“As a designer, when you feel you are reaching the limits of what is feasible, you should never blindly accept these limits” – this is one of the fundamental convictions held by the developer of Forestlines. The idea behind this innovative facade and roof cladding was born of just such an encounter with the outer limits of feasibility: it seemed virtually impossible to get untreated wood rated as flame-resistant in accordance with the criteria of fire class A2 B. The only way to achieve this is by impregnating the wood; however, this leaches it and is also bad for the environment. By contrast, the innovation of Forestlines consists in the combination of untreated wood with an intelligent aluminium profile that reduces the flammable surface area per square metre. Thanks to their pronounced heat-conductivity, the aluminium strips between the wooden slats slow the spread of fire by drawing off its heat and distributing it across a larger area. The profile also completely screens the underlying structure from the flames. The aluminium profiles have a standard width of 20 and 30 mm and can be combined with any type of wood, so that facades and roofs can be designed according to individual tastes. The combination of untreated wood as a renewable raw material with largely recyclable aluminium makes Forestlines a sustainable cladding solution.
评审团评语
As a cladding and roofing material made of untreated wood, Forestlines creates a new benchmark thanks to its compatibility with fire-protection standards. It is apparent that this product is the result of an intensive, inventive development process to find a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to this challenge. The result is impressive with regard not only to its flame-retardant properties but also its ecological and aesthetic qualities.
