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The future of urban design focuses not only on aesthetic needs but also on multi-dimensional criteria such as sustainability, environmental performance, user well-being, and long-term durability. Natural materials especially thermally modified woods are among the rare materials capable of meeting all these needs. Compared to energy-intensive materials like concrete and metal, they offer a lower carbon footprint, create human-centered spaces with their natural texture, and harmonize with the ecological identity of cities. This article explores this topic in detail.
Modern cities face critical issues such as climate change, the urban heat island effect, and the aesthetic and functional problems caused by concrete-heavy surfaces. For this reason, designers are turning toward lighter, more natural, and longer-lasting solutions. Natural materials not only improve urban aesthetics but also reduce environmental burden, contributing to the creation of livable cities.
Lightweight and easy application: Natural materials such as wood are significantly lighter than concrete and steel.
User comfort: Natural surfaces provide more comfortable use in walkways, plazas, and park areas.
Low heat retention: Wooden material reflect less heat back to the environment, helping balance urban temperatures.
Aesthetic unity: Natural textures offer a harmonious and inviting appearance within the urban landscape.
Eco-friendly production: Chemical-free processes like Thermowood minimize environmental impact.
Synthetic materials with high carbon emissions and energy consumption are no longer preferred.
Natural materials create a more human-centered, tactile, and warm environment.
Long-term costs are lower due to reduced maintenance and repair cycles.
They contribute to sustainability certifications (LEED, BREEAM, etc.).
Public spaces offer higher user comfort and safety with natural surfaces.
With its natural character, warm tones, and evolving texture over time, wood brings:
a soft, human-scale feel,
a modern yet natural appearance,
high aesthetic value,
a sustainable identity
to urban spaces. Especially in plazas, walkways, seating elements, and waterfronts, wooden surfaces create a completely new atmosphere.
Trees store carbon throughout their lifetime, and this carbon remains stored within the material.
Thermowood production is chemical-free and requires low energy.
Their long lifespan eliminates the need for frequent replacement.
They require significantly less production energy compared to concrete and metal.
Natural materials play a critical role in urban carbon management.
Dense concrete and asphalt surfaces in cities absorb solar radiation and create the heat island effect. This leads to temperature increases and higher energy usage. Natural materials especially Thermowood surfaces have lower heat storage capacities, helping mitigate the heat island effect.
They have low heat retention.
Their reflective characteristics are more balanced and do not cause glare.
They maintain stable surface temperatures and do not transfer excessive heat to the surroundings.
They provide more comfortable sitting and walking surfaces during summer.
Wood:
does not absorb intense solar radiation,
does not create heat mass,
stabilizes the microclimate,
improves outdoor comfort.
For this reason, they positively contribute to energy management in parks, plazas, waterfronts, and recreation areas.
Safety in urban areas is measured by factors such as slip resistance, material durability, longevity, and user-friendliness. Thermowood performs strongly across all these criteria.
Its natural surface texture offers slip-resistant properties.
Thermal modification increases resistance to decay, deterioration, and moisture.
Maintains its form for long periods even under high pedestrian traffic.
Ensures safe use in high-risk surfaces such as terraces, piers, walkways, and waiting areas.
Yes. Especially thermally modified woods:
gain durability without any chemicals,
show minimal swelling and shrinking when in contact with water,
can achieve strong UV resistance with surface protectors,
offer long service life.
With proper installation and periodic maintenance, natural materials can be extremely durable.
Studies show that natural textures:
reduce stress levels,
increase user satisfaction,
encourage people to spend more time in social areas,
create a sense of warmth and safety.
Therefore, public spaces incorporating wood are more inviting and user-friendly.
Choosing natural materials for urban design depends on factors such as:
climate,
pedestrian density,
UV exposure,
rainfall levels,
intended use.
Iroko: High-durability outdoor areas, waterfronts, piers.
Ayous (Thermo Ayous): Façades, street furniture, light and aesthetic surfaces.
Pine (Thermo Pine): Parks, walkways, decking applications.
Each species offers high performance when properly processed according to project needs.
Novawood aligns directly with modern urban design trends by offering sustainable, durable, and aesthetically natural materials produced in accordance with Thermowood Association standards. Novawood products contribute significantly to urban goals such as increasing green areas, integrating nature with public spaces, and reducing the carbon footprint.
Long-lasting Thermowood products are preferred for urban furniture and façades.
Low maintenance requirements provide cost advantages for city administrations.
Their natural texture makes outdoor spaces warmer and more accessible.
Eco-friendly production processes support sustainability strategies.