PROJECT:
Substrata: Innovative Woodwork for Modern Life Wenge (Millettia laurentii), Zebrawood (Microberlinia brazzavillensis), Padauk (Pterocarpus spp.), Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.)
WOOD:
CR E ATOR :
Brendan Murphy
S
Swaner Hardwood Company Since 1967, we have been committed to providing a product of superior quality, service and value to a wide range of loyal customers.
Domestic & Imported Hardwood Lumber and Plywood Custom Moulding and Flooring S4S Boards Lower Lead Times Excellent Customer Service
Celebrating our 44th Anniversary 1967 - 2011 Swaner Hardwood Co., Inc. 5 WEST MAGNOLIA BLVD. BURBANK, CA 91502 PH: (818) 953-5350 | FAX: (818) 846-3662
www.swanerhardwood.com
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ubstrata started as a company making large boxes and displays for custom kitchens and tradeshows, then adapted their work to make smaller, more intimate cases for everyday use. “It came about in 2007 when the original iPhone came out. An employee had one and we talked about how cool it would be to make a wood box. So after hours we played around using extra scraps we had in the shop,” says Brendan Murphy of Substrata. Soon the custom cases for the one of the world’s most popular smartphones took off. Maybe it is the juxtaposition between technology and nature that makes the concept so compelling. “Exotic species are gorgeous with amazing contrast and color variation,” says Murphy. “The look is fascinating by capitalizing on the beauty of the material. Plus it gives us a means for using smaller pieces of the wood, so there is less waste.” Substrata is dedicated to the perpetuity of the exotic wood species used in its cases. They only buy from suppliers who have the long-term interests of their supply source in mind. Their primary hardwood wholesaler only buys lumber from well-established sawmills, some of which are over 80 years in the business. “It only takes a little more vigilance on our part to use sources that employ sustainable forest practices, but we figure if we want to continue to use exotic species, it is our responsibility to make sure they are well managed, even if that means paying more for material,” says Murphy. Additionally Substrata only buys from suppliers that bring in mill-processed boards, not logs. “This ensures that money stays in the local economy through the jobs at the mills.” The smaller format of the iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air covers showcases the unique visual characteristics of the exotic species. “The pattern and grain are on display very clearly on the items,” says Murphy. “When you see a big zebrawood veneer job it is striking and beautiful, but you don’t get to focus because there is so much going on. With the smaller cases the grain really creates an individual personality for that item.” ■
INTERNATIONAL WOOD
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