A Tapestry of Exotics
Fortis Arbor means "strong wood," and it aptly describes the wood mosaics produced by Chicago's Flux Studios. Fortis Arbor wood mosaics are hand-crafted from teak (Tectona grandis), rosewood (Pterocarpus spp.) and bamboo.
Wood mosaics can be used in virtually any interior application with limited water exposure, including walls, back splashes, countertops, fireplace surrounds and floors. Because wood tiles can easily wrap around curved areas, they are ideal for pillars, columns and curved feature walls.
The Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park, Illinois, boasts a magnificent feature wall in the bistro area made of Fortis Arbor wood mosaics. The wall is a basket weave configuration of teak and rosewood tiles and provides a visual focal point in the wine bar. Guests are often drawn to touch and feel the mosaic surface. Like fine wine, wood has qualities that stimulate all the senses.
Flux Studios owner Darrin Hallowell is a pioneer in wood mosaic design, technology and manufacture. "I've always been drawn to the visual and tactile qualities of wood," Hallowell said. "My first job in a Maine marine yard taught me to appreciate the amazing properties of teak wood. Teak is almost indestructible. Even after years of wear and tear under extreme conditions, it retains its superior performance capabilities and returns to lustrous beauty with a good cleaning."
Frequently asked questions
What is Fortis Arbor and what woods are used to make it?+
Fortis Arbor, meaning "strong wood," is a line of hand-crafted wood mosaics produced by Chicago's Flux Studios. The mosaics are made from teak (Tectona grandis), rosewood (Pterocarpus spp.) and bamboo.
Where can wood mosaic tiles be used in interior design?+
Wood mosaics can be used in virtually any interior application with limited water exposure, including walls, back splashes, countertops, fireplace surrounds and floors. Because the tiles wrap easily around curves, they are also ideal for pillars, columns and curved feature walls.
What is the Marion Street Cheese Market feature wall made of?+
The bistro area of the Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park, Illinois features a Fortis Arbor wood mosaic wall arranged in a basket weave configuration of teak and rosewood tiles. It serves as a visual focal point in the wine bar.
Who is behind Flux Studios and Fortis Arbor wood mosaics?+
Flux Studios is owned by Darrin Hallowell, a pioneer in wood mosaic design, technology and manufacture. His appreciation for wood began during his first job in a Maine marine yard.
Why is teak considered an ideal wood for mosaics and high-wear applications?+
Teak is almost indestructible and retains its superior performance capabilities even after years of wear and tear under extreme conditions. A good cleaning restores it to its lustrous beauty.