The indoor-outdoor living movement is undoubtedly here to stay. According to recent research, the global outdoor living structure market size was valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2021 to 2028. Construction of dining and leisure areas is reported to be a growing trend, primarily in North America and Europe, which is expected to drive the market over the forecast period.
As outdoor living becomes increasingly popular, there is a demand for durable outdoor building materials that will blend into existing outdoor spaces, while also being sustainable. Materials that can be used for creating stable structures such as outdoor kitchens, furniture, and cabinets.
The trend towards biophilic design means timber is often favoured for its aesthetic appeal, yet it can pose challenges in terms of its durability and stability. Many softwoods, for example, require high levels of maintenance and upkeep to preserve them and there is often a challenge to find sustainability sourced hardwoods in good supply. Recently, innovative processes and ways of naturally modifying timber can enhance its performance.
Accsys has developed a pioneering modification process to turn fast-growing softwood into a material with class 1 durability according to EN standard 350-1. As a result, the high-performance wood product created from this process, known as Accoya, is highly durable and stable, as well as displaying enhanced resistance to decay, insects, and moisture, which significantly increases its service life and adds to the circularity potential of the timber.
By transforming sustainably sourced, fast-growing, FSC®- certified wood into a building material, Accoya outperforms man-made alternatives that arguably deplete resources and contribute to heavy carbon pollution. Architects, specifiers, manufacturers, and end-customers no longer need to compromise on quality or sustainability, as Accoya provides the perfect balance of both.
Accoya is one of the few building materials to be Cradle to Cradle® Certified® gold (Platinum for Material Health) in recognition of its circular economy benefits.
A brilliant example of how Accoya is supporting the outdoor living trend is the outdoor kitchen pictured, located in Vancouver Island, Canada. Despite the ever-changing weather conditions on the west coast of Canada, the Accoya kitchen does not shrink or swell in the different weather conditions. With a 50-year warranty, the owners will be able to enjoy it for years to come.
UK homeowners embrace indoor-outdoor living by seamlessly connecting their interior sanctuaries with the immediate outdoor realm. One fantastic example of this trend can be found in the North Yorkshire home pictured, which incorporates sliding and folding Accoya doors. Not only does the window element of the Accoya sliding door provide an open plan illusion where the doors meet in the middle, but once open there is an effortless integration of the indoor dining room expanding out into the outdoor patio.
As temperatures rise, Accoya wood's durability and unwavering stability allow projects to stand the test of time, inspiring architects and homeowners alike to seamlessly incorporate Accoya into indoor and outdoor projects.
