like the use of stone , wood is a natural resource that can be shaped and worked to

provide not only the structural requirements of a shelter but also the artistic and
functional finishes of the interior . in contrast to stone , wood rots . due to its lack of
permanence wood was often used for structures of lesser importance , with stone
being used for buildings intented to last , an exception to this were buddhist
temples of japan, few of which are considered to be amongst the oldest wooden
structures of the world (standing over 1000 yrs).

the problems opf rot , fungal and insect attack have never detracted from the ease
of use of timber in construction.

the relative cheapness of timber construction also meant that the vast majority of
everyday buildings used timber for their structure .

the renaissence

the wealthy merchants and nobility of renaissance looked to adorn their houses with
luxurious furnishing, with the unique and subtle beauty of wood.

in early twentieth century , to make economic use of expensive wooden finishes,

engineered woods were developed . the most familiar of which being plywood, that
is extremely strong, resistent to moisture and insect attack and did not suffer from
twisting and warping .

its obvious that wood is a product of trees, and trees take many years to grow to
maturity before they can be used as a timber. wood as other natural materials has
become expensive and valuable commodity that has to be used sparingly, or has to
be replaced by similar, but inferior artificial materials.

in contemporary design and interiors wood is again being appreciated for its quality
and beauty, but consideration has to be givwen to its responsible use.

the demonstrastion of the better use and potential of fine woods in contemporary
context takes us back to the time when craftsman understood the best use of it.

it is warm to touch, can be smooth, rough or textured ;the natural grain of wood
reveals unique and ever changing patterns that can be emphasized by careful
machining or the application of surface treatments..

woods are naturally resistant to fire, moisture, chemical and insect attack, others
change and move as they are exposed to the environment.

the swiss pavillion, "sound box"

location: hanover

designer: peter zumthor

date:2000

this temporary pavillion was designed to give a flavour of switzerland and was
intended to create an ideal combination of performing arts, music, drama and decor
into a form of total theatre

final wooden house

location:kumamoto, japan

date: 2008

designer: sou fujimoto architects