Sustainable and Low-Maintenance Facades for Commercial Buildings with Lunawood ThermoWood®
Why Lunawood ThermoWood® is the Smart Choice for Commercial Buildings
As urban environments continue to develop and grow, there is an increasing emphasis on materials that balance sustainability, durability, and design versatility. Lunawood ThermoWood® is a strong option, offering a natural aesthetic that complements modern architecture while meeting the technical requirements of commercial and public buildings. Its use in urban spaces supports the creation of environments that are both functional and visually engaging.
In this blog, we’ll explore why Lunawood ThermoWood® is the ideal material for enhancing public spaces, commercial developments, and multifunctional buildings.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Modern commercial buildings are expected to do more than serve their occupants—they must also help reduce CO₂ emissions and address the challenges of climate change. Lunawood ThermoWood® is crafted from Nordic pine and spruce, sourced from responsibly managed PEFC-certified forests. Its production process uses only heat and steam, without chemicals, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials.
As trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide. When harvested sustainably and used in long-lasting products like Lunawood ThermoWood®, that carbon remains locked in the timber. Lunawood binds five times more CO₂ than is released during production (Lunawood’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). In other words, choosing Lunawood helps you reduce the embodied carbon of your project.
Durability and Low Maintenance
For architects and developers, long-term performance is non-negotiable in public and commercial buildings. Lunawood ThermoWood® is dimensionally stable and highly durable, thanks to its ThermoWood® modification process. It resists warping, twisting, and shrinking—even in harsh climates with fluctuating humidity.
Lunawood’s expected lifespan for exterior cladding is over 30 years (BRE, Building Research Establishment), making it a low-maintenance, high-value solution. It doesn’t require surface treatments, even in demanding environments. Over time, untreated Lunawood naturally develops a striking silver-grey patina that enhances the building’s aesthetic with minimal upkeep.
Versatility and Aesthetic Appeal in Urban Design
Natural wood can transform the atmosphere of a public space. Lunawood ThermoWood® adds warmth and tactile beauty to urban environments, whether used in facades, terraces, or interiors. Its rich brown tones and smooth texture provide a contemporary yet timeless appeal, making it a versatile choice for both modern minimalist and traditional architecture.
From shopping centers to educational buildings, Lunawood has been specified in commercial buildings around the world. Its adaptability in design, paired with compatibility with various coatings and finishes, offers architects the freedom to create unique, eye-catching spaces.
Fire Safety for Commercial and Public Spaces
Fire safety is a key consideration in public spaces and high-occupancy buildings. Lunawood ThermoWood® is available with BurnBlock® fire retardant treatment, which meets European fire classification standards (B-s1/d0 according to EN-13501-1). The treatment enhances fire performance without compromising the wood’s natural appearance, allowing designers to meet safety requirements while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Health and Well-Being Benefits of Timber in Urban Spaces
The use of natural materials, such as wood, in urban environments has been shown to support health and well-being. Incorporating Lunawood ThermoWood® into architectural design can help foster a connection to nature—an approach often referred to as biophilic design—which may contribute to improved comfort, reduced stress levels, and enhanced productivity for building occupants.
In both interior and exterior applications, wood surfaces can create a warm, inviting atmosphere in spaces like schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and public areas. Additionally, Lunawood’s chemical-free treatment process supports better indoor air quality, offering a natural option for environments where people spend extended periods of time.
Lunawood ThermoWood® in Commercial Buildings
Here are selected projects that exemplify the innovative use of Lunawood ThermoWood® in urban commercial buildings.
Parc Vallés, Spain
The Parc Vallès commercial complex in Spain integrates Lunawood ThermoWood® into its facade, enhancing warmth and sustainability. Its weather-resistant properties ensure long-lasting aesthetic appeal with minimal maintenance.
Colby College, USA
Colby College’s Johnson Pond Housing Project features Lunawood ThermoWood® cladding, combining sustainability with modern student living. Lunawood ThermoWood®’s natural aesthetics and stability ensure a harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.
Pôle Haute Performance de Capbreton, France
The Pôle Haute Performance de Capbreton showcases Lunawood ThermoWood® SHP battens, offering a durable and elegant facade. Their enhanced strength and weather resistance ensure long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance in the coastal environment.
Ready to Specify Lunawood ThermoWood®?
For architects and developers aiming to create sustainable, safe, and inspiring commercial buildings, Lunawood ThermoWood® offers a great combination of environmental performance, durability, and natural beauty.
Explore our product range or contact our team today to learn more about specifying Lunawood for your next urban project.
