Archetech Issue 41 2019 | Page 106

THE KEBONY DECK AT THE KITASAIWAI BUILDING IS IMPRESSIVE; IT’S GREAT TO SEE HOW THE MATERIAL HAS BEEN USED IN SUBTLE AND INVENTIVE WAYS AROUND THE WORLD, Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including enhanced physical properties and extended warranty. Although a natural material, the wood requires no maintenance beyond normal cleaning and can stand up to testing conditions far better than untreated softwood. Mr. Yoshida of Toshin Development Co.,Ltd,  part of the Takashimaya group, commented: “We are delighted to see how the area where our warehouse once stood has evolved into a modern luxury development which enhances Yokohama through Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP’s vision, and the use of innovative materials like Kebony. We are very proud to see the new Yokohama Kitasaiwai Building being transformed into a peaceful space in Yokohama.” Adrian Pye, International Sales Director at Kebony added, “The Kebony deck at the Kitasaiwai Building is impressive; it’s great to see how the material has been used in subtle and inventive ways around the world. We are certainly looking forward to working with Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP to create more special projects in the future.”