Scandinavian Interior Style ! Philosophy ! Scandinavian Origin & Development ! Scandinavian Characteristics of the Style – Part 1

The Philosophy :

The Scandinavian interior design philosophy is minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The minimalist philosophy emphasized clean lines and simple designs that were inspired by nature and climate to create the Nordic design.

Although the Scandinavian design has been around since the 1950s, it still remains a popular trend in interior design today.

Scandinavian design characterized by a focus on functionalism and simplicity. It also includes the use of natural materials, such as leather, wood, and hemp. Furthermore, a Scandinavian interior design is often influenced by a connection to nature, which combines natural shapes, abstraction, and the use of natural elements.  

Origin and Development :

The minimalist style of Scandinavian design emerged during the 1930s within the five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The term “Scandinavian design” originated from a design show with the same name that traveled through the United States and Canada between 1954 and 1957. It promoted simplistic ways of living and showcased various works by Nordic designers.

Exhibitions showcasing Scandinavian design during the 1950s played an important role in the influence of these design principles in Europe and North America.

Within the golden age of Scandinavian design from the 1930s to the 1970s, there were a number of prominent furniture designers that had a huge impact on design philosophy and style.

Founders of Scandinavian philosophy and style, their influence on modern design is still evident today in areas like San Francisco and San Mateo . The brilliant Scandinavian designers who rewrote history with their innovative designs include Alvar Aalto; Poul Henningsen ; Arne Jacobsen; Borge Mogensen; Verner Panton; Hans J. Wegner; and Maija Isola.

This thinking reflected the growth of social democracy in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries over the same (post war) period, in addition to the availability of mass-produced low-cost materials and mechanisation of production. Scandinavian design made full use of pressed wood, plastics, anodized or enamelled aluminium and pressed steel.

The signature elements that came to define the Nordic style—minimalist white walls, wood floors, and modern furniture.

Wood plays a significant role in Scandinavian style. It is used for floors, walls, furniture, lighting and accessories. But also natural fabrics create a feel-good atmosphere with their light shades in the Skandi style.

Scandinavian design continues to be a leading source of inspiration for interior design.

Below, explore the signature characteristics of the movement and uncover quintessential Scandinavian designs — whether it be Hans Wegner‘s Wishbone Chair or Poul Henningsen’s iconic pendant lighting.

Key characteristics of the style :

The mid-century life in the region was primarily responsible for shaping Scandinavian design. Long, harsh winters with very few hours of daylight kept people indoors for many months and shaped the Nordic look. Besides, most people lived in small houses, an explanation for the Scandinavian minimalist style . Therefore,  it was imperative to make homes feel cozy yet airy, with every object in it reflecting as much ambient light as possible, the main features of the modern Scandinavian style.

The Scandinavian style is characterized by the seasons in the north, where the days in winter are very short. This results in the need to create warmth and comfort in this wintry environment.

The Scandinavian style originates from Nordic roots and expresses a soft, muted interior palate. This style is most characterized by an elegant and sophisticated look. The overall impression is modern yet minimal. The Scandinavian style shies away from the richness and intricacies of traditional styles and focuses more on the contemporary elements. An ideal Scandinavian interior stems from a focus on functionality, pragmatism and clean, minimal aesthetic. It strives to be as straightforward and as clutter free as possible.

The 1990’s saw a huge rise in popularity of SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN, when designers began creating bold, unique statement pieces as individual units of design.

Scandinavian interiors are a balance of functionality and aesthetics.

Scandinavian style is characterized by three key components – functionality, simplicity and beauty.

Although simple in design, clean lines are often incorporated with understated elegance and warm functionality, which creates a very homely feel.”

The environment in the Nordic countries was largely responsible for the design that evolved. Winters were long, meaning there was little daylight, and people often had very small houses, causing the need for bright and airy, yet cosy, homes.

Scandinavian interior design uses a blend of textures, contrasts, and soft hues to make sleek, modern furniture feel warm and inviting. It’s no small feat to be able to exercise restraint in your décor choices while still managing to make a space feel cozy.

Scandinavian interior design is known for its minimalist color palettes, cozy accents, and striking modern furniture. Designs often play with natural light—which is a hot commodity in Nordic countries.

Its relative simplicity makes the Scandinavian style a design darling of the contemporary world. Below, we will be observing several elements that make up the Scandinavian style.

Not everything has to match, and many homes mix vintage and traditional elements with the notorious simple and clean lines that we all know and love.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/

Building Material – Bricks ! Brick Type of Perforations or Cavities :

Three Following Types of Perforation or Cavities Bricks :

  1. Perforated bricks
  2. Hollow bricks
  3. Channeled bricks

Perforated Bricks :

These form a modern class of building bricks.

