Monthly Archives: February 2012

  • By: Eric Thompson

    The ThinkHouse is a freestanding study and reading space in the woods adjacent to a primary residence on Frost Pond in rural New Hampshire.

    The unique design arose from the idea of a study as a place apart from the everyday world, a realm of tranquil introspection. Combined with the spectacular natural setting, the concept of ‘a place apart’ was the impetus for lifting the project off the ground and into the trees.

    The get-away space is comprised of three parts that articulate and amplify the movement from daily life into the realm of deep thinking.  First, a long, gently rising and meandering Western Red Cedar entry ramp is carefully calibrated to the site specific conditions of the trees, granite boulders and land contours.

    The second part of the sequence is the entry leg of the “L” shaped plan, a relatively closed and darkened space. The entry provides a transitional space, a moment which severs the connections to the outside world behind.

    The ending point of the sequence, the study space and reading room itself, blossoms as one emerges from the hall, opening generously to natural daylight, the forest, and the clean lake water beyond.

    The design was considered from the start with Real Cedar in mind due to its spectacular warm color and ability to harmonize with yet enhance the natural qualities of the wooded site.  Furthermore, the rich color variation of the Western Red Cedar siding provided a strong horizontal texture to the project and its exceptional weathering qualities, marking the passage of time were compelling reasons for its selection.

  • Eastman Chemical, in conjunction with the introduction of Perennial Wood™ decking at the International Builders’ Show, has announced that Boston Cedar will handle exclusive distribution of the product for the pro-channel beginning late first quarter of 2012 to trade professionals through its network of independent building materials retailers in the Northeast.

    “This product is a game-changer – something the industry has been waiting for,” said Rob Ankner, chairman of Boston Cedar. “We want to be the first to distribute it to the marketplace.”

    Perennial Wood is real wood that has been modified with TruLast™ Technology to be significantly more stable.  While remaining fully workable, Perennial Wood is straighter, smoother, harder and three times more resistant to shrinking and swelling than raw wood.

    Boston Cedar’s reputation as the premier building products distributor in the Northeast was a good fit with the target market for Perennial Wood decking, according to Dr. Gregory W. Nelson, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Eastman. “Boston Cedar has built the model for distributing higher-end building products, and we felt strongly that the company’s leadership will embrace and enthusiastically represent Perennial Wood,” Nelson said. “We also liked the stability we saw in Boston Cedar.  These folks grew up in the business and collectively bring hundreds of years of regional knowledge and expertise to their broad base of customers.”

    Nelson said that Eastman is eager to leverage Boston Cedar’s strong track record of adding value to its product offerings. “Boston Cedar is known as a distributor that sees beyond the product and understands the importance of adding value like training and marketing support,” he said.  “The technology behind Perennial Wood is interesting and compelling, and when a guy at the lumber desk successfully articulates it, the customer will be more confident making the purchase.  Boston Cedar has proven time and time again that they can make that engagement happen.”

    “We’re thrilled to be the exclusive distributor of Perennial Wood at launch,” Ankner said. “This is a product that could change the way we all think about wood decking and wood in other outdoor applications.  It’s a tremendous opportunity for us to be involved early with a product platform that could have widespread impact on our industry.”

    The Perennial Wood decking offering which is available through a select dealer base in the Boston Cedar network includes decking and all related components in standard sizes, as well as nominal-sized lumber.  Additionally, through the Perennial Wood custom design program, trade professionals can submit special requests for their decking projects by submitting CAD drawings and take-off lists for successful conversion from concept to reality.

    About Eastman
    Perennial Wood is made and manufactured by Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN), a Fortune 500 company with more than 80 years of history in acetylating wood pulp. In 2010, 13 percent of Eastman’s total revenues were derived from sales of raw materials to the building and construction industry. Eastman is actively engaged with Responsible Care® and is committed to continuously improving its sustainability performance through innovative, environmentally and socially responsible solutions.

    Click for more information on Perennial Wood.

  • For the second year in a row, AZEK will be  introducing more than 12 new products at the International Builders Show, February 8-11, 2012 in Orlando, FL. Please come visit us at booth W3601.

