Archispec: Materials of Substance
pieces are ready, a protective German-made material-enhancing finish is handled and deftly applied by Archispec's in-house team. The stains and clear coats used are formulated to withstand the demands of the product's location and usage, and all installations have maintenance directives included.
One catalyst for the creation of Archispec's uniquely oversized products is their 15-plus year relationship with Milwaukee-based architectural-design firm Vetter/Denk. "The 28-year-old Vetter/Denk partnership is based on the very holistic and comprehensive approach taken with our residential clients," says John Vetter, co-principal of Vetter/Denk.
"It is common for us to design and detail unique glazing and exterior skin applications. Additionally, we handle the complete interior design, which can include all material selections, built-ins, furniture, art glass, light fixtures and hardware. The specifications often include exotic woods, among which are Lyptus, Ipe, Garapa, Tornillo, Lacewood, Ebony, Sapele/Honduras and African mahogany."
From sustainably developed forests to Paxton Lumber's lumberyards to Archispec's shop floor to various Vetter/Denk projects, domestic and exotic hardwoods are playing the leading role. Alan McIlvain, Past President of IWPA, has stated, "Developing best practice standards for the specification, design and use of tropical forest products creates advances in sustainable forestry across the globe." Increasing sustainability in foresting is important for both Archispec and Vetter/Denk, not only so their supplier-client relationship can continue to take good projects toward greatness – but so future generations of homeowners, architects and woodworkers can enjoy working with true materials of substance.
Frequently asked questions
What finishes does Archispec use on its wood products?+
Archispec applies a protective German-made material-enhancing finish, handled by their in-house team. The stains and clear coats are formulated to withstand the product's location and usage, and all installations include maintenance directives.
What exotic wood species does Vetter/Denk specify for its projects?+
Vetter/Denk's specifications often include exotic woods such as Lyptus, Ipe, Garapa, Tornillo, Lacewood, Ebony, Sapele/Honduras, and African mahogany.
How long have Archispec and Vetter/Denk worked together?+
Archispec and Milwaukee-based architectural-design firm Vetter/Denk have maintained a relationship for more than 15 years, which has been a catalyst for Archispec's uniquely oversized products.
What design services does Vetter/Denk provide to residential clients?+
Vetter/Denk designs and details unique glazing and exterior skin applications, and handles complete interior design including material selections, built-ins, furniture, art glass, light fixtures, and hardware.
Why is sustainable forestry important to Archispec and Vetter/Denk?+
Sustainability ensures their supplier-client relationship can continue producing great projects and allows future generations of homeowners, architects, and woodworkers to enjoy working with quality materials. Past IWPA President Alan McIlvain noted that best practice standards for tropical forest products advance sustainable forestry globally.
Who supplies the hardwoods used by Archispec?+
Domestic and exotic hardwoods travel from sustainably developed forests to Paxton Lumber's lumberyards, then to Archispec's shop floor, before being used in Vetter/Denk projects.