For me, it is not possible to do a project without wood
"For me, it is not possible to do a project without wood," said Eric Joseph Tremblay, Founder and Principal architect of BOOM TOWN, atelier d'architecture in Montreal, Canada. "Steel, concrete, stone, glass and wood. These are the five essential ingredients."
Nevertheless, when Tremblay's client suggested using Guajuvira (Patagonula americana) hardwood flooring in the living room of his cottage remodel, Tremblay admits that initially he had reservations. "When the customer showed me this product, I really was not sure what the effect would be," he said. "I was afraid to give the floor too much importance. It might have too much visual impact. But I was wrong. After some testing, I quickly realized that the use of this exotic wood enriched the project."
Tremblay's client had been drawn to the Guajuvira in a distributor's showroom by its vibrant irregular color pattern and fine texture. "We considered standard hardwood flooring, something like Maple or Cherry wood, but it was a bit boring," Tremblay said. "We liked the large variations and dramatic tints in this exotic wood. This wood is not uniform and it is visually very rich."
Guajuvira also known as Brazilian Hickory, Brazilian Pecan or Macchiato Pecan, is a striking variegated species that grows in Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina and parts of Brazil. The sapwood is a creamy yellowish-white color with brown hues intermixed with olive undertones. A myriad of shades from dark brown to black coexist in the heartwood. The grain can be irregular or straight or a combination of the two, and the wood finishes to a satiny smooth
"I like to work in a contemporary spirit, meaning that I value the light, open spaces and the use of warm and natural materials." — JOSEPH TREMBLAY, BOOM TOWN, ATELIER D'ARCHITECTURE
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Frequently asked questions
Why did architect Eric Joseph Tremblay initially hesitate to use Guajuvira flooring in the Montreal cottage remodel?+
Tremblay was unsure of the visual effect and worried the floor would have too much importance and visual impact. After testing, he concluded he was wrong and that the exotic wood actually enriched the project.
Why did Tremblay's client choose Guajuvira over more conventional hardwood flooring options?+
The client was drawn to Guajuvira in a distributor's showroom because of its vibrant irregular color pattern and fine texture. Standard options like Maple or Cherry were considered, but Tremblay and the client found them boring compared to the dramatic tints and large variations of the exotic wood.
What five materials does Eric Joseph Tremblay consider essential to his architectural projects?+
Tremblay identifies steel, concrete, stone, glass and wood as the five essential ingredients. He states that for him it is not possible to do a project without wood.
What are the visual characteristics of Guajuvira (Patagonula americana) wood?+
The sapwood is a creamy yellowish-white with brown hues and olive undertones, while the heartwood contains a myriad of shades from dark brown to black. The grain can be irregular, straight, or a combination, and it finishes to a satiny smooth surface.
What other names is Guajuvira known by, and where does it grow?+
Guajuvira is also known as Brazilian Hickory, Brazilian Pecan, or Macchiato Pecan. It grows in Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina, and parts of Brazil.
How does Tremblay describe his architectural design approach?+
Tremblay says he likes to work in a contemporary spirit, which for him means valuing light, open spaces, and the use of warm and natural materials.