What
is Wood?
Wood
is an organic substance composed of cells. It forms through cell division in
the formative tissue (cambium) located between the bark and the wood. Under
the climatic conditions existing in Switzerland, wood formation follows a
seasonal rhythm; forming in the growing period from spring to autumn and
halting in winter. In the process, tree rings develop which are visible in
the transversal and longitudinal sections of the stem.
Wood
- a renewable raw material
Wood
is one of Switzerland's only raw materials.
Wood
grows on continually and is available in times of crisis.
The
supply of wood is decentralized: wood is usually used from nearby forests.
In
comparison with other materials, wood takes little energy to process.
Wood
- a raw material
Wood
can be used in handicrafts and industry.
Waste
wood can be processed and used again.
Wood
is solid but relatively light which makes it easy to transport and handle.
Wood
is a good insulator. It protects against temperature extremes. Wooden walls,
ceilings and floors have a surface temperature just below room temperature.
Wood
exhibits good acoustic properties. It vibrates within hearing range and can
reflect or absorb sound waves.
New
wood-processing techniques optimize the material properties of wood. With
them wood can be used to make efficient and long-lasting constructions as
well as modern designs.
