FSC OSB OMG!

Woodland will now be stocking FSC OSB (4x8x7/16"). Here is a little breakdown of how FSC works for those of you who are not familiar with the FSC system. Each FSC order receives a unique identification number that provides a chain of custody from the tree that was cut down to the end user. The FSC label provides assurance to the end user that the material they are purchasing comes from the certified managed forest it claims and that it has not been switched for a non-FSC material. Woodland is a part of that chain of custody and has received training on how to properly inventory and manage FSC material by a third party accreditation party. Stop in and check it out.

FSC OSB is available for $12.99/sheet.

Wood Spotlight:: Ash Wood

Plain sliced American Ash

Sometimes the best place to find what you are looking for is to look in your own backyard. Today lets take a look at a local and ashamedly underutilized North American Hardwood - Ash.  When speaking in terms of green woods, we often think of Bamboo and other rapidly renewable sources, but this however overlooks the most important aspect to green design - locality! Buying local reduces the carbon footprint size and additionally it helps the local economy to grow (which we could all use these days). The first step is to look at what is around you, and see how you can benefit from the resources closest to you.

Ash Wood can be found in plethora in Northeastern USA, making it a great wood for the Philly building community. Many times it grows in moist and swampy areas and flowers in the spring time. Ash is a very strong, flexible, durable, and heavy wood. It comes in 3 basic varieties: Black, Green (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and White Ash.  Ash is a wood most notably known for being used in baseball bats, because of it's shock absorption and high strength-to-weight ratio. If you are not familiar with Ash, it has the basic look and durability of Oak and is typically an inexpensive hardwood. Ash has a lighter graining than Oak and comes plain sliced, quarter sawn or rift cut; each of which will render very different looks, from traditional to modern.

Ash wood is also available in FSC and thermally modified (great for decking). Here are some good links for the Ash-lover in you!


http://www.hardwoodinfo.com/species_guide/index.php
http://www.lewislp.com/woodchar.asp#Basswood
http://www.thewoodbox.com/data/wood/ashinfo.htm


  

Update on the American Sardine Bar Project.....

 ................AMERICAN SARDINE PROJECT (update)

            About 2 months ago we blogged about the American Sardine bar in Point Breeze, and the green aspects of the work being done. Well today, we have an update shot of the installed awning. The weathered corrugated steel is originally installed as a typical corrugated silver colored metal. But as time passes and inclement weather ensues, the metal begins it's transformation. We took this shot to show one of the metal's color stages. Right now it is a bright orange but in a few weeks or months it will begin to change to a darker more rusty color. What happens in that time is that the steel's chemical composition begins to form a protective layer on its surface under the influence of the weather thus changing the color of the metal.

Windows are a critical component in sustainable building design. Most energy flows in and out of a building through its windows, but with intelligent design and technological innovation they can be used to provide heating, cooling and lighting for a better indoor environment.  

Here is what to look for:

Framing

Wood frames are very energy efficient, and are available in FSC wood, but can also be expensive and need to be sealed or painted regularly to protect them from water damage. Fiberglass frames are low maintenance and energy-efficient but can also be expensive. Aluminum frames are inexpensive but conduct heat easily and are therefore less energy efficient than other options.


Click here to see a list of our green window manufacturers:
Wood (includes Vinyl and Aluminum Clad)
Fiberglass
Vinyl
Aluminum and Commerical

Glass Options

Insulated Glass
Creates an insulated air space between the two pieces of glass, resulting in better thermal performance. Insulated glass also reduces condensation while keeping the heat in during the winter, and heat out during the summer.


Low-E Glass: Low-E Glass is coated with a virtually invisible layer of silver that reflects radiant solar energy while permitting visible light to pass through the glass. Low-E Glass can either have a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (the best choice in climates dominated by cooling) or a high SHGC ( the best choice in climates dominated by heating or for south facing windows in climates with a mix of cooling and heating requirements).

Argon Gas: Added inside an insulated panel with Low-E Glass, Argon gas is an invisible, insulating blanket that replaces most of the air during the manufacturing process. With Low-E reflecting heat away, Argon gas buffers thermal transfer to enhance the performance of the whole glass panel.

Certifications and Ratings
 

National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC): Look for the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) label on the window or patio door. This label shows the U-Value, Solar Heat Gain, and visible light transmittance values.

Energy Star® Rated: Energy Star® is a national campaign sponsored by the EPA and the Department of Energy to promote energy efficient products.

R- and U-Values: R-Value is a term that measures the insulation properties of a material like insulation, but the energy efficiency of windows is measured by ‘U-Values’. The higher the R-Value, the greater its insulating ability, but for U-Value, the lower the number the better that product’s insulating efficiency. To find a U-Value, divide the number ‘1’ by the R-Value. For example, an R-Value of ‘4’ is equal to a U-Value of .25.

Click here to see our selection of Window Manufacturers (all with eco-friendly window options).

Woodland Is Now FSC Chain of Custody Certified!

Here at Woodland you can purchase FSC products, including FSC lumber, sheetgoods, trim, doors, thermally modified decking, windows, cabinets and millwork. Woodland Building is one of the few lumber and millwork suppliers in the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Region to be FSC COC Certified.