Four perforated bricks of white, yellow and red colors with round and rectangular holes on a pallet with bricks on the background other bricks on a warehouse

In perforated bricks cylindrical, rounded or rectangular holes are made in the bricks after the moulding  stage. These holes are called perforations.

They are properly spaced from the side of the brick, minimum distance being 15mm. further, distance between any two perforations is not less than 10mm the volume of the perforations. May be as much as 20-50 percent of the total volume of the brick.

Advantages :

These bricks are light in weight.

Less quantity of clay is required for their manufacture;

Less time is required for drying and burning of perforated bricks.

  • These offer better resistance against rain penetration and better insulation against heat. As such they are ideally suited for tropical countries.
  • Efflorescence is least in perforated bricks.
  • These are specially suitable for construction of brick panels in- multi-storeyed structures.

Hollow Bricks :

A brick also called cavity brick or cellular brick has a few well- defined sets of cavities with specified dimensions made in the body of the brick.

Its net weight may be only one- third to one- half of the solid brick. It is important that the thickness of brick wall near the cavity should not be less than 2 cm. Hence cavity extends throughout the body of the brick.

The hollow bricks are made from special type of brick clay (which should have higher clay content).

Advantages :

  • Being light in weight, they can be handled more conveniently and the output of the mason may be three to four times compared with ordinary bricks.
  • They offer better insulation against heat and sound.
  • They are ideal and economical for non- load bearing walls, e.g in partition walls.

Channel or Gutter Bricks :

They are actually special purpose bricks having a continuous central semicircular cavity or depression running through their length very often they are glazed to make them impervious.

These find use in the laying of drains.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/

Building Material _ Bricks ! Shapes of Bricks ! Part 2

 SHAPES OF BRICKS :

  • King Closer : the brick is so cut that it has length and width on one side only.Uses splayed jambs,blunt corners of walls.

  • Queen Closer : it is also a cut brick. The cut is lengthwise so that brick has only one half of the length of the full bricks. Uses bonding of brick works.
  • Squint Brick : it is also cut brick.the portion of cut forms angles other than right angle. Uses exterior or interior corners are to be built at some angle and also for ornamental purposes.
  • Splay Bricks or cant bricks : these have a level or portion taken off, widthwise, lengthwise, or in both directions. Uses for pillars , on top course of plith,on exterior walls etc.
  • Plinth Header : it has a full length on one face. On the other  face, a slope (bevel) is made from 3/4th of the length (D)
  • Plinth Stretcher : it has slope from one half of the width that extends along the entire length (E).
  • Plinth Return : it is a combination of both the header and stretcher beveling (F).

  • Coping Bricks : when a coping is to be provided to a wall, a special shape may be desired. The chamfered brick, the half round brick and the saddle back brick are some common coping bricks.
  • Bull Nose : it is otherwise a standard brick having one arris or edge rounded. Uses for decoration purposes.
  • Cow Nose : it is similar to a bull nose but has both edges on the side rounded. It may be called a double bullnose. Use for ornamental purpose.
  • Miscellaneous Shapes : these include bricks shaped for very specific purpose (not covered above) as for arches and circular walls, chimneys and culvets and wells.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/

Building Material – Brick & Bricks Classification

Classification of Bricks :

Conventionally , the Bricks are classified in the following two types :

  1. Sun dried or Katcha Bricks :
  2. Burnt or Pucca bricks :

Sun Dried or Katcha bricks :

The bricks dried only in the sun after their moulding are called sun dried or Katcha Bricks.These should not be used at places exposed to heavy rains.

Uses : These are suitable for constructing temporary houses,enclosures etc. in rural area.

Burnt or Pucca Bricks :

These brick burnt in a clamp or klin,after moulding and drying are called burnt or pucca bricks.

These are hard,strong and durable.

Uses : These are generally in permanent works.

These further classified into the following four types :

FIRST CLASS BRICKS :

CHARACTERISTICS :

(i) Well burnt having even surface , perfectly rectangular shape & free from saline deposits.

(ii) When two bricks are struck against each other a ringing- sound is produced.

(iii) Its compressive strength shall not be less than 140kg/cm2 and its absorption after 24 hours, immersion shall not exceed 20 percent.

(iv) It should show a uniform appearance,colour , texture and structure when seen on fracturing.

(v) They shall be clean,smooth & free from cracks,chips,grits,holes , nodules of lime or kankar etc.

(vi) They shall not show any sign of efforescence on surface when dried in the shade.

(vii) They shall not absorb water more than 20% by weight after 24 hours immersion in cold water.

(viii) They shall have a minimum crushing strength of 105kg/sq.cm.