    Harvest Collection®  Expands
    Modena®, a warm, medium brown shade has been added to the AZEK Deck Harvest Collection®. With a natural wood grain pattern, versatile Modena has the look and feel of high quality wood but with the durability, stain and scratch resistance of AZEK Deck.

    Porch Debutes Three New Colors
    Three new colors being introduced are Morado, a light brown with a tropical hardwood look similar to ipe´; Silver Oak, has the aged look of teak with the rich personality of weathered wood; and Oyster , a lighter shade of gray inspired by the look of vintage lumber.

    New Deck Rail Lighting Options
    AZEK Building Products introduces new outdoor lighting options to our AZEK® Rail product line. The new AZEK Rail Lighting products include two styles of Lighted Post Caps and Under Top Rail Lighting. And, for an even more dramatic effect, the AZEK Under Rail Lighting can be used in conjunction with the AZEK Lighted Post Caps.

    Universal Skirt Board In 10” Width
    Providing the perfect transition between the siding and trim, as well as assisting in water management, the Universal Skirt Board in 10-inch width profile allows more design flexibility and fits nicely into historic architectural styles that utilize wider trim. It is also an attractive alternative to a water table.

    New Architectural Moulding
    For ornate, classic or historic designs, these four new creative moulding profiles will provide a standout look for residential or commercial architecture.   AZEK Mouldings now includes 25 distinct moulding profiles that endure weather or assist in water management while adding classic beauty and easy workability.

    AZEK VAST Pavers
    By combining recycled materials with cutting-edge technology, AZEK VAST Pavers are up to one-half the weight of traditional pavers allowing AZEK VAST Pavers to be easily used in new applications such as flat roofs and residential decking.

  • Universal Consumer Products, makers of Latitudes Composite Decking, unveils its next generation of co-extruded composite decking under the Latitudes Capricorn® brand name. The new composite decking will be available in the spring of 2012 and was showcased during the 2012 LBM Expo at Foxwoods in Connecticut and it will also be shown at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, beginning February 8, 2012.

    The next generation of Latitudes which is exclusively distributed  by Boston Cedar in the northeast, features an innovative cap stock for a richer look and outstanding performance. The new synthetic cap stock deck boards feature an improved scratch-resistant surface that is also extremely resilient to stains and fading. Backed by an all-new 25-year stain and fade warranty, it offers a more natural-looking surface, realistic grain pattern and is available in two Capricorn variegated colors, Koa and Arabica, and three solid hues in Cedar, Gray or Walnut. Fortified with the same proven Strandex® technology, new Latitudes co-extruded composite decking is the perfect balance of beauty, strength and ultra-low maintenance performance.

    New Capricorn features:
    • 12′, 16′ and 20′ slotted board lengths and 16’ solid boards for stairs and trim boards.

    • Slotted edges encapsulated on one side with a stain, fade and scratch resistant cap stock.

    • Solid edge boards capped on three sides with an advanced co-extrusion technology for ultra-low   maintenance.

    • Durable, stain-and fade-resistant exterior finish.

    “New Latitudes co-extruded deck boards are more durable and better looking than composite decking of the past and the rugged cap stock we’ve employed is highly durable and proven in many exterior applications. Architects, Builders and homeowners will appreciate its great looks and exceptional time-tested performance,” said Geoffrey Meyer, sales manager for Universal Consumer Products.

    What makes Latitudes composite decking and railing special is the Strandex® technology it employs on the interior of the product. Strandex technology is much like individual strands that make a rope stronger; it offers superior protection against UV degradation and water absorption because every “strand” of wood fiber is encased in high-density polyethylene. You can be assured you’re getting the highest quality and strongest composite product available.

    Decorative Fascia Corners
    Latitudes® Composite Decking
    also bolsters its deck accessory lineup with decorative, metal fascia corners.

    Latitudes decorative fascia corners are a stylish way to dress up deck skirting and cover unsightly corner joints. Each corner is sold individually and installs easily with eight color-matched screws (provided). Made of stainless steel and powder-coated black, fascia corners are available in Leaf and Ridge designs and are offered in 7,” 9” and 11” heights to fit virtually any size fascia boards.


    The 2012 Starting Line-up