International Wood Magazine

Cristo Rey Atlanta Lobby Showcases White Limba

AHC Hardwood Group donates exquisite hardwoods for community project

Magazine page featuring a plantation-grown Red Grandis pavilion with louvered wood shutters, exterior siding, and custom bench seating, alongside an AHC Hardwood Group advertisement and a White Limba species spotlight.
An AHC Hardwood Group advertisement highlights plantation-grown Red Grandis used for exterior shutters, siding, and custom seating, paired with a species spotlight on White Limba (Terminalia superba).

The lobby needed to be sophisticated, polished, and professional while also giving being warm and inviting and I feel that's exactly what was achieved." She continued, "What an amazing gift AHC Hardwood Group has given us."

AHC Hardwood Group frequently donates wood for non-profit community projects. Chief Executive Officer Jim Howard feels strongly about giving back. "As a company, it's important that we support programs in our local communities". He explained, "By donating exquisite hardwoods for community projects, we are able to provide high quality environmental and architecturally interesting building products, showcasing the warmth and versatility of wood, and help support the community."

Details, a local corporate interior design firm, proposed a high visibility wood treatment for the lobby. AHC Hardwood worked with Details Owner and Designer Jillian Carr Mitchell to select the perfect wood. "With over 45 wood species to choose from, we worked to find the right combination of look and function for the project," explained Stewart Sexton, Import Lumber Senior Product Specialist for AHC Hardwood Group. "We chose White Limba for its clean lines and contemporary feel." The design plan called for a wood with straight grain, consistent color, and a modern look overall. The golden colored sapwood also coordinated well with the anigre furniture used in the space. "We are really pleased with how the wood wall project came out," said Naughton. "When people come into the lobby, they are immediately drawn to the wall. Many even reach out and touch it."

The lobby is just the start of the variety of ways that Cristo Rey sets the tone for success. With their first graduating class leaving for college in 2018 with a 100% acceptance rate and over $12.8 million in financial aid and scholarships, Cristo Rey Atlanta is well on its way to leaving their mark. IW

Cristo Rey Atlanta thanks the 2018/19 corporate sponsors for their continued participation and support. The Cristo Rey Network is comprised of 32 high schools that serve over 11,000 young people from low-income backgrounds, living in urban communities with limited educational options. If you would like to learn more about the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Atlanta, visit their website: CristoReyAtlanta.org.

SPOTLIGHT ON: WHITE LIMBA / KORINA

  • Species: Terminalia superba
  • Origin: East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia
  • Common Applications: Plywood, indoor joinery and outdoor joinery after protective treatment, musical instruments, and turned objects.
  • Characteristics / Appearance: Wood ranges in color from a pale cream to a yellowish-brown or straw color. Wood with darker figuring is referred to as Black Limba, while the less figured wood lighter wood is called White Limba. White Limba is easy to work with hand or power tools. It responds well to ordinary machining tools in all operations, and works to produce clean smooth surfaces. It saws easily and has good gluing and nailing characteristics, as well as good veneering properties. It stains well and is suited to a variety of finishes.
  • Janka Hardness Scale: 670 lb
  • Comments: In addition to its reputation as an lovely wood to work with, White Limba is known in the guitar trade for its excellent tonal qualities.

Frequently asked questions

What wood species was used for the Cristo Rey Atlanta lobby wall?+

White Limba was selected for the lobby wall. It was chosen for its clean lines, contemporary feel, straight grain, and consistent color, and its golden sapwood coordinated well with the anigre furniture in the space.

Who donated the wood for the Cristo Rey Atlanta lobby project?+

AHC Hardwood Group donated the wood. The company frequently donates hardwoods for non-profit community projects as part of its commitment to supporting local communities.

Why does AHC Hardwood Group donate wood for community projects?+

CEO Jim Howard says supporting local community programs is important to the company. Donating exquisite hardwoods lets AHC provide high-quality, architecturally interesting building products while showcasing the warmth and versatility of wood.

Where does White Limba (Korina) wood come from?+

White Limba, or Terminalia superba, originates from East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Wood with darker figuring is called Black Limba, while lighter, less figured wood is called White Limba.

What is the Janka hardness rating of White Limba?+

White Limba has a Janka hardness rating of 670 lb. It is easy to work with hand or power tools and produces clean, smooth surfaces.

What are common applications for White Limba wood?+

White Limba is commonly used for plywood, indoor joinery, outdoor joinery after protective treatment, musical instruments, and turned objects. It is also well known in the guitar trade for its excellent tonal qualities.

Who designed the Cristo Rey Atlanta lobby wood feature?+

Details, a local corporate interior design firm, proposed the high-visibility wood treatment for the lobby. Owner and Designer Jillian Carr Mitchell worked with AHC Hardwood to select the wood species.