Timber

In wood, we find almost all the cycles of nature; -the daily cycle of night and day and, -the seasonal cycles of growth and hibernation. We can feel also the four elements -the nourishing cycle of earth and water, the sun’s fire for photosynthesis and the air cycle supplying a considerable part of the oxygen we breathe.

These cycles and elements are stored in the very essence of the timber. The fact that it is an organic and living material is its greatest quality.

Wherever we find trees we can see timber used for construction. Its structural and insulating qualities make it an ideal building material.

Nowadays economic conditions are controlling the timber industry. The processes of tree felling and timber processing are not in harmony with nature. We are in a vicious circle and we need to return to a more natural and healthy way of working. We compound mistakes and we are left with a product which is often not seasoned properly and has to be treated with toxic substances to avoid further deterioration and attack from insects and fungi.

It is a wonder that nobody asks why some timber constructions in Japan, Russia, Switzerland and Northern Europe are still standing after centuries. I have lived in an Alpine chalet built in 1755 and still in perfect condition. The wood had never been treated or even been painted.

In the Alps of Switzerland a few older carpenters are still inspired by respect for the forest and wood. The trees are felled only during a specific period between December and February, and under the waning moon. Apparently, the phase of the moon influences the property of the cellulosic fibres giving them natural insecticide and fungicide properties without need for chemical treatment.

The timber is seasoned for up to 11 years depending on the nature of the wood and its future use.

The great enemy of timber construction is humidity. The wood should always be kept away from it and should be well ventilated.

Interior: It is not always necessary to treat or paint interior wooden surface if they are out of reach, like ceilings for example. If a treatment is necessary one can apply vegetal oils such as linseed. Natural colouring agents can be added (Walnut shell, onion peels). If treated with bees wax the wood will breathe and electrostatic effects will be neutralised. There are now different natural wood treatment and lazures available, which have been developed during the last thirty years, mainly in Germany, France and Switzerland.

Exterior: Traditionally in alpine timber chalets the wood was often protected by being treated with a solution of alkaline salts found in wood ash. The mixture is composed of one unit of ashes for three units of water, boiled for one hour then filtered before use. Nowadays it can be protected with carbolic acid or borax salts.

Published by Health & Habitat Pty. Ltd.

Chalets in Switzerland and Northern Europe are still standing after centuries. This Alpine chalet was built in 1667 and is still in perfect condition. The wood has never been treated or even been painted.

The timber used to be seasoned for up to 11 years depending on the nature of the wood and its future use.