IRO Timber, manufactured by BSW Timber, has wowed judges at the Wood Protection Association (WPA) to claim the top spot in the Innovation category at their annual awards ceremony.
Combining one of the oldest and most versatile building materials with progressive design techniques, IRO Timber’s ability to redefine how natural timber can be used in modern spaces impressed the judges across the board.
An exclusive range of cladding and decking products which takes its inspiration from ‘Yakisugi’ – the traditional Japanese method of charring timber – IRO fought off tough competition at the prestigious awards after being shortlisted alongside Wood Campus, Gripsure and WJ Components.
Gordon Ewbank, CEO at the WPA, explained: “The judging panel were extremely impressed with the originality of this product, along with the combination of performance and a novel, attractive look.
“Award nominations often have two of these characteristics, but to have all three in one package meant that IRO Timber stood out from the rest.”
The Innovation Award recognises the creation of new ideas, new products and more effective ways of doing things, whether it be the introduction of new business or marketing methods, developing improved services and solutions or new products that better meet customer needs.
James Brennan, marketing manager at BSW and IRO Timber, said: “It’s a real honour to have won the Innovation Award from the WPA, particularly against such strong competition.
“At BSW Timber, we’re passionate about investing in our people and processes to help drive innovation in the industry and that’s exactly what we have achieved with IRO Timber.”
IRO, which is Japanese for ‘colour’, is crafted using an intricate seven-step process that combines an eye for detail with the latest timber technology.
As people turn to colour to elicit different moods and to energise their buildings and outdoor spaces, IRO’s suite of 15 colours, from poppy red to driftwood white, evokes emotion and embraces creativity in both residential and commercial settings.
Hamish Macleod, director of public affairs at BSW, added: “We had a whirlwind year last year, with IRO Timber featuring both at the Chelsea Flower Show and on ITV’s Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh, which was really exciting for us to be a part of.
“We are extremely proud of the popularity of IRO since its launch from both design-focused individuals and businesses alike, and it’s brilliant to see IRO being recognised for the innovative product that it is, making the team’s hard work all the more worthwhile.”
The award-winning product is heat enhanced, brushed, treated, kiln dried and coated in a protective wood cream, resulting in a self-cleaning, low-maintenance surface and adding a twist to traditional cladding and decking.
For more information on IRO Timber, please visit www.irotimber.co.uk or call 0800 587 8887.
