The Perfect Anegre Log for Hudson Yards
searching for a special tree that was worthy to be in this iconic building which millions of people will visit and see. The species chosen was quartered figured Anegre. That was the easy part. The specifications were the hard part. A sequenced log with consistent figure and color, in lengths of more than 10 feet and widths of more than seven inches, was needed to provide the 80,000 square feet of veneer that is part of the architectural design of both lobbies. The log also had to be free of defects such as pin knots, minerals, and half crowns.
Rick Banas, Vice President of Interwood Forest Products described finding the perfect wood this way,
"Having been in the veneer business for 45 years, I can tell you that I can count the Anegre logs that meet these specifications on one hand. But, in 2014, while inspecting veneers in Ghana Africa, I came across such a gem. At the time, I had no idea of where this log would end up but I did know that it would take a really special project to consume this quantity and quality."
In 2017 the marriage between veneer log and project took place at 30 Hudson Yards.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species was chosen for the 30 Hudson Yards lobbies?+
Quartered figured Anegre was selected as the species for the project.
How much Anegre veneer was required for the Hudson Yards lobbies?+
The architectural design of both lobbies required 80,000 square feet of veneer.
What were the specifications for the Anegre log used at 30 Hudson Yards?+
The project required a sequenced log with consistent figure and color, lengths over 10 feet, and widths greater than seven inches. The log also had to be free of defects such as pin knots, minerals, and half crowns.
Where was the Anegre log for Hudson Yards sourced from?+
Rick Banas of Interwood Forest Products discovered the log while inspecting veneers in Ghana, Africa in 2014.
How rare are Anegre logs that meet high-end architectural specifications?+
According to Rick Banas, Vice President of Interwood Forest Products, in 45 years in the veneer business he could count the Anegre logs meeting these specifications on one hand.
When was the Anegre log installed at 30 Hudson Yards?+
The log was matched with the Hudson Yards project in 2017, three years after it was originally found in Ghana.