Uses : Every kind of masonry work, flooring etc. Where strength and durability is desired. They are also used for face work,reinforced brick work and as ballast for base concrete work in floors.

SECOND CLASS BRICKS :

CHARACTERISTICS :

  • Well burnt, even slight over burning is accepted.
  • Metallic-ringing sound is also a must in this case as well.
  • In shape, rectangular, but slight irregularity is permitted. Surface may be slightly uneven.
  • Compressive strength shall not be less than 70kg/cm2 and absorption value between 20-22 percent.
  • Slight difference in structure on fractured surface is admissible.
  • They have fine , compact ,uniform texture.
  • They may have slightly chips , flaws or surface cracks but shall be free from lime & kankar nodules.
  • They are not so hard & strong.
  • They shall have a minimum crushing strength of 70 kg/sq.cm.
  • They shall not absorb water more than 22% by weight after 24 hours immersion in cold water.
  • They shall not show any sign of efflorescence on surface either in wet or in dry state.

Uses : These used in unimportant situations where bricks are hidden from front views as in the case of interior walls. They are never used in reinforcement brick work or face works of building.

THIRD CLASS BRICKS :

CHARACTERISTICS :

  • Poorly and unevenly burnt, that is, may be over burnt or under burnt.
  • On striking a dull thud (rather than metallic sound) is produce.
  • Appearance, shape and size are also non- uniform and irregular.
  • Compressive strength lies between 35- 70 kg/cm2 and absorption between 22-25 percent.
  • Yellowish in colour & may be distorted and have round edges.
  • They are soft & weak in strength.
  • They shall not absorb water more than 25% by weight after 24 hours immersion in cold water.

Uses : These used in inferior and temporary buildings & in place not subjected to heavy rains . They are sometimes used for scaffolding and centring in the construction of building.

JHAMA OR FOURTH CLASS / OVER BURNT BRICKS :

CHARACTERISTICS :

  • Irregular in shape and dark in colour, which is due to over burning.
  • Quite strong in compressive strength, generally above 150kg/cm2 and low in porosity and absorption.
  • They shall be over burnt , vitrified & distorted bricks.
  • They shall be dark in colour.
  • They shall be irregular in shape & size and may be available in the form of lumps.
  • They shall be hard & strong.
  • Produce metallic sound when struck with one another.

Uses : They are used as aggregates for making base for concrete to be used in foundations, floors etc. and as road metal for soling coats.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/

Building Material : Lime -Part 3

Handling & Storage of Lime :

Lime in its raw or unhydrated form requires careful handling to avoid accident and losses.

A) Quick Lime :

Quick Lime should be protected from water while handling for transport or during storage.It will start getting hydrated with evolution of heat that can cause burn injuries of very serious nature.

When lime stoared in wooden barrels comes in contact with water , so much heat may be evolved as to burn the barrels and also the store house or the trucks or wagons in which it is being transported.

B) fat Lime :

Fat lime must be protected from direct contact with atmosphere moisture & carbon dioxide. Uncovered lime gets air-slaked,that is, gets slowly hydrated by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere.

Such slacked-lime then combines with atmospheric carbon dioxide and starts setting.

It gets converted to a useless hard material which is lift with very little or no binding properties

However,stored temporarily for some time b y pilling it up into a compact heap which is covered with a thick layer of lime dust.This dust saves the main heap from the attack of moist air.

C) Hydraulic Lime :

It safer in transport & can be stored for longer periods as compared to fat lime. It must be treated as a lime & not as a cement & same precautions taken while working with it.

Building Material – Lime

Lime :

Lime is an important cementing material used in engineering construction. A cementing material may be defined as that material which has the capacity of holding structural units (like bricks, stones, aggregate) together with sufficient strength.

LIME in its simplest form is an oxide of calcium, CaO. It has been used since ancient times in the construction of ordinary buildings and also massive monuments, palaces and forts.

In the present time, lime can be used as reliable and economical cementing material where portland cement is either costly or is not easily available as in hilly regions and remote villages.

Classification :

LIME is available in the market in three main types which are named on the basis of its composition:

Quicklime, hydrated lime and hydraulic lime.

A) Quick Lime / Fat Lime :

It is also called fat lime, rich lime or pure lime. In it CaO content is always greater than 93 percent by weight remaining being MgO and very little clay .

Quicklime is an amorphous (shapeless) white , material which is highly caustic in character. It has a very high affinity for water and carbon dioxide. It will absorb the same quickly even from atmosphere converting itself to a carbonate of calcium, as per following reactions

                                     CaO +Co2 = CaCO3

                                      CaO + H2O =Ca(OH)2

                      Ca(OH)2 + CO2 = CaCO3 + H2O

1)It hardens very slowly.

