Frequently-Asked Questions
about
Our Wooden House Products
This section answers most of your questions about diverse ranges of our tropical wooden house products and the structural building components we use in each of our wood-made pavilions and bungalows. It describes our wooden house specifications in further details. If you have any other specific issues that not found here please kindly feel free to drop us an email.
What is the wood? Is it sustainable?
We use Bangkirai hardwood exclusively for all our structures. It comes from Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sumatra. The Indonesian Government has instituted legislation to develop sustainable guidelines for their forestry industry, in the manner that they have done for the teak industry. We are always on the lookout for sources that are sustainably re-planting.Read more:
Turning away termites - Bangkirai ideal for building in Hawaii
What is the wood quality?
Bangkirai has various grades from A to construction and local quality. We utilize a mixture of grades based upon usage. Example: Exterior siding is A grade and studs utilize construction quality.What are the facts on the termite resistance?
After several tests by the University of Hawaii's entomology laboratory, the results are as follows: on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest resistance, our Bangkirai received a rating of 9.5, almost 100%. Redwood and Cedar received an 8.0 rating.Read more:
Resistance of bangkirai (shorea laevis) to attack by the Formosan
How much is pre-crafted?
In an effort to be efficient on shipping costs, the following are pre-crafted: exterior wall sections w/ siding and insulation assembled; wall trusses; railing sections; doors and windows and some cabinets. The balance is shipped as a lumber package which is the contractor's preference and also maximizes the container loads.What kind of roofing?
Our standard roof is Ironwood Shingles with a point butt, or Indonesian thatch roof panels ( alang alang). Options by special request are: Colorbond metal roof or Ceramic Tile roof, glazed or natural Terra Cotta.Does the system meet hurricane requirements?
Yes. Our system has been engineered to meet the Hawaii codes (90+ mph). By increasing the steel connection system we can meet higher zones, such a Guam (120mph).What can we expect in costs?
By being close to the source of this incredible tropical hardwood, and utilizing high skilled Indonesian labor we are able to offer our packages at a base price of $50.00 USD per square foot ($500.00/m2). This includes a complete system of pre-crafted components and materials.For applications that require and extreme budgetary considerations, we can offer our standard models Designer Collection series, with a reduced price point. Although is uses the "termite resistant" Bangkirai wood, there is a simpler approach to the structural system and reduced amenities. At your request, we can explore with you an appropriate solution that will meet your project requirements. The Collection Series starts at a $30.00 USD per square foot ($300.00/m2).
See our wooden house specification.
What can we expect in value?
With Bangkirai being a true tropical hardwood, termite resistant naturally, and very attractive and durable, there is significant investment potential upon completion of your project. On windward Oahu, Hawaii, a recent project received an offer of 2x the land and construction cost. This is only after a 2-year completion date! Although each location around the Globe may vary, a 100% increase in value is quite respectable.How long to design, fabricate and ship?
Once we establish a program with you, we can determine these answers based upon a size of the project. As an example: Once we have your order, we produce a material list and order the product whiles we create the architectural permit and shop set of drawings. Upon approval of the design, we develop a timeline that is submitted for your approval. For a 1000 square foot house, the process takes approximately 10 week for the first container to ship. Plenty of time for your contractor to get the site work done.Is the electrical and plumbing supplied?
No. Because Indonesian sources are metric and 220v. It is better to have your contractor supply these items locally, and make it a part of his local contract.What are possible extra optional items we can purchase?
To complete truly tropical environment, we specialize in supplying all the support elements to complete a spectacular design from all over Indonesia. Feel free to ask us about a particular tropical features that are part of your vision: carved panels and doors, garden gazebos, teak modern furnitures and high-end synthetic wicker furnitures, pottery and cast stone planters, custom features, tropical art and sculpture ................. Our sourceing strategy is: find it, design it, buy it, or fabricate it.How do I take the next step?
We recommend that you complete our questionnaire and email your response to us. This will give us a clearer picture of the scope of your vision. We will evaluate it and respond with a proposed method of procedure.Contact our marketing office.
How much is artisan crafted?
