Kraaijvanger Architects
Blaak 40
3011 TA Rotterdam
The Netherlands

Wood is playing an increasingly important role in the transition to biobased construction. It is renewable, stores CO₂, and contributes to a healthy living environment. At the same time, the use of wood in outdoor applications raises questions: how does it age, what does that mean for aesthetics, and which type of wood meets the technical and sustainability requirements of a project?
To provide guidance in this area, we developed the Selection Matrix for Wood in Outdoor Applications. This matrix helps architects and construction professionals make the right choices at an early stage. Not based on gut feeling, but on insight into material behaviour, performance, and environmental impact.

Explore the unique look and technical traits of various wood species - from colour and grain to hardness and stability. A clear overview to guide material selection and design choices.
See how wood evolves over time. Learn how sunlight, moisture, and finishes affect its tone, texture, and durability — and how thoughtful detailing can shape or slow the aging process.
Real-world examples from architecture, interiors, and craft show how wood behaves in daily use. Inspiration from projects where form, function, and time come together.
Discover ways to merge beauty with longevity. From mindful material choices and maintenance to designs that embrace — rather than resist — the natural aging of wood.
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The decision matrix is not a list of “best choices,” but a tool to help you make a well-considered decision that fits the context of your project. This way, timber construction becomes not only more sustainable but also more predictable and reliable.