2)It has high degree of plasticity.

3) Its colour is perfectly White.

4) It sets slowly in presence of Air.

5) It is soluble in water which is changed frequently.

Uses – White washing , plastering , Lime mortar can be used for thin joints of brick work & stone works.

B) Hydrated Lime :

It is that lime to which sufficient quantity of water has already been added at the manufacturing stage to hydrate (slake) it completely.

In composition hydrated lime is Ca(OH)2.in structure. It may be a fine powder.

It comes in ready to use form compared to fat- lime that has to be hydrated or slaked before using. Lime can also be converted to hydrated form at the place of construction. The method is then called slaking of lime.

C) Hydraulic Lime :

It is different in chemical composition form fat lime in that it contains a definite amount of clay in addition to CaO.

The clay content in hydraulic limes may range form 10-30 percent by weight. This clay plus lime composition gives the hydraulic lime a property of hydraulicity.

  • Which may be defined as “the capacity to set and harden even under water and in the absence of air as between very thick walls.”

         The hydraulic lime is further classified into three sub-types on the basis of hydraulicity (which is actually related to the clay content ) of the lime.

Divided into following three type :

1)Feebly Hydraulic Lime :

Clay content 5 to 10% , Slakes after few minutes , Sets in water in 3 weeks or so,Feeble.

Uses : The mortar produced by this lime is reasonably strong. Ordinary Masonry Work

2) Moderately Hydraulic Lime :

Clay content 11 to 20% , Slakes after one hour or two hours , Sets in water in a weeks or so,Moderate.

Uses : The mortar produced by this lime is reasonably strong. Superior Masonry Work.

3) Eminently Hydraulic Lime :

Clay content 21 to 30% , Slakes with difficulty , sets in water in a day or so, Eminent.

Uses : The mortar produced by this lime is similar the ordinary cement , It can be used for damp places.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/

Building Material – Lime

Uses of Lime :

Lime

Lime is used only for the following purposes :

1.It is used as a binding material in mortars for stone-ware and also in bedding and jointing brick work of low strength.

Lime Mortar

2. It is also used for plastering interior surfaces of walls.

Lime Plaster

3. It is used for preparing concrete for foundation and sub-bases of flooring works.

4. It is used for knotting of timber work before painting.

5. It is used for stabilizing the soils and for improving soil for agricultural purpose.

6. It is used as a flux in manufacture of steel.

7. It is used for creating good sanitary conditions in foul, damp and filthy places.

8. It is commonly used for white washing the rooms of buildings.

Lime – white wash

9. Eminently hydraulic lime can be used for masonry work below ground level.

10. It is used as chemical raw material in the purification of water and for sewage treatment.

11. It is used as flux in the metallurgical industry.

12. It is used as  a refractory material for lining open- hearth furnaces.

13. It is use as a raw material for manufacture of glass.

Lime for manufacturing the glass

14. It is used for the production of artificial stone, lime- sand brick foam- silicate products, etc.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/

BUILDING MATERIAL – Different Types of Trees

BABUL / BABBID / KIKKAR/ ACACIA NILOTICA :

Characteristics :

1)It provided hard wood which is close grained, strong, hard, tough & elastic.

2)Its durability is low.

3)It is pale red inclining to brown in color.

4) It takes good polish.

5) It is moderate to air seasoning but hard to work.

6) It’s average weight is 785kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for constructional purposes including building construction, house posts, beam, bridges,piles, poles & railway sleepers.

2)For Agricultural implements and tool handles.

3)For turnery articles and toys.

4) For bodies of trucks, carts, railway coaches, wagons etc.

5) For cane crushers , tent pegs, well curbs etc.

6) For fuel, being excellent for charcoal, fire wood.

SISSOO / SHISHAM / DALBERGIA SISSOO :

Characteristics :

1)It provided hard wood which is well marked coarse grained, strong, hard, tough & elastic.

2)Its durability is moderate.

3)It is dark brown in color.

4) It takes good finish & good polish.

5) It is moderate to air seasoning but hard to work.

6) It’s average weight is 785kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for constructional purposes including building construction, house posts, beam, bridges,piles, poles & railway sleepers.

2)For furniture and cabinet making.

3)For agricultural implements and tool handles.

4)For turnery articles and toys.

5) For veneers and plywood.

6) For sports goods, well curbs, and as fuel wood.

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress variety.It grows rapidly in every soil , specially along roads & canals.It grows in north & east zone of India.

TEAK /SAGOON/SHEGM/SAGWAN / TECTONA GRANDIS :

Characteristics : 1)It provided hard wood which has straight ,well Compacted grains ,strong, tough & elastic.

