Eight years ago, Per 17 on New York City’s waterfront was neglected and in need of a significant makeover. The project focused on using sustainable, durable, and beautiful wood decking and siding materials. FSC Jatoba hardwood met all those criteria. But has it held up under almost a decade of constant urban foot traffic? Let’s compare then and now and see it for yourself.
In 2016, the Howard Hughes Corporation played a major role in bringing shopping, dining, and maritime history to the South Street Seaport area where Pier 17 is located. The vibrant space also boasts a wide-open wooden boardwalk with spectacular city views where events are held. Today, Pier 17 hosts an estimated 9 million locals and visitors per year. (Source:@SecretNYC)
Pier 17 South Street Seaport Project Then and Now
For SHoP Architects and the Hunter Roberts Construction Group, the expected commercial activity plus the East Coast waterfront climate were top of mind when bringing this area to life. The project criteria was key:
- Sustainable building materials
- Long lasting durability and hardness
- Withstand the moisture and seasonal changes of an East Coast marine environment
- Natural, organic beauty that is welcoming to the “human element”
- Contrast and warm the monochromatic metal siding used elsewhere in the project
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FSC Jatoba hardwood decking and benches freshly installed in 2016 at South Street Seaport's Pier 17 |
FSC Jatoba hardwood decking and benches eight years and millions of visitors later |
To meet this criteria list, Mataverde FSC Jatoba hardwood was chosen for the decking and the siding. Jatoba, also known as Brazilian Cherry, has become a frequent player in expansive outdoor projects like Pier 17.
A detail of FSC Jatoba wood grain and color
- By selecting Jatoba with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification, it satisfied the important sustainable factor. All Mataverde hardwood is responsibly harvested, and FSC certification adds an additional level of assurance for sustainable-focused projects. Visit our Environment page for more details on our commitment to environmentally responsible harvesting and sustainable material options.
- Jatoba is a high fiber density hardwood, comparable to Ipe wood characteristics with high hardness rating. Jatoba has low porosity and high resistance to moisture, rot, checking, and splitting as well as insect damage. That hardness also allows it to easily manage the heavy commercial use Pier 17 decking and siding would experience.
- The gorgeous grain patterns of Jatoba lace through a natural color range of light to dark browns with cherry red undertones. Once installed Jatoba naturally darkens in sunlight, deepening the colors.
- Left untreated for UV protection, Jatoba eventually mellows to a naturally occurring satin finish and silver-gray patina as it weathers. That was the plan chosen for Pier 17 and it looks just as welcoming and attractive as it did the day it was installed, but in a lighter color.
RELATED: Download the definitive guide here, "How Do Hardwoods Weather?"
Pier 17 FSC Jatoba decking with built in bench steps along the waterfront in 2016
Jatoba Wood Decking Is A Timeless Choice
On Pier 17, Jatoba wood decking surrounds visitors to the pier, encompassing the entire perimeter of the waterfront area. Hardwood decking on such a large area is an important element for retaining the integrity of the structure in a commercial, marine environment. It also feels "friendlier" and more welcoming to people than cement or stone material, both visually and underfoot.
Jatoba is a perfect wood decking for this site, including the heavy moisture and humidity of the environment, the salt air and salt water, plus punishing storms and heavy UV. Like all premium hardwoods, Jatoba is extremely resilient. Jatoba has a proven reputation for resisting cupping, warping, or splitting under extreme climate conditions.
Hardwood decking is excellent for commercial use on the top side of the decking, for the same reasons. With the ability to resists splitting and checking, it stays attractive for years longer than other wood decking. For visitors, the feel of real wood is welcoming and more traditional than cement or stone along the pier
Built in seating takes advantage of the warm and inviting organic feeling of the wood. Long benches use slats made from Jatoba for strength and longevity. Visitors can sit and enjoy the sights, sounds, and salt air along the edge of the buzzing city in comfort.
