Sustainable, River-Recovered® Heart Pine
Adds Eco-Friendly Appeal to University of Florida’s Newest Academic Center
Antique Wood Meets Contemporary Design in Highly Anticipated On-Campus Structure
(Gainesville, FL) – Sustainable, River-Recovered® Heart Pine is the focal point of the University of Florida’s (UF) new, world-class, Otis Hawkins Center for Academic and Personal Excellence (Hawkins Center); designed to support and enhance the academic experiences of the university’s athletes. The wood – which encompasses 10,000 square feet of ceiling and wall paneling – was provided by Goodwin Company, pioneers of the River-Recovered® process. Goodwin recovers antique logs from river bottoms – where they have been perfectly preserved for hundreds of years – and mills them into arguably the most beautiful and sustainable wood flooring and paneling in the world.
According to Chip Howard, Executive Associate Athletic Director for Internal Affairs, UF sits upon what once was a vast longleaf pine forest. Longleaf is pinus palustris or “pine of the swamp.” UF Grounds Services uses many native species when planting and several of the new buildings on campus have added young longleaf pines into their landscapes. The incorporation of locally sourced antique heart pine in the Hawkins Center is a nod to the legacy and shared history between UF and that ancient longleaf forest.
“The new Hawkins Center incorporates locally sourced, antique wood into a contemporary design,” explains Howard. “We wanted to build the highest caliber, most unique and modern collegiate academic center to provide all the necessary resources for our students, so Goodwin’s River-Recovered® Heart Pine just made sense. Goodwin is the pioneer in the industry. The sustainability of the wood, coupled with its unmatched quality and remarkable beauty, contribute significantly to the overall aesthetics and appeal of the building.”
This is not the first time Goodwin’s wood has been used on the UF campus. Last year, the company provided their River-Recovered® Vertical Heart Pine, Legacy® Heart Pine and Curly Heart Pine for use in the Dasburg House, home to UF President Kent Fuchs, Ph.D. Goodwin collaborated with an exemplary team of professionals on the Hawkins Center project, including Parrish-McCall Constructors Inc. (project builder), DR Nickelson & Co. (wood installer), Beverly Frank of Gould Evans Architects (specifier of the River-Recovered® Heart Pine) and Chip Howard and his staff.
“Incorporating traditional wood to warm up contemporary spaces is trending,” says Carol Goodwin, President of Goodwin Company. “The Hawkins Center exemplifies the latest and greatest in modern design. We were pleased to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible building design team on this very exciting project.”
The 83,000 square foot Hawkins Center celebrates its official dedication on Monday, June 27th. The center will provide UF’s more than 480 student athletes with a study area along with tutoring, academic advising, nutrition, research, wellness, leadership, job placement and other services.
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About Goodwin Company
Founded in 1976, Goodwin Company is the building design industry’s trusted partner and preferred resource for fine antique reclaimed and River-Recovered® wood flooring. Goodwin has earned an indisputable reputation for using the strictest grading standards of any company in the marketplace. Additionally, Heritage Wood Finishing Company produces a line of superior finishing and color options formulated exclusively for Goodwin’s “install ready” flooring. Demand for rich, high quality flooring continues to flourish as esteemed architects, designers and builders specify Goodwin’s products for use in luxury residential homes, historical renovations and commercial projects including corporate office buildings, universities, libraries and high-end retail establishments. Prominent work includes: This Old House corporate offices, private residences of Bob Villa, Sir Paul McCartney, Dick Cavett, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ted Turner, Weyland Art Gallery, Brownwood at The Villages, the Charnley-Norwood House, Naples Botanical Garden, University of Florida’s Dasburg House and the Texas Governor’s Mansion. For more information, visit www.heartpine.com.
