Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Ipe is one of the densest and hardest tropical hardwoods available, making it an excellent decking and flooring material. However, some eco-minded designers are moving away from it due to concerns over sustainable sourcing practices.
Ipe is often harvested from rainforests that serve as precious carbon sinks, yet most Latin American countries have banned clear cut logging in favour of Reducing Incidence of Logging methods (RIL).
Ipe wood (commonly referred to as Brazilian walnut or lapacho) is an exceptionally dense tropical hardwood material. Fungi and insect resistant as well as having a class A fire rating make Ipe an excellent choice for decking. Furthermore, its recycling at the end of its life helps keep carbon out of the atmosphere making Ipe a greener choice than many alternatives.
Some environmentally conscious designers are turning away from Ipe due to its unsustainable source. Ipe harvesting requires clearing acres of rainforest trees with little commercial value for its harvesting process; this creates an environmental disaster which threatens vital species. Water reclaimed IPE offers the ideal alternative; cutting no living trees while being the longest lasting wood available, even outlasting concrete and steel!
Ipe wood is a hard, dense species that's highly resistant to decay, rot and termite infestation, boasting a Class A fire rating and dense texture which prevents moisture penetration. Additionally, its carbon sink properties enable it to absorb greenhouse gases while emitting oxygen; its durability reduces environmental impacts more significantly than plastic alternatives such as synthetic fabrics.
eco-conscious designers may prefer other materials over ipe, including its environmental sustainability issues and susceptibility to damage during transportation or storage. Ipe is particularly difficult to source through sustainable operations as its harvest requires clearing large areas of rainforest in order to collect the trees resulting in deforestation and timber waste. Furthermore, its transport is likely to result in damaged wood.
Good news - harvesting ipe can be done without harming the environment provided it comes from a reputable company with an impeccable track record. In order to be considered sustainable, it must be grown in managed forests and harvested postmortem - this practice fosters global forest sustainability and ensures future harvesting operations will not have detrimental impacts.
Ipe wood is an exotic tropical wood with amazing longevity, surviving harsh weather conditions for life and being less vulnerable to fire than other woods with fire ratings equaling concrete or steel. Thanks to its oil content, ipe is resistant to termites and other pests; while its dense structure offers exceptional shock resistance. Furthermore, Ipe requires special tools and pre-drilling before installing nails and screws - an expensive proposition at $3 to $5 per square foot.
Many eco-conscious designers and architects prioritize using environmentally sustainable products, but sourcing issues have prevented them from using Ipe wood. Ipe grows slowly at low densities; mature trees only appear every seven to 25 acres. Unfortunately, clearing large areas of rainforest to harvest this precious wood necessitates clearing roads or harvesting equipment that leads to deforestation and waste; architects and designers can now bypass this issue by opting for water reclaimed ipe.
Ipe wood is one of the most adaptable options on the market and can be used in numerous applications. It is extremely durable and will age beautifully as time goes on; resisting both moisture and insects as it ages gracefully. Furthermore, its natural look allows it to be left as-is or sanded to a smooth finish for an authentic appearance. Lastly, its mold and fungus resistance makes Ipe a top pick for outdoor spaces such as decks.
Ipe wood has the added advantage of not succumbing to termites or rot, making it ideal for construction use. Unfortunately, its density and hardness make it challenging to work with and it also emits an unpleasant odor which may trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Be certain that when choosing an Ipe supplier, one that sources its wood ethically. This ensures that generations to come can enjoy this precious resource while harvesting responsibly - TerraMai has reported instances of illegal logging of this species as well as misreporting on wood that has been certified as sustainable.