We have spent much time evaluating the appropriate mix of artisan crafted components to loose material to be sent, crafted and assembled on site by the local contractor. We feel, and contractors have indicated, the preferred mix of crafting to materials. There are just some elements of construction that need to be done on-site, to give flexibility in the actual assembly (Example: Rafter material sent un-cut with long tails for accurate assembly at the site).The following is a list of categories, and note how they are sent:
Girders
Girders are sent as material and un-cut or drilled. Contractor to drill for connector assembly to columns.
Floor Joist
Floor joist, blocking and rim joists are sent as long material, and cut, nailed and/or screwed by Local contractor.
T/G Flooring
T/G Flooring is sent as long length material, kiln dried, and butts milled. Contractor to cut, and ss nail on site.
Decking
Decking is sent same as T/G flooring, kiln dried with bull nose milling. Contractor to cut, ss nail or deck screw to joist.
Columns
8x8 Columns are finished S4S and dapped at one end to accept the wall truss. They are sent long so the contractor can cut the length to compensate for any discrepancies in the foundation.
Wall Truss
Wall trusses are completely artisan crafted and sent assembled. They have countersunk/drilled locations for assembly to the columns and are supplied with wood dowel plugs to hide the lag screws and washers. The contractor is to pre-drill the screw or bolt hole into the Column.
Exterior Walls
The exterior walls are calculated to size and pre-assembled at the Studio. Stud assembly, foil insulation, and T/G siding are assembled. The contractor will lag screw the wall sections to the floor, adjacent walls and/or columns and overhead wall trusses.
Interior Walls
Interior walls are the same as Exterior walls, without siding or insulation, and ready to be screw installed by contractor.
Hips
The hips are sent as S4S material and fabricated and seat cut by the contractor on site. With certain roofs, the hips will have to be a 2-part section with scarf, which will be cut in the Studio. Assembly will be with supplied steel connectors. Contractors to drill fit and assemble.
Rafters
Rafters will be sent as S4S material and cut and finished by the contractor on site. Material is sent long for rafter tail cut. Rafters are lag screwed to plate and ridge from the top by contractor. Use no Nails.
Roof Sheathing/Woven Matting
We can not supply treated 5/8" plywood that meets USA codes, so the local contractor will need to supply the roof sheathing. We do send 4x8 sheets of either woven palm (gribik) or woven bamboo (gedeg) to be applied to the sheathing plywood before installation.
Ironwood shingles
Depending upon your roof selection, we send the roofing material bundled like cedar shingles. Also included is batt material and radient barrier foil. material. If the Code requires 30lb felt paper, that is supplied by the contractor.
Fascia and Drip
All of these materials are milled and sent as full lengths. Contractors to cut fit and assemble.
Exterior and Interior Trim
All of these materials are milled and sent as full lengths. Contractor to cut, fit and assemble.
Doors
Doors are fully assembled and finish sanded, with 6mm laminated glass installed with clear silicon caulk where applicable. For awning window doors, the knife spring hinge will be installed. Jambs, head, threshold and stops are send as full-length material and fitted on-site by local contractor.
Windows
Windows are fully assembled in their frame, with glass installed, like doors, and awning windows with knife spring hinges installed.
Skylights
Skylights are pre-assembled units. (the 10x10 skylight is shipped in 4 pieces) and sent with attachment brackets. Skylight curb material comes in the timber package and fabricated by the local contractor.
Handrailings
Handrails consist of 3 components. Vertical posts are sent long to be fitted to the decking in the field. The stiles and carrier are pre-assembled in the Studio with long tails to fit on site. The Top rail is sent as milled material to be cut and fit on site by contractor.
Steps to Grade
Because of variations to the site, we send materials only for the steps to grade to give the contractor more flexibility in their creation.
Interior Stairs
This is the same situation as the steps. Depending upon the final design solution for stairs, we supply materials only for fabrication to be executed by the local contractor, where it can be cut to fit.
Cabinets
We can supply cabinets in two different formats:
1) Fully assembled cabinets with hardware installed. Pros & Cons: Fully assembled are more expensive and take more room in the container, so we are shipping more air and more expensive. But it saves assembly costs by local carpenters.
2) Knock Down format for assembly at the site. This is an Euro system approach, with appropriate assembly hardware. It takes less room in the container, so less cost, but takes more assembly at site.
