As a timber reclamation specialist, Ashwells has built its business over the past 30 years with one mission in mind, to save tropical timber for future generations. Its timber mill in Upminster, Essex, is an Aladdin’s Cave of hardwoods, from 2.6-meter Jarrah sleepers reclaimed from Network Rail to 12-meter Greenheart marine piles reclaimed from the River Amble in Southampton.
Reclaimed Timber Products
Responsible architects, engineers and designers choose reclaimed FSC certified hardwood because they want to increase sustainable design best practice, as these recent examples of Ashwells wood products in use demonstrate…
Wooden Walkway:
The acclaimed Back to Nature garden, designed by Davies White in collaboration with HRH Duchess of Cambridge, features a winding wooden walkway built using durable FSC certified Keruing timbers, reclaimed and repurposed by Ashwells from the pier at Southend on Sea.
Characterful Cladding:
This quirky project for London based advertising agency Cheil features FSC certified Jarrah and Opepe cladding, reclaimed and repurposed by Ashwells from Boscombe Pier, near Bournemouth.
Wooden Deck:
The RHS Chelsea Gold Medal winning Beyond the Screen garden, designed by Joe Perkins for Facebook, features a wooden deck built using stable FSC certified Greenheart, reclaimed and repurposed by Ashwells from the historic Whitstable Yacht Club.
Why Hardwood Reclamation?
During colonial times tropical hardwoods such as Greenheart, Jarrah, Ekki and Keuring were imported into the UK from Africa, Australia, Central America, and British Guyana, for use primarily in marine construction.
Due to the climate tropical hardwoods grow in, the grain is extremely dense giving it unmatched durability and stability. When cut is displayed, yellow and vibrant oranges, all the colours of the tropics.
Today, Ashwells reclaimed these timbers and repurposes for future use in an FSC certified process that prevents further deforestation, saves energy and protects architectural history.
As an FSC certified reclaimed timber supplier Ashwells provides a transparent and traceable chain of custody for all its hardwood and softwood timber products, whatever the source.
Further Help
For designers, architects and specifiers seeking to increase green design best practice Ashwells has produced a free eBook ‘How to Include Reclaimed Tropical Timber in Sustainable Design’ https://ashwelltimber.com/#ebook available to download. The eBook includes a useful guide to the quality and ideal uses of the timber species available, as well as details of the reclaimed timber pitfalls to avoid.