and environmentally friendly credentials. Contributing to the largest mixed-use development in Washington’s history, the pier has been cleverly designed with a rolling surface to create a sense of movement and flow, reminiscent of waves along the waterfront.
Fast-growing outdoor equipment brand, Yeti, has now opened its global headquarters in Austin, Texas. The new 175,000 sq. ft. complex, designed by Gensler and landscape architects, TBG Partners, comprises two 87,500 sq. ft. buildings, an archery range, sports and basketball courts, barbecue pits, jogging trail and a rooftop terrace and employee lounge both featuring Kebony decking. Utilising simple and honest materials, the design team successfully crafted a workplace as earthy and authentic as Yeti itself, and Kebony’s environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing wood was the perfect choice due to its fitting colour palette and texture.
Located in the heart of Phoenix, The Brokery is a state-of-the-art real estate office which has now opened its doors to customers. Architects Studio Ma took design inspiration from local landmarks and selected Kebony for the exterior cladding due to its beautiful and natural aesthetic which will merge with the mountains in the background and create a point of pride for the community.
Eager Park in Baltimore was also built with a commitment to the community and the environment. The revitalised neighbourhood promotes healthy and sustainable living through design, amenities, a mix of retail, sporting events, concerts and farmers markets. It was important to the designers, Mahan Rykiel Associates and Gensler Architects, to reflect these values in the parks design which led to the choice of sustainable Kebony for the 10,000sq.ft. path which runs through the park. Due to Eager Park’s exposed location, it was also essential to choose a material able to withstand extreme weather conditions, which Kebony does.
Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process, which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by strengthening the wood with furfuryl alcohol – an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability.
Kebony has been used internationally in commercial, public, residential and marine projects including the site of Youth Winter Olympic Games in Norway, Rochester Marina in New York and the redevelopment of Cinque Ports Street, Rye. Its versatility as a material has rendered it invaluable for the construction of everything from exterior surfaces, terraces, furniture, roofing, windows and much more. The timber is easy to work with and it can be processed in the same way as hardwood.
Andy Hehl, Manager at Kebony US commented: “Kebony’s continued success in the US is a testament to the sustainability and superior qualities of the material. The notable nature of these projects, in both public and private spaces, demonstrates the natural aesthetic and adaptability of Kebony, subsequently confirming it is well-suited to a variety of different applications. We are extremely excited to watch Kebony’s future expansion in the US.”