2)Its durability is high as it contains mineral substances and oil which resist the attack of fungi & other insects.

3)It is deeply yellow to dark brown in color.

4) It takes good finish & good polish.

5) It is moderate to air seasoning but easy to work.

6) It’s average weight is 640kg/m3.

7) It gives fragrance when freshly cut.

Uses :

1)It is used for constructional purposes including building construction, house posts, beam, bridges,piles, poles & railway sleepers.

2)For furniture and cabinet making.

3)For heavy packing cases.

4)For turnery articles and toys.

5) For veneers and plywood.

6) For railway carriages, bus bodies, ship building and other fine works.

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress variety.It is available in all zones except North zone of India.

SAL / SHOREA ROBUSTA :

Characteristics :

1)It provided hard wood which is close grained, extremely strong , hard , tough & elastic.

2)It is heavy durable, resistant to fungi white ants etc.

3)It is dark brown in color & heavy in weight.

4) It does not takes good polish & hard to work.

5) It is highly refractory to air seasoning.

6) It’s average weight is 865kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for constructional purposes including building construction, house posts, beam, bridges, piles, poles & railway sleepers.

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress variety.It is available in North  East & central zone of India.

JAMAN / JAMMUN / SYZYGIUM CUMINI :

Characteristics :

1)It provides strong, close grained , hard tough.

2)It is heavy durable, resistant to fungi white antS etc.

3)Its durability is moderate.

4) It is pinkish to brown in color.

4) It does not takes good polish & easy to work.

5) It is highly refractory to air seasoning.

6) It’s average weight is 785kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for constructional purposes including building construction, house posts, beam, bridges,piles, poles & railway sleepers.

2) Heavy Packing case.

3) For veneer Purpose.

4)As fuel wood.

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress variety.It is available in North East , central , West & South zone of India.

MANGO / ASM :

Characteristics :

1)It is coarse & open grained , interior quality wood, moderately strong.

2)It is durability is low & easily attacked by white ants etc.

3) It is deep grey in color.

4) It is easy to work & keep its shape well.

5) It is low refractory to air seasoning , liable to strain if not dried quickly.

6) It’s average weight is 690kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for constructional purposes including building construction, house posts, beam, bridges,piles, poles & railway sleepers.

2) Light & Heavy Packing case.

3) For veneer & Plywood Purpose.

4)As fuel wood.

5)For furniture & cabinets Making.

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress variety.It is available in North, East , central , West & South zone of India.

TOON / TUN / REDCEDAR / TOONA SINENSIS :

Characteristics :

1)It is light in weight & close grained and not so Strong.

2)It is durability is low.

3) It is light brown to dark brown in color.

4) It is easy to work & take better polish.

5) It is moderately refractory to air seasoning , & retains its shape.

6) It’s average weight is 690kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for constructional purposes including building construction, house posts, beam, bridges, piles, poles & railway sleepers.

2) Light & Heavy Packing case.

3) For veneer & Plywood Purpose.

4)For turnery articles & toys.

5)For furniture & cabinets Making.

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress variety. It is available in North, East , central , West & South zone of India.

SANDAL WOOD / CHANDAN :

Characteristics :

1)It is strong & straight grained wood.

2)It is durability is moderate.

3) It is light brown to brownish in color.

4) It is easy to work & take better polish.

5) It is low refractory to air seasoning.

6) It’s average weight is 915kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for furniture & decorative purpose.

2)For turnery articles & toys.

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress / Non – Coniferous variety. It is available in West & South zone of India.

DEODAR / KELO / DIAR / CEDAR TREE :

Characteristics :

1)It is strong, tough , close & well marked grained  wood.

2)It is durability is high.

3) It is light in color.

4) It is easy to work , planked & take good polish.

5) It is low refractory to air seasoning.

6) It’s average weight is 545kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for furniture & cabinet making.

2)For light & heavy packing cases.

3) Construction purpose as in the case of Babul.

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress / coniferous variety.It is available in North zone of India.

CHIR / CHIL / PINE/ PINUS ROXBURGHII  :

Characteristics :

1)It is strong, tough , coarse grained, but inferior than deodar wood.

2)It is durability is low.

3) It is light reddish brown in color.

4) It is easy to work , but liable to cracking against  rapid drying.

5) It is low refractory to air seasoning.

6) It’s average weight is 575kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for Construction purpose as in the case of Babul.

2)For light packing cases.

3) For furniture & cabinet Making

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress / coniferous variety.It is available in North zone of India.

KAIL / PINUS WALLICHIANA :

Characteristics :

1)It is strong, hard, tough , close grained.

