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Materials to work with, and often requires less energy to process, making it a practical and environmentally friendly choice for everything from framing to interior finishes. Its natural warmth and texture also support biophilic design principles, creating a sense of comfort and ease within the space while remaining timelessly stylish.
Consider engineered wood products
Engineered wood products, such as particleboard, MDF( medium-density fiberboard), and OSB( oriented strand board), are made by combining wood fibers or strands with binders to create strong, stable panels. They often use smaller pieces of wood or recycled fibers, which helps maximize yield from harvested trees and reduce waste compared with solid timber.
These products are highly versatile, suitable for structural components, flooring, cabinetry, and wall panels. They also offer design flexibility. For example, wood-based decorative panels can mimic the look of natural stone or marble, but with a fraction of the environmental impact.
Many engineered wood products are recyclable at the end of their life, contributing to the circular economy and helping reduce waste.
Design for longevity
One of the simplest ways to reduce a home’ s long-term environmental impact is to choose materials that last. Durable, high-quality products mean less frequent replacement, lower waste, and a smaller overall footprint across the lifespan of the home. Look for materials with warranties or guarantees, which can indicate both reliability and long-term performance. Opt for finishes and surfaces that are easy to maintain, particularly in high-use areas such as flooring, worktops, and cabinetry.
Where possible, incorporate materials that sequester carbon. These are typically biobased options, such as timber or natural fiber products, which lock away carbon absorbed during their growth and keep it stored for the lifetime of the building.
By focusing on sustainability,
performance, and usability, builders can create homes that are comfortable to live in, built to last, and better for the planet, delivering benefits for homeowners today and for decades to come. ■
Jonathan Lynch www. egger. com
Jonathan Lynch is UK Building Products Manager at EGGER. Established in Austria in 1961, EGGER has gone on to become one of the world-leading manufacturers of wood-based products. Specializing in wood for furniture design, flooring, and construction, EGGER works with customers across the interior design world, with a range of products and decors to suit a wide range of applications. EGGER’ s mission is to create more from wood and prides itself on its quality, innovation, and sustainability: three factors that drive everything the brand does.
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