b'And, of course, wood has good structural qualities,Above: A stunning example says Giesen. It performs well, giving exibility whenof how different timbers used as structural bracing. We have done a number ofcan work together. This projects where we have exclusively used wood as adesign by Strachan Group wall lining.Architects uses ve Studies also show that timber in buildings inuencesdifferent types: western red cedar for the door joinery peoples behaviour in a positive waygiving healthand window architraves, benets that mimic spending time outside in nature.hoop pine plywood for wall Earlier this year, Planet Ark, an Australian environmentallinings, meranti plywood not-for-prot organisation, released a report identifyingfor the ceilings, pine glulam woodashelpingtoimproveapersonsemotionalbeams and posts stained state; reducing stress, improving air quality and havingwith Resene Colorwood Tamarind, and keruing the ability to store carbon. multi-ply and hoop pine KitchendesignerLizKerbyofLizzie&Cousesplywood for the kitchen. timber frequently in combination with natural stone,Then its all protected with marble, ceramics, leather and paint. She says its theResene Aquaclear.perfect complement to these other materials.Above right: A plywood She calls them comfort materials, because theykitchen nished with soften and enrich interiors, helping to move away fromResene Aquaclear is the sharp-edgedkitchenswiththeirdeliberatelyjarringcentrepiece of a home metallic brightness and industrial-style surfaces.designed by William Giesen Timber is hugely versatile when it comes to creatingof Atelier Workshop. specic kitchen styles, says Liz. It can be used in either a contemporary or traditional way, and is a key element of the current vintage rustic look. Shes not afraid to use recycled timbers alongside more rened timbersLately Stevens has been using spotted gum, a hardAbove: Affordable,forcontrastandsaysthatrecycledtimberhasaAustralian eucalypt for oors, ceilings and cabinetry.attractive, robust and grounded authentic appeal. Its a lovely nutty brown colour with a distinctivelow-maintenance, pine Timbers dont have to be solid. In fact, using timbergrain. He also uses cedar for ooring. plywood wall lining, nished in Resene veneers or man-made composite veneers are not onlyAquaclear, was used an eco-conscious choice but are also cost effective.Plywood versatility along with Futura Theres an extensive range of colours, textures andPreviously the domain of building sites and dodgyplywood cabinetry in grains available to go with any look. Says Liz: They arefences, plywood is big news. Made of thin layers ofthe bathrooms of a a stylish alternative to solid wood with a lovely linearwood veneer bonded together with adjacent layers ofsocial housing project detailing you wouldnt get normally.wood grain rotated at right angles, ply is incrediblydesigned by Strachan Group Architects (SGA) NicolasStevenslikestouseband-sawntimber,versatileandinexpensive.Itcanalsobemadeofand the Unitec School whichaddsaroughtextureandgivesalotofmany types of timber, from standard pine through toof Architecture for character. It tells a story. maple, birch and more.the Auckland-based When it comes to selecting timbers, its horses forPlywood is a very elegant product, says Liz. In aVisionWestcourses. Hardwoods work best on oors because theyrecent kitchen design, she used ply as a substrate forCommunity Trust.enduretrafcwithoutbeingdamagedordented.an oak veneer, using the exposed ply edge as a feature. Resene Colorwood 42Rock Salt'