That year summer

AT a time when concrete,Safety surface steel and synthetics dominate the local construction materials market, local architectural wood manufacturer Matimco is spearheading the effort to bring sustainability back into Filipino homes.

The company recently showcased the potential of wood in contemporary architecture through the House of Wood, a two-storey concept hall, which was erected during the 2013 World Building and Construction Exposition (WORLDBEX). The functional gallery featured Matimco’s wide selection of wooden doors, floors, mouldings, cabinets, stair components, outdoor decks, furniture, and structural trusses,Playground equipment which demonstrate how sustainability and modern design can coexist without compromising quality.

The House of Wood also saw the WORLDBEX debut of two new, innovative Matimco brands–Nuwood, which lends the durability of wood-plastic composites to high-traffic outdoor spaces, and Muzu, a pressed bamboo product granting the strength and durability of natural bamboo, while addressing the design limitations traditionally associated with bamboo in its natural form.

Through its distinct brands,Plastic wood
Matimco combines technology to provide wood solutions for modern architectural challenges. By way of constant innovation, the company aims to rekindle Filipinos’ innate affinity with nature’s premier building material.

Backed by 50 years of expertise in timber distribution, Matimco carries a history of combining nature and technology to create innovative solutions for modern building challenges.

“Simply put, wood is 100% renewable and one of the, if not the most sustainable building material currently available in the market,” says Billy Arrienda, Marketing Director of Matimco, citing how the company sources its wood from managed timber farms all around the world. “Wood also uses less energy to grow, harvest, transport and process, compared to other materials like steel and concrete.”

But while Arrienda points to the natural characteristics of wood to partly explain the quality of Matimco products, he stresses that it is still technology that gives it its biggest edge. For starters, Matimco is the only wood company that is ISO certified and employs state-of-the-art double vacuum treatment technology for its premium products to effectively protect against termites, wood borers, and fungal decay. It has also partnered with Mitek for the engineering software being used in its structural components, and above all, its years of experience in the industry ensure its unparalleled, in-depth understanding and knowledge of the best in wood product construction and finishing.