 For those of you who are not familar, FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Established in 1993 as a response to concerns over global deforestation, FSC is a pioneer forum where the global consensus on responsible forest management convenes and through democratic process effects solutions to the pressures facing the world’s forests and forest-dependent communities.

FSC also can help you achieve points if you are working on a LEED Certified Building. Visit our website or call 215-727-5333 for more information on FSC and other eco friendly materials.

Putting Paneling in it's Place

Faux Tin Tiles make a splash on any backsplash!

In recent years, tin decorative tiles have started appearing in nontraditional areas of the house besides their usual spot on the ceiling. Because of the beautiful colors and patterns you can get from these tiles, they have become very popular in recent years. Although tin and metal tiles are great for their aesthetic value, there is a new option that may make it even more enticing.  Acoustical Ceiling Panels (ACP) now has thermoplastic panels that mimic metal tiles but add a modern element in their designs and color selection.

Thermoplastic panels have many advantages over their metal counterpart. They can be used on almost any surface and once put into place they are just as durable. Easy to clean and install, rust-proof and affordable, thermoplastic are well worth their value. They also cost a fraction of the cost as metal tiles. For more information visit: Fasade Ideas.

Here is a video on the product. Enjoy!

Green Product Spotlight: Recycled Drywall

What is RECYCLED drywall?

We get this question a lot here at Woodland. The "recycled" aspect of recycled drywall is the center piece that is normally made from mined gypsum. In the case of recycled drywall it is made from a residue by-product taken from the flutes of coal-fired power plants during the cleaning process. Synthetic gypsum has the same chemical make up as natural gypsum and can be used in the same way that mined gypsum is. National Gypsum has their recycled drywall plants located in close proximity to the same power plants that they receive their synthetic gypsum from. Recycled drywall is a great eco-friendly product due to its recycled content, use of local products, and if you buy from Woodland, it is produced in Shippensberg, PA. Please call 215-727-5333 for availability and pricing, please specify recycled drywall.

Historical Structure meets Modern Design

Woodland had the pleasure of working on a one of a kind project with Masada Custom Builders. This 9,500 sqft open living home is a breathtaking beauty of classic architecture and sleek minimalistic aesthetic.

The home, located  in the heart of Society Hill, is a 2009 winner of the Preservation Alliance Grand Jury Award for Restoration. This prestigious home features hand-picked, custom-made finishes and woodwork, as well as granite countertops, marble and hardwood floors throughout.

By reusing the shell of this building, as well as some structural and decorative pieces, construction waste and additional material was heavily reduced. Similar to classic construction and design, only high quality, long lasting, durable materials and finishes were used, reducing the need to replace less durable materials.

Take a look at the virtual tour (Exceptional Masterpiece) http://www.mccannteam.com/virtualtours.htm

American Sardine Bar to open in Point Breeze

Goodbye Wander Inn, Hello American Sardine Bar

Rendering by Woodland Building
of new awning

Recently, Woodland Building Supply has been involved in the construction phase of the up and coming American Sardine Bar located in South Philly. The venue is replacing the former Wander Inn (as shown above) at 18th and Federal in the heart of Point Breeze. Heading up the project is South Philly Tap Room owner John Longacre.  Woodland has worked on numerous projects with John and was involved in supplying material for SPTR as well. 

One of the elements of this project is to replace the existing asphalt shingle awning with weathering steel to give it a rustic feel, and it was important that it be locally sourced. Woodland worked with a local company to supply the rustic awning. The goal for the footprint of this project is to keep things local and to reuse and preserve as much as possible, and this philosophy flows into the menu as well. Using fresh local foods and brews, the bar will feature a variety of delicious philly fare. We are looking forward to the opening of this new venue and enjoying all its scrumptious amenities!

GREENBUILD CHICAGO 2010

GREENBUILD 2010 

(November 16 -19)

This year's 2010 Greenbuild Conference was held in one of America's windiest and greenest cities, Chicago. This is the second time the USGBC has chosen the newly renovated and architecturally eye-pleasing, McCormick Place West to house the world's largest international conference on green building products. The biggest difference between the 2007 Greenbuild show and this year's show is size - doubling to over 1000 exhibitors and nearly 25,000 attendees! Woodland was lucky enough to brave the bitter November chill and check out this amazing show. We scoured 179,000 square feet to bring you the newest in green innovation. Here are the highlights of the show and cool new products….. ENJOY! 

HIGLIGHTS

• Accoya
• Bio Nova's Natural Pools
• Certain Teed's VOC-eating green rock
• BioAcoustic Ceilings "Tierra" by Armstrong: Jute Ceiling tile
• Loll's Outdoor Furniture made from milk jugs.
• CompositeBuild.com: Giving you many options in the ever-growing composite world
• NikeGrind – Astroturf made from recycled shoes.
• Stranwoven Panels from Furniture Veener scraps
• Touch 2O Faucets by Delta: the hands free faucet
• Green walls and roofs, wind turbines and permeable asphalt – too many to count!
• The sixteen foot-tall replica of the Empire State Building at the Serious Material,