2)It is durability is low.

3) It is light in color.

4) It is easy to work and finish.

5) It is low refractory to air seasoning.

6) It’s average weight is 515kg/m3.

Uses :

1)It is used for Construction purpose as in the case of Babul.

2)For light packing cases.

3) For furniture & cabinet Making

Locality in which grown or formed :

It is a exogenous tress / coniferous variety. It is available in North zone of India.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/

BUILDING MATERIAL – TIMBER ! WOOD BASED PRODUCT – PART 5

A) VENEERS :

The layers or sheets of varying thickness from 1 to 6mm are called veneers.These are obtains with the aid of a circular rotary saw or a rotary peeling machine. They are peeled off the log by a sharp knife in a long continuous sheet by rotating the log on its longitudinal axis.They are sliced from logs of timber having extremely attractive and curly figures such as teak, siscoo, toon, mahogany , walnut, oak etc.

The process of preparing such long & continue sheets is called veneering.

The veneers so obtained are subsequently dried in kilns where the moisture contents are reduced to required value for satisfactory gluing.patterns.This process is termed as edging.

VENEERS USES :

Where light, strength, non shrinking and non-splitting properties are expected of timber.They are mostly used in the manufacture of plywood, batten , boards, laminate & for decorative facings.

B) PLYWOOD :

A board formed by gluing together three or more layers of veneers or plies is known as Plywood.

MANUFACTURING OF PLYWOOD :

The veneer are glued together usually with the grains of adjacent veneers running at right angles to each other.

The cross binding & odd number of plies make the plywood of less shrinkage, & the shrinkage stresses will be symmetrical about the middle ply which will reduce the warping tendency and will be uniform in strength in both the directions.

The outer ones are termed as face piles and inner one as the core or cross band.The plywood can be improved in appearance for ornamental & decorative purposes by using selected figured of certain species on the faces.

an odd numbers of thin plies of wood are placed in layers & are glued by a suitable adhesive. They are pressed to form the plywood, in a large hydraulic press under pressure of 70 to 150 degree. The thickness of plywood is generally 3 to 10mm.

To obtain strength & properties , the  middle & face Plies are used of different kinds of timbers. Also strength of plywood depends upon the right choice of glue.

Thickness for plywood for 3ply is 3 to 5mm,for 5 ply 6 to 9mm for 7ply 9 to 18mm etc.

Advantages :

1)It gives better appearance as it can be formed in decorative designs & patterns by selecting figured veneers.

2)It is light in weight & has greater strength . A normal 3ply board in three times as strong as a solid board of same.

3) It gives uniform tensile strength in all directions.

4)It is obtainable in required size which is not possible for solid wood.

5) It is very easy to work & it can be bent to shapes of various designs.

6) It is highly resistant to cracking, splitting & warping as it has great stuffiness & rigidity in comparison with solid wood

PLYWOOD USES :

It is mainly used for the construction of furniture, partition, ceilings, covers, doors, windows, packing cases: for decorative purposes inside & outside surfaces of building walls & shops , buses, trains compartments etc. It is also a important material for air craft construction.

C) BATTENS BOARDS & BLOCK BOARDS :

The board having a core slab consisting of strips ,glued together between two veneers, one on either side, are knows as batten boards or block boards.

When core consists of strips of wood 8cm wide, glued together in the form of a slab, the board is called a batten board , and if the strips donot exceed 25mm in width , the board is known as block board.

The direction of grain of core battens is kept right angles to that of adjacent outer veneer.

Available in variable lengths, widths & thickness , According to requirement. They are not light but are comparatively strong.They donot split or crack easily.

USES BATTENS BOARDS & BLOCK BOARDS :

Batten Board are used for making partitions ,packing cases , floors, furniture paneling , ceiling, bus bodies, railway coaches, table tops for interior decoration etc.

Incase of block boards, other properties and uses are the same as those of batten boards. The thickness of such boards vary from 12mm to 50mm, length from 120cm to 240cm and width from 90cm to 120cm.

D) LAMIN BOARDS :

The boards having core of strip not exceeding 7mm in thickness glued together between two or more veneers are known as lamin boards.

The direction of the grain of core strips should be at right angles to that of the adjacent veneers.

They are also made on similar lines as plywood. Lamin boards are strong durable than batten boards and donot crack or split easily.

USES LAMIN BOARDS :

Lamin board are used for making partitions, packing cases and for floors etc.

E) FIBER BOARDS :

The boards made by pressing the mixture of saw dust , fibers of wood and glue are known as fiber boards.

They are also known as pressed wood or reconstructed woods.

