Under normal circumstances, royal property belonging to the crown of England is considered sacrosanct and most definitely not for sale.
A Lebanese Cedar from Windsor Park however, has become the big exception to this rule, sold to Fritz Kohl since it had died 2 years ago and needed to be felled. It was planted in 1760 by the Duke of Cumberland, the third youngest son of King George II, who was nominated to be “Ranger of the Park” by the king and who turned the park into today’s structure.
The tree was 6 feet in diameter and well over 26 feet long with the first 26 feet being pure veneer quality. During the veneer production of the tree, German television, radio and press were present to broadcast this “royal” event!
The produced quality of the Lebanese Cedar exceeded every expectation and resulted in a total of 130,404 sqft of the finest quality imaginable. Perfectly suited for a high-class project whose owner gets a unique product nobody else in the world will ever own.
German Article: http://www.br.de/nachrichten/unterfranken/inhalt/libanon-zeder-windsor-park-karlstadt-kohl-100.html
English Translation:
From the gardens of the Queen of England to the woods of Lower Franconia…
1: Over 26 feet tall and a diameter of almost 6 feet, Fritz Kohl Veneer Mill bought the Lebanese Cedar tree from English Windsor Great Park.
2. The Lebanon-Cedar belongs to the oldest tree species. They can be over 1,000 years old.
3. The tree delivers roughly 16 cubic meters of wood and will be processed into veneer in Karlstadt in Lower Franconia.
4. Before this extraordinary tree is brought to Karlstadt, it will be flitched in Westphalia, Germany. With a length of 26 feet, the cedar is just too big for the factory in Karlstadt.
5. A large portion of the veneer will probably go back to England. The reason for this being national pride: Veneer made from wood from the royal parks is very special to the British.
6. Most of the Lebanese Cedar that is on the market today comes from England or France. In Lebanon, where it originally comes from, there are barely any in existence.
7. Fritz Kohl has been waiting months for the Lebanese Cedar, says the factory manager Fred Kohl. The tree will arrive shortly in Lower Franconia.
https://youtu.be/UEAr9xfivYQ
Video Translation:
Processing an English Cedar in the veneer factory Kohl in Karlstadt
Rolling out the red carpet for a Lebanese Cedar log from the Windsor Great Park near London. It will be cut into veneer at the Fritz Kohl Veneer Mill in Karlstadt Germany. The individual sheets of veneer are only 0.55 millimeters thick. The tree, which costs 23,000 dollars, will yield roughly 100,000 square feet of veneer. That is the size of two football fields. Before being cut, the wood will be steamed so that it will be smooth and sleek. About 20,000 square feet of the Cedar veneer will go back to London, in order to panel the main offices of the royal estates.
November 29th, 2016
Brooke Roberson
For the love of trees! The economic and environmental value of every street growing tree in NYC.
This is such an educational look at tree species and a beautiful example of data visualization! New York City has long been leading the way in these types of data sharing and analysis projects. So, so cool.
Check this out and be proud of the trees in your city too!
screenshot taken from: https://tree-map.nycgovparks.org/
September 27th, 2016
Brooke Roberson
Over the summer our VP Rick Banas was interviewed by the Home Trust International column Leaders in Luxury. The original interview can be found here.
Rick Banas, Vice President, Interwood Forest Products
“I am a first generation American who reaped the rewards of his hard working immigrant parents. Growing up enjoying the nature which God has given us and putting it to use whether growing trees or manufacturing them into beautiful works of art. I am thrilled to be part of an industry that is sustainable and renewable.” Rick Banas
The Home Trust (THT): What first compelled you to enter your business field?
Rick Banas (RB): I was raised on a nursery, growing yew shrubs, trees, etc. I spent all of my free time outdoors mainly in the woods taking in all of nature’s wonders.
THT: What inspires you and who has most influenced you?
RB: My father and mother, Polish and German immigrants who came to this country with nothing and worked hard to establish themselves.
THT: What is the best advice you ever received?
RB: Work hard, stay focused and know what you want (to achieve).
THT: In what ways has your company changed over the years?
RB: We started out as a commodity driven company and have slowly morphed into a leading company dealing in specialty products.
THT: What is your favorite object that reflects extraordinary design?
RB: Trees are just like people… they each exhibit different colors, grains, figure types, and have many unique characteristics.
THT: What makes a room sing?
RB: The combination of natural colors, grains and figure types. “The Art of Nature” sings.
THT: Do you have a particular place you enjoy visiting? Is there a place you consider your secret hideaway?
RB: Well having been to 48 countries there are too many places to list, however when it comes to a combination of food, wine, scenery, and friendly people, it is hard to beat Italy.
THT: Please tell us about your taste in music. Do you have a favorite author or artist?
RB: Having played music since I was young, I have developed a taste for classical as well as jazz. That being said, Wynton Marsalis is my favorite artist.
THT: Do you have a favorite museum?
RB: The Smithsonian! And the variety of interesting and amazing things that they exhibit!
THT: When you’re not working where are you most likely to be found?
RB: Landscaping, fishing, or woodworking.
THT: What makes a great organization?
RB: The people within.
THT: Why The Home Trust?
RB: A new approach for us to reach out to those who want exclusivity!
THT: If you weren’t in your current field, what would you be doing?
RB: Landscaping or gardening
THT: Any parting words?
RB: Do what is in your heart and you will never have to work a day in your life.
THT: Great advice. Thank you Rick.
August 2nd, 2016
Brooke Roberson
In just three more weeks we’ll be walking the halls of the International Woodworking Fair! The IWF comes every two years and brings together all the players, big and small, of the woodworking industry. Be they suppliers, manufacturers, customers, or interested design professionals. We’re excited to be introducing our two new sales reps, Will McElmurrey and Brooke Roberson along with our longtime Lumber Sales Manager, Dave Kiley.
We won’t have a booth this year but we’ll be ready with handy information packets and scheduling availability for woodworking and design professionals.
So come on down to the wood fair! We can’t wait to meet you!
July 15th, 2016
Brooke Roberson
