Wood in its purest form

It’s hard to think of any other material that has its held ground in our homes over the centuries as persistently as wood. Through the ages, it has been used as a facade for simple wooden huts, as the basic material for furniture and, in modern times, as complex indoor and outdoor panelling. In short, wood is a versatile material that never goes out of fashion – and that is precisely what makes it is so very valuable for our living space. Our appreciation of wood has changed over recent years – and not just among experts: consumers are also increasingly mindful of various aspects such as how the material has been processed. “Customers have become much more sensitive to the fact that we need to take a sustainable approach to what nature gives us,” says Klaus Brammertz, CEO of the Bauwerk Boen Group. This philosophy influences the entire processing chain. The woods that Bauwerk Parkett selects for its flooring and interior design products are sustainable in use. Some parquet floors can even be recycled or recoloured to give them a second lease of life. What’s more, the company only uses natural oils and water-based varnishes. And thanks to Bauwerk Parkett’s commitment to the environment, its products are entitled to carry the “cradle to cradle” quality label. This means that, in contrast to conventional recyclable products, the quality of the raw materials is preserved throughout several product life cycles, and only chemicals categorised as safe are used. No waste is generated.

But today sustainability isn’t the only important factor when it comes to deciding whether a product sells or not: the way the finish is crafted plays an equally crucial role. “Warm, sensuous textures and a velvety feel are the main criteria when buying new parquet flooring,” explains Klaus Brammertz. These are important and ultimately crucial attributes when it comes to deciding whether a product is liked or not – especially for female customers. “The trend has moved away from polished surfaces, with the result that customers’ expectations of the finish have increased,” says Klaus Brammertz. The wood should have its own patina, reveal its unique character and thus provide a contrast to floor coverings with no natural irregularities. On the other hand, there is less call for individuality when it comes to colour. Today the trend is towards light, natural shades or dark floors. Exotic woods, which usually have a reddish colour, have almost entirely disappeared from the Swiss market. As a result, 92 percent of the company’s wooden surfaces come from oak. “Because of its grain and great durability, oak is an extremely good choice for flooring,” explains Brammertz. In the case of two-layer parquet, the bottom layer is normally made of a softer wood like spruce. Today Bauwerk Parkett equips a wide range of interiors, developing concepts that extend over several levels yet manage to create the impression of a single, seamless whole. CI

BAUWERK PARKETT: Klaus Brammertz has been CEO of Bauwerk Parkett AG since 1 June 2009. The company was founded by Ernst Göhner in 1935. Right from the start, Swiss precision has played a key role, permitting the production of top-quality wooden floors. Today Bauwerk Parkett AG is one of the biggest parquet manufacturers in Europe and, along with Boen AS, is part of the Bauwerk Boen Group.

Photos: Bauwerk Parkett

Bauwerk Parkett
Neudorfstrasse 49
9430 St. Margrethen
Tel. 0041 (0)71 747 74 74
Fax 0041 (0)71 747 74 75
info@bauwerk.com