Another advantage to Jatoba on a project this huge? With comparable looks and characteristics to Ipe wood, Jatoba is much more budget friendly.
RELATED: Download the Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking here
FSC Jatoba public benches and boardwalk decking along Pier 17 eight years later
Get a feel for Jatoba hardwood decking and siding material. Request samples for your next project now.
Jatoba Wood Siding Blends Form and Function
The world-class durability and resistance to weather also informed the use of Jatoba wood siding for the rainscreen siding design aspects of the revitalized buildings.
With the modern high rises towering around the pier, glossy metal siding was incorporated into the new buildings as a nod to the surrounding neighborhood. The Jatoba wood siding contrasts and warms this sleekerr element and reflects the traditional wood pier around it. This mix of traditional and modern siding materials contributes to the overall design and waterfront ambiance of Pier 17.
Pier 17 storefronts in 2016 with FSC Jatoba wood rainscreen siding with UV protectant oil finish
Pier 17 has become an excellent example of how sustainability in exterior design and construction can be achieved without sacrificing looks or longevity. There is no ceiling on designing and building with sustainable hardwood for the future of commercial construction.
The revitalized buildings along Pier 17 have the Jatoba wood siding installed as a Rainscreen Siding, using the Climate-Shield Rainscreen System. Beyond the good looks, sustainability, and resilience of Jatoba hardwood, incorporating an open joint rainscreen just makes sense in a high moisture environment.
This is because the Climate-Shield Rainscreen allows rain to run through and out the open joints of the system. It is designed to prevent trapped water pockets that can cause mold and decay behind the siding over time, an expensive problem. Humid air can freely escape up and out of the Rainscreen system, a major consideration during summertime in New York City.
The Climate-Shield Rainscreen System offered several advantages to the design and construction teams:
The patented Climate-Shield CS10 Rainscreen Clip eliminates all the furring strips behind the field siding, creating a faster and easier install that saves time and labor.
Once the aluminum rails are in and the system starter rail is level and fastened, the rest of the siding boards above it install quickly and on level, creating a cohesive and elegant design element on the exterior.
RELATED: Download a copy of the Featured Commercial Wood Rainscreen Project Portfolio now
Choosing sustainable wood materials that offer longevity and recyclability offers a high return on investment over the lifetime of the decking or siding.
The Future of Sustainability in Commercial Construction
There is a continued emphasis on FSC certified wood and its role in future projects. Whether for LEED certification or a preference of the architect or property owner, sustainable wood decking and siding are in demand.
If you are planning an environmentally friendly decking or siding project in a commercial space, Pier 17 is a perfect case study for sustainable commercial construction using hardwood. With many Mataverde FSC certified to choose from including FSC Jatoba, FSC Machiche and FSC Ipe, you can have the best of all words.
Sustainable, strong, beautiful hardwood that surpasses expectations will make commercial designs stand out.
- Hardwoods are low maintenance, and the natural color can be kept intact by reapplying a UV protectant as needed.
- However, the advantage to a property owner of letting a large scale decking or siding project weather naturally to an attractive gray and actually lowering the maintenance needs, cannot be understated. A weathered hardwood deck only needs regular cleaning as needed.
- It will also satisfy property owners who want sustainability featured in their completed project. Choosing sustainable wood materials that offer longevity and recyclability offers a high return on investment over the lifetime of the decking or siding.
The Implications For Sustainable Commercial Development
As you can see for yourself, the success of FSC Jatoba wood decking and siding on this revitalization project is clear. The strength, resiliency, and longevity of the FSC Jatoba has been evident over the last eight years. It can be counted on to continue to do so for many more.
Pier 17 has become an excellent example of how sustainability in exterior design and construction can be achieved without sacrificing looks or longevity. There is no ceiling on designing and building with sustainable hardwood for the future of commercial construction.
If you have an opportunity to visit Pier 17, make sure to see the FSC Jatoba features for yourself. In the meantime, if you have any questions on FSC Certified wood options, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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