Sustainable Architectural Design: Harnessing the Beauty of Ipe Wood

Written by Liza Sivek on Tue, Dec 12, 2023 @ 05:12 AM

Architects and builders know, sustainable building materials are not a trend, it's the new way we look at commercial exterior design. Today, responsibly sourced natural materials are front and center in project criteria. In this article, we explore how FSC Certified Ipe wood rainscreen helped this LEED Silver project meet that criteria and create a beautiful public space.

ipe soffits kirkland

For a Seattle, Washington public rooftop space, sustainability was key. The building would be LEED Silver certified and the materials in this space had to comply, be durable enough for a public space, and create a warm, attractive aesthetic. The developers and architect have used Mataverde FSC Ipe wood rainscreen before and knew it would be the answer again here.

Why FSC Ipe Wood?

FSC Certification – The Forest Stewardship Certification Council sets a rigorous certification standard that are open, transparent, environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and environmentally viable. Mataverde is committed to the same standards with our FSC Ipe wood rainscreen siding materials.
FSC lumber help comply with LEED certification. https://www.usgbc.org/leed
Ipe wood is a natural, renewable material that is incredibly long lasting when installed, and recyclable at the end of its useful life. The return on investment is high both environmentally and economically.
Natural Ipe wood stores carbon throughout its long life. As noted by our Technical Director, Charles Bonser, “Wood stores carbon, therefore, the longer the wood cladding stays in service, the longer the wood stores carbon, as opposed to releasing carbon (if it is rotting or being burned as waste).”
FSC Ipe wood has a Class A Fire rating to meet your building code project needs.
With Ipe’s strength and longevity comes low maintenance. The high fiber density, highest of the exotic wood siding materials, resist moisture, rotting and decay.
Helps the project meet LEED

“Wood stores carbon, therefore, the longer the wood cladding stays in service, the longer the wood stores carbon, as opposed to releasing carbon (if it is rotting or being burned as waste).”

- Charles Bonser, Mataverde Technical Director, Project Manager

Have questions on building with wood siding sustainably? Find answers in the Ultimate Guide to Rainscreen Wood Siding, download now.

Download Now: The Ultimate Guide to Rainscreen Siding

Vertical Siding with Rainscreen

FSC Ipe d Vertical rainscreen entrway and soffit detail Kirkland Urban II Seattle

Installing FSC Ipe vertically is a modern take on board and batten that adds interest and accentuates height. Vertical rainscreen installation with the Climate-Shield system makes this much simpler to design and install since it eliminates furring strips.

Climate-Shield gives you much more than design flexibility.

Climate-Shield is designed to create the perfect rainscreen gap automatically during installation.
The fasteners are hidden from the eye once installed so you get a clean line with no visual interruption.
The components eliminate all the wood furring strips behind the field siding. So you have not only excellent air exchange but there are no "pockets" where humid air or rain can get trapped. This prevents mold, rot, and decay that can shorten the life of the siding.
And the longer the siding is in use, the longer it stores carbon and that supports the sustainability of the FSC hardwood siding material.

architectural_detail_for_vertical_rainscreen_wood_siding_installation Typical installation detail diagram for Climate-Shield Rainscreen Installation

Get inspired by the many advantages of Climate-Shield rainscreen Installation for your sustainable project. Download your copy of The Ultimate Guide to Building Green with Rainscreen Wood Siding.

Soffits and Entryways

FSC Ipe rainscreen first and second floor soffit detail Kirkland Urban II Seattle Soffits on the first and second level contrast nicely to define the details and warm the glass and metal exterior.

The natural beauty and warm look of real wood adds a welcoming element that softens the effect of the visually cold metal and glass elements with subtle contrast.

Rainscreen siding was used to cover the soffits above the entryway and other places. Covering soffits is another design element made easier to create in the field by a rainscreen system.

Sustainable Decking Completes The Project

Unfinished FSC Ipe wood "steps" also act as built in seating on the rooftop space.

FSC Ipe can also be used as decking. This project, part of a public rooftop deck, echoed the elements of the walls and entryways with built in steps that act as benches for visitors. The same sustainability and longevity applies here, as well as high resistance to foot traffic as low maintenance. You can read more about the sustainable advantages of the rooftop deck project in the article: FSC Ipe Rooftop Deck Showcases Sustainable Aesthetics

We hope this article shed some light on the advantages of using sustainable FSC Ipe rainscreen siding in your design. If you have any questions or would like pricing, please don't hesitate to contact us.