Paul Castrucci Architect (PCA) was featured on WNYC. The story was an intro to high energy efficiency, and it’s challenge for a city of high rises. Passive House design, nonetheless, is attainable for the understory (1-5 story bldgs) on the city’s skyline, as explained by Urban Green Council Director Russell Unger. Photo: (951 Pacific Bklyn, Paul Castrucci Architect). Online link to story.
The Greeks invented democracy, medicine and philosophy, and useful objects like the screw, thermometer, door locks, coins, maps, and half the words in the dictionary – and pizza (before the Romans picked up on the recipe). So it was no surprise to learn that shutters got their start in ancient Greece. They were originally made from marble, which allowed for shade and cool air on long hot Mediterranean days. And they could be closed at night for privacy and security, or during the areas heavy storms (or when the gods reigned down thunder). The previous owner seemed reluctant to discard this small pile of multi-colored shutters, left in a dusty corner of the cellar, and likely pulled off the house (based on an old photo) and picked up on curbs. He may have imagined them refurbished and returned to the windows one day – but may be no less pleased to see them as a wall panel.
One quality measure that distinguishes antique lumber is century long air drying. There was no other choice before kiln drying technology was developing 150 years ago. And when it’s said that ‘they don’t make things like they used to’ – lumber is certainly one of them, and air drying is a significant factor in the quality difference.
Reclaimed antique lumber in all it’s forms is super dry – having resided as a building joist or timber for a considerable amount of time. This natural process prevents issues that occur in kiln drying.
Kiln drying is faster, kills insects and can set pitch in some resinous softwood species, but none of these benefits apply to antique lumber. Old salvaged woods have remained in long-term dry storage and this investment of time and natural science yields good air dried lumber.
It’s common, however, for moisture to be picked up once the lumber is removed from a structure and then put into yard storage, so returning the woods to a slow kiln for a relatively short period (often under a week) – is needed to bring the moisture content back to equilibrium for an interior environment. The results are worth it.
Although there may be a place for both air and kiln drying methods, like a great piece of cheese or a glass of wine or hand-crafted whiskey, time is quality. We have tens of thousands of board feet of air dried hardwoods and softwoods at Sawkill, ready for a new era of dry and in some instances, wet environments.
Old barns are a traditional source of reclaimed Oak, but supplies and quality of the wood can be uneven. Oak is the most widely used new hardwood for human use. It’s versatile, durable, easy milled, takes a stain well and has a familiar beauty that is a choice for a wide range of projects – from wine casks to the paneling of a midtown office to common strip flooring and overseas shipping pallets. The virtues of reclaimed Oak extend the appeal further for many renovation projects. Often found with clusters of small nail hole patterns, narrower widths and a second growth figure, Oak sourced from shipping pallets nonetheless provides an economy grade for a reclaimed product. And for the the ceiling application at the Tribeca eatery above, it’s no less green.
As not all chickens, cattle or goats look the same on the farm- not all reclaimed barn Oak ages to the same color and texture. Shades of grey and brown, circular or straight sawn, nail holes, stress cracks and knots – not to mention finishes – can all determine a wide range of surfaces. And since these qualities are only manufactured by time and nature, it’s hard to match a design vision right off the shelf. But often, the woods chosen can realize something different, and equally beloved.