Spotlight On: Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry
The Chenequa Residence by Robert Oshatz, Architect
Spotlight On: Jatoba, Brazilian Cherry
Species: Hymenaea courbaril
Origin: Central America, Southern Mexico, Northern South America, and the West Indies
Common Applications: Flooring, fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural details, shipbuilding, joinery and turnery, and small specialty items.
Characteristics/Appearance: Heartwood varies from a light orange-brown to dark reddish brown, sometimes with contrasting grayish brown streaks. Color tends to darken upon exposure to light. Sapwood is a light grayish yellow, clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Grain is typically interlocked, with a medium to coarse texture. Good natural luster.
Janka Hardness Scale: 2,690 lb_f
Comments: Jatoba bears little relation to the American Cherry (Prunus serotina). Jatoba can be moderately difficult to work with because of its density and hardness. It can be machined to a smooth surface except when planing where tear-out occurs due to interlocking grain. Jatoba glues, stains, turns, finishes and responds to steam-bending well.
What Does the Janka Ranking Scale Mean?
The Janka Rating Scale measures the relative hardness of woods. Because hardness is often an important factor and hardness varies for each species, the janka scale is an excellent tool to compare wood species and identify appropriate choices.
"There must be surprise, mystery, beauty and delight; elements that make architecture rewarding to its users for a lifetime," he says. "This is one of the primary differences between architecture and building. It is the architect's responsibility to go beyond the mere program and into the realm of the spiritual."
The Chenequa residence celebrates the magnificence and poetry of its environment and the authentic beauty of the elements used in its construction. With the generous use of natural materials, powerful geometry, clean lines and uncluttered spaces, the home is stunningly contemporary. Yet at its heart, the Chenequa residence is a home for a family. The house provides connections to the exterior, but is warm, comfortable and inviting. The Chenequa residence reminds us that human beings are innately tied to the natural world, and that it is a rich and rewarding place in which to live.
ROBERT OSHATZ, ARCHITECT — The firm of Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect, based in Portland, Oregon, provides organic architectural, planning, interior design and construction management services for developers and individual clients. Since 1971, Robert Oshatz has designed and built numerous commercial and residential projects throughout the country. Oshatz is also active as a speaker at public lectures and architectural gatherings.
Frequently asked questions
How does Jatoba's hardness compare on the Janka scale and why does it matter for workability?+
Jatoba has a Janka hardness rating of 2,690 lb_f, making it a very dense and hard wood. This density makes it moderately difficult to work with, and tear-out often occurs during planing because of its interlocking grain.
Is Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry) actually related to American Cherry?+
No. Despite its common name, Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril) bears little relation to the American Cherry (Prunus serotina).
What finishing and fabrication processes does Jatoba respond well to?+
Jatoba glues, stains, turns and finishes well, and it also responds well to steam-bending. It can be machined to a smooth surface in most operations, with planing being the main exception.
What design philosophy does Robert Oshatz bring to projects like the Chenequa residence?+
Oshatz believes architecture must include surprise, mystery, beauty and delight, going beyond mere program into the spiritual realm. The Chenequa residence reflects this by using natural materials, powerful geometry and clean lines to create a contemporary yet warm family home connected to its environment.
What kind of services does Robert Harvey Oshatz, Architect provide and where is the firm based?+
Based in Portland, Oregon, the firm provides organic architectural, planning, interior design and construction management services for developers and individual clients. Oshatz has designed commercial and residential projects throughout the country since 1971.
How can you distinguish Jatoba heartwood from its sapwood?+
Jatoba heartwood ranges from light orange-brown to dark reddish brown, sometimes with contrasting grayish brown streaks, and darkens with light exposure. The sapwood is a light grayish yellow and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.