MANUFACTURING OF FIBER BOARDS :

The selected wood converted into chips about 20mm long. These chips are put into an airtight steel vessel, called the gun & subjected to steam pressure of 30 to 60 kg/cm2.

This process softens the wood gum which keeps the wood fibers in contact.

They are than discharges by opening a valve at the Bottom.

The wood fibers will come out from the cylinder With a great force as if through a gun & will be Separated  from the natural adhesive in it, due to the sudden in the from of mats of the required thickness & subjected to heat & great pressure in a hydraulic press to form solid dry sheets, known as Fiber Boards.

These board generally 3 to 12mm thickness,1.2 to 5.5m length & 1.2m in width. The weight varies from light porous variety to hard compact variety as 480kg/m3 to 1200kg/m3.

1)Insulating Boards

2)Light & Hard Boards

3) Laminated Fiber Building Boards

USES FIBER BOARDS :

1)They are used for internal finish as wall paneling , suspended ceilings and for floors.

2) They are used in making partitions and for providing finishing cover to furniture.

3)They are used in making flush doors , table tops , for bus bodies , railway coaches , prefabricated houses etc.

F) HARD BOARD :

Made from wood pulp which is compresses to make sheet usually of 3mm thick. Its face surface is made smooth and hard while back surface is made rough with pattern or cross lines.

Its width is usually 1.2m & length varies from 1.2m to 5.5m.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/

BUILDING MATERIAL – DISEASES & DEFECTS OF TIMBER ! REQUIREMENT OF TIMBER- Part 4

Decay of Diseases Of Timber :

The Disintegration and turning to powder of timber Tissues is known as Decay or Disease of Timber. When the timber , without proper seasoning , Is placed in a position where there is no circulation of air, The disintegration of wood tissues is caused by fungi or other micro – organism. Dampness, alternate wet and dry conditions and old age accelerate decay of timber.

Classification of Diseases Of Timber :

1)Dry Rot :

The turning of timber tissues to almost a dry powder by fungi is called dry rot.There are many kind of fungi (means mushroom or any kind of spongy plant)which gain admittance into the Wood by means of pores, which breed in wood cells And spread minute thread like growth.

Favorable Condition of dry rots :

Sufficient temperature, Dampness , lack of free air and adequate food material.The fungus feed upon the wood and eats the wood Tissues, thus penetrating the wood fibers in all directions.

The wood is reduces to almost a dry powdery form by eating away the interior fibred of wood.The wood becomes soft like spongy mass usually grey in color.Sufficient temperature, Dampness , lack of free air and adequate food material.

Prevention of dry rots :

The timber which is well seasoned and free from sap, should be used because mostly sapwood is attacked by fungus.

It should be used at a place where there is free circulation and access of fresh air.

Remedy of dry rots:

The infected part of timber should be burnt or cut away & remaining portion should be painted with a solution of copper sulphate or with any other suitable preservative.

The wood cells which form the food of the fungi, should be impregnated with poison to control further growth of fungi.

The high temperature of seasoning kiln, will also Help In killing the fungi & expelling the moisture.

2) Wet Rots :

The disintegration of tissues of the timber due to alternate wetting & drying is called wet rot.Common found in a Living tree. The attack takes place through wounds in the bark by the access of water you can say high % of moisture.The decomposition of the effective part results in converting the wood fibers into a greyish brown powder.

Prevention of wet rots : 

All timbers for exterior or underground work should be first properly seasoned and then coated with tar or some paint to keep out the dampness.

Remedy of  wet rots :

for treating wet rot is by using a suitable preservative.

3) Insect Effect :

Such as termites (white ants), beetles, larva & marine borers cause decay of timber.They live in colonies. They build up mud tunnels to keep their movements covered & eating into the wood under the surface.

Prevention of wet rots :

The most effective way of controlling termites is To create damp proof conditions by using cement Concrete & cement mortar in joints so that termites may not work their way through the joints.

Well seasoned wood should be used and also protected from outside by sun & rain by a suitable cover to prevent it from insect attack.

Remedy :

The marine borers attack can be controlled by Providing copper bottom to wood which is to come in touch with water.

Causes of Decay Of Timber :

1)Presence of sap & moisture due to improper seasoning.

2) Stacking timber or using it in a position where there is no free circulation and access of fresh air.

3) Using timber at a place where it is subjected to alternate wetting and drying conditions.

4)Using Timer in structural work without the application of paint or any other suitable preservative on a seasoned wood, specially for underground work Such as fence post.

5) Applying protective coat of paint to unseasoned wood will induce decay by closing he outside pores.

6) Using timber where it is subjected to dampness.

Defects Of Timber :

1)Natural Defect developed during the growth of Tree

2) Defects occurring after a tree is felled.

