Aforma’s Commitment to Local, Sustainable Design: Featuring Zena Forest Products Flooring
Crafting Sustainable Spaces: How Zena Forest Products Aligns with Aforma’s Design and Environmental Values
At Aforma, our commitment to sustainable, high-quality building materials guides every choice we make, from the materials we select to the practices we use in construction. When it comes to choosing flooring that aligns with our values, we look for products that reflect our aesthetic standards while supporting eco-friendly practices. Zena Forest Products, a family-owned company in Salem, Oregon, embodies these values through responsible forestry and premium hardwood flooring. For those seeking durable, sustainably sourced flooring with a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest, Zena Forest Products offers an excellent option to consider for our projects.
The Unique Appeal of Zena Forest Products
Founded in 1987, Zena Forest Products manages over 1,300 acres of Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified land in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Their operations are rooted in sustainable forestry practices, ensuring each tree is harvested with careful consideration for forest health and regeneration. This approach results in flooring that is not only beautiful but also supports Oregon’s native ecosystems in the long term. For Aforma clients interested in sustainable building materials, Zena Forest Products represents a high-quality option that combines environmental responsibility with authentic craftsmanship.
Zena’s white oak EdgeGrain flooring during a field trip to look at the product installed.
Flooring Options That Reflect Northwest Style
Zena Forest Products offers a range of hardwood flooring options made from native species such as Oregon White Oak, Bigleaf Maple, and Oregon Ash. These species are well-suited to the Pacific Northwest aesthetic and are known for their durability and beauty. Here are some standout options that could beautifully complement Aforma’s custom home designs:
Wide Plank Flooring
Zena’s wide plank flooring showcases the natural beauty of Oregon hardwoods with wide, solid planks that bring an organic warmth to any room. Each piece displays unique grain patterns and subtle color variations, offering an authentic, timeless look that enhances both traditional and modern spaces. This flooring brings an unmatched depth and elegance to homes and is particularly well-suited for clients who want to highlight the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest in their interiors.
Zena EdgeGrain Flooring
For those looking for a contemporary yet eco-conscious choice, Zena EdgeGrain flooring offers a unique parquet-style appearance crafted from 100% locally sourced hardwood strips. This flooring, featuring thin strips of hardwood set in a modern pattern, is an excellent choice for Aforma clients interested in a distinctive, high-end look that aligns with sustainable building values. With its refined appearance and minimal waste focus, Zena EdgeGrain™ combines style with sustainability.
Custom Stair Parts and Wood Vents
In addition to flooring, Zena Forest Products offers custom stair parts and handmade wood vents that create a cohesive, refined finish throughout the home. These pieces are ideal for clients looking to achieve continuity in design, allowing natural wood elements to flow seamlessly from floor to ceiling. Crafted with the same attention to quality as Zena’s flooring, these stair parts and vents add thoughtful detail for those who value cohesive design.
Zena Forest Products’ Commitment to Sustainability
Zena Forest Products is dedicated to responsible forestry practices that go beyond sustainable harvesting. Their focus on regenerative methods means each tree they harvest is replaced with new growth, preserving the health and biodiversity of the forest. This commitment extends to using smaller trees for their EdgeGrain flooring tiles, a practice that supports forest restoration and ensures that every part of the tree is utilized efficiently. Their work on sustainable forestry makes Zena an exceptional choice for clients who want environmentally responsible options in their homes.
One notable project that demonstrates Zena’s commitment to quality and innovation is their work with Portland International Airport (PDX). Zena provided sustainably sourced white oak flooring for the airport’s main terminal, making them the first U.S. company to create edge-grain floor tiles from smaller trees. This groundbreaking project showcases how their craftsmanship and commitment to forest health can bring sophisticated, eco-friendly flooring to high-traffic public spaces.
Behold one of the awesome benches created by Zena out of single pieces of Oregon Oak.
Why We Like Zena Forest Products for Custom Home Projects
Local Sourcing: Choosing locally harvested materials from Oregon supports the local economy, reduces transportation emissions, and strengthens the connection between the home and its regional environment.
FSC-Certified Sustainability: As an FSC-certified supplier, Zena Forest Products ensures all their wood comes from responsibly managed forests. This certification aligns with Aforma’s preference for eco-friendly materials and reassures clients that their choice supports sustainable forestry.
Exceptional Craftsmanship: Zena’s products are known for their quality and durability, making them ideal for clients seeking high-end, long-lasting flooring solutions.
Natural Aesthetic: The distinctive beauty of Oregon’s native hardwoods lends a unique and timeless look to any home, resonating with the natural surroundings of the Pacific Northwest.
Bringing Sustainability into Your Design
In our design process, we prioritize building materials that reflect our values of quality, sustainability, and timeless style. Zena Forest Products offers a range of options that align well with these values, making them a recommended choice for our clients seeking eco-friendly flooring. Incorporating sustainably harvested wood floors adds a natural warmth to our custom homes while supporting practices that benefit Oregon’s forests and local communities.
Consider Zena Forest Products for Your Sustainable Flooring Needs
At Aforma, we’re passionate about creating homes that embody our clients’ values and lifestyles. For those seeking a sustainably sourced, high-quality flooring option, we endorse Zena Forest Products as an excellent choice that reflects the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. To learn more about Zena Forest’s offerings, visit their website at zenaforest.com or reach out to us for a consultation on how to incorporate eco-friendly materials into your home design.