Forum discussion
Schools-2009 MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials
Hello,
Has anyone ever specified rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) wood as a finish? I haven`t seen it being listed in any charts as the one above and it hasn`t come up in the forum posts.
The manufacturer claims that it has short harvest cycle and that after the latex is extracted the wood can be used as lumber.
Thank you,
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David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED SpecialistSERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1980 thumbs up
July 18, 2011 - 7:37 pm
Haven't seen these used - Do they meet the 10 year or less harvest cycle mentioned in the requirements? I understand that rubber trees may start producing latex after only 5 or 6 years, but are often kept in production until they are about 25 to 30 years old.
MAUDE PINTAL
Project manager, PA LEED BD+C , Référent certification HQEAEDIFICA INC.
29 thumbs up
July 19, 2011 - 10:03 am
You`re right David. Now that I`ve read a bit more about it I learned that after 25 to 30 years of exploitation the trees use to be chopped down and burned however they started using it in construction, cabinetry and as a finish since the interest in alternative and more sustainable wood sources emerged. I guess the rubber tree doesn`t fit into the description of rapidly renewable source but I wonder if there is another credit rewarding the project for using wood that has already served a different purpose and would otherwise be discarded.
Thank you,
M