Natural Defects :

1)Shakes : The partial or complete separations between adjoining layers of tissues are called shakes.

Shakes commonly formed in Log of trees which are allowed to stand even after they attain maturity and indicate old age.They lower the resistance to shear.

2) Heart Shakes :

The radial ruptures in annual rings or splits radiating from the heart of wood & extending towards the sapwood are called Heart Shakes & shake occurring at or near the pith and giving the appearance of a star on end of a timber log piece is called Star Shake.

These shakes are caused by quick drying of central part of the tree, having attained maturity. Felled tree nearing maturity.

3) Radial Shakes :

The radial splits which extend from the bark towards the pith are called Radial Shakes.These shakes are wider at outer ends and get narrower towards the pith. They are caused by shrinkage of outer tissues drying faster than the inner ones. Such defect usually arise during sudden seasoning of timber log and by excessive heat of the sun or server cold in forests.

4) Cup Shakes :

The opening along the growth rings are called cup shakes or ring shakes.

When the rupture of timber extends only a part round, it is called a cup shake and when whole way round, it is called a ring shake.

This defect is due to the sudden increase of moisture supplied by the roots of a tree and than quick drying.

B) Rindgall :

The curved swelling resulted from the growth of sap wood layers on wound, left by a falling branch or cut off branch in an irregular manner is called rindgall.

The new growth does not unite properly with the old wood and leaves a carity where decaying action may set in the form of rindgall.

C) Knots :

The dark hard pieces indicating places from where branches of a tree have been cut off or broken are called knots.

When the formation of knots if free from decay and such other defects and is firmly intact with the surrounding wood, it is called a live knot or sound knot.

A knot which is not held firmly in place is called a dead knot or loose knot.

Knots are source of weakness as they break the continuity of wood fibers.

A wood having a live knot can be used for engineering purpose.However, it is not safe to use a wood having dead knots.

Knots make the working of wood difficult.

Common knots are :

Round Knot, Oval Knot, Spike Knot, Grouped Knot & Pencil Knot.

D) Twisted Fibers :

The defect due to the fibers of tree which get twisted when young, by the force of wind is called Twisted FIBRES.

Twisted fiber make the wood weak & is only suitable for fuel purposes.Poles in unsawn condition where twisted fibers will give extra strength.

E) Upsets :

The defect caused by crushing or by injury in wood fibers are known as Upsets.

They occur usually during the growth of a tree.This makes the wood weak & unfit for any important work.

F)Burl, Burr or Excrescence :

The growth of a large excrescence bulge which is formed on the trunk or branch of a tree due to certain injury inflicted when the tree is young is called Burl, Burr or excrescence.

G)Coarse grains :

The widening of annual rings due to rapid growth of certain trees is called coarse grains.

The wood having coarse grains is weak in strength and durability.

Defects Occurring after the Tree Felled :

If the seasoning of the freshly felled logs of wood is not properly carried out, several defects creep in.

1)Case Hardening :

The different layers of wood are under stress. During Klin seasoning, the outer side of timber gets hard while the inner core remains still wet due to rapid surface drying. This type of defect is known as case hardening.

2) Honey Combing :

This defects is due to separation of the tissues in the interior of timber due to drying stresses, caused by incorrect kiln seasoning as the interior wood dries earlier than the external surface.

3) Collapse :

The defect is due to the corrugates appearance of timber , caused due to excessive and uneven shrinkage during drying.

4)Foxiness :

This defect is due to yellowish or reddish stains , caused by over-maturity and lack of ventilation during storage of timber.

5)Twisting & Bowing :

If the unevenly dried timbers are subsequently sawn into smaller sections , some of the stresses are released and defects such as twisting, cupping, bowing & splitting appear distinctly in them.

a)Twist : It means a spiral distortion.

b) Cup :

A curvature in a piece of timber across its width in known as Cup.

C)Bow :

A curvature in a piece of timber along the direction of its length.

D) End Split :

A split of end of a log or a piece of timber.

Requirement of Timber :

1)It should be easily & cheaply available.

2)It should allow coat of paints & polish etc.

3)It should be highly penetrative.

4)It should be permanent nature and not to be washed away by water or spoiled by heat, light etc.

5)It should be extremely poisonous, even in small doses, to fungi & insects.

6)It should be allow decorative treatment on timber after being applied over timber surface.

7) It should be non Inflammable.

8) It should after high resistance to the moisture & dampness.

9) It should not reduce the strength of the timber & should be non –corrosive to metal in contact.

10)It should not catch fire easily.

11)It should not give bad smell and not be injurious to workmen and animals.

https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureInteriorDesignStudio/