Aesthetic Design
Interwood Forest Products and the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building and the centerpiece of Dubai, is an engineering and design marvel that has set a new global benchmark in building excellence. Interwood Forest Products, a subsidiary of Germany-based Fritz Kohl, a world-wide leader in providing high-end architectural grade veneers and lumber, played a key role in furnishing the interior areas of this architectural masterpiece. Rick Banas, vice president of Interwood Forest Products, commented: "The company goes to the source, selects the best wood and prepares the best veneers before supplying its customers. We offer clients a 'kaleidoscope of veneers' from which they can check available inventory, product specifications and colors in the type and specification of wood they are considering."
For the Burj Khalifa project, Fritz Kohl Middle East LLC was approached by the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), the Samsung C&T Corporation and Emaar Properties PJSC (the owners' company). Interwood worked closely with SOM interior architect Nada Andric and Eric Tomich, associate director and architect at SOM, who were based at the time in Dubai.
The process of selecting the finest woodwork for the interior of the Burj Khalifa began in 2006, five years prior to the building's completion in 2011. "The veneer samples were submitted and resubmitted until all parties involved were content that the species, quality and quantity could adequately be supplied," said Banas.
Woods from three continents, including wenge (Millettia laurentii) and bubinga (Guibourtia spp.) from Africa, Santos rosewood/pau ferro (Machaerium spp.) from South America and figured maple (Acer spp.) from North America, were carefully chosen by the architect and owners with input from the Fritz Kohl Group to create dramatic effects with colors and grains throughout the interior of the building.
Five years of diligent collaboration among the parties resulted in the world's finest veneers, intricately designed, and now installed in 899 residences as well as hallways, lift lobbies, sky lounges and amenity levels inside the Burj Khalifa. For their work and excellence, Interwood Forest Products received recognition as the winner of the IWPA 2012 Aesthetic Excellence Award.
The process of selecting the finest woodwork for the interior of the Burj Khalifa began in 2006, five years prior to the building's completion in 2011.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species were used in the interior of the Burj Khalifa?+
The interior features wenge and bubinga from Africa, Santos rosewood/pau ferro from South America, and figured maple from North America. These were selected to create dramatic effects with colors and grains throughout the building.
Who supplied the veneers for the Burj Khalifa's interior?+
Interwood Forest Products, a subsidiary of Germany-based Fritz Kohl, supplied the high-end architectural veneers and lumber for the Burj Khalifa's interior.
Which firms collaborated on selecting the Burj Khalifa's interior wood finishes?+
Fritz Kohl Middle East LLC was approached by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) Chicago, Samsung C&T Corporation, and Emaar Properties PJSC. Interwood worked closely with SOM interior architect Nada Andric and associate director Eric Tomich, both based in Dubai at the time.
How long did the veneer selection process for the Burj Khalifa take?+
The process began in 2006, five years before the building's 2011 completion. Veneer samples were submitted and resubmitted until all parties were satisfied with the species, quality, and quantity.
Where were the Burj Khalifa's wood veneers installed?+
The veneers were installed in 899 residences as well as in hallways, lift lobbies, sky lounges, and amenity levels inside the Burj Khalifa.
What award did Interwood Forest Products receive for the Burj Khalifa project?+
Interwood Forest Products won the IWPA 2012 Aesthetic Excellence Award in recognition of its work on the Burj Khalifa's interior veneers.