Schotten & Hansen: Wood Flooring For Healthier, More Sustainable Homes

From the rough-hewn wooden boards of medieval Europe to the intricately designed parquets of later centuries, wood flooring has undergone a remarkable evolution. Today's finely crafted wood floors exemplify both durability and aesthetic appeal. Beyond their beauty, they enhance interiors with warmth and showcase a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Nestled in Peiting, Bavaria, Schotten & Hansen has championed innovation in the wood flooring industry for nearly four decades. The manufacturer balances the rich history and inherent character of wood with contemporary design, extending its expertise to include veneers for walls, ceilings and furniture fronts.

Drawing from his background in cabinet making and furniture restoration, founder and managing director Torben Hansen has woven his profound appreciation for woodlands into the company's ethos. Meanwhile, co-managing director Bernhard Heinloth, with a background in forestry, ensures the company achieves a harmonious blend of traditional craft and modern-day engineering methods. Their combined expertise results in products that are not only beautifully crafted but also have a positive impact on our health.

Through this marriage of craftsmanship and technology, the material's natural properties are enriched. Schotten & Hansen’s commitment goes beyond mere stock selection; they thoroughly investigate origins and growth patterns, understanding that the environment in which a tree grows plays a pivotal role in defining the character of its timber.

This commitment extends to sourcing material exclusively from sustainable forests in collaboration with trusted partners. By working with managed forests, they support responsible land use and forest conservation. The use of soft and hardwood timber locks up carbon via sequestration, and the product's durability and long lifespan mean fewer replacements over time.

Every Schotten & Hansen product is handcrafted in their workshop, from selection of boards and milling of timber, through to fabrication. The company uses a patented drying process to enhance the material's resilience and stability. Once milled, the wood is planed to the desired thickness prior to being pressed and trimmed. A series of specialized treatments – brushing, smoking and coloring – can be used to enhance the wood's natural beauty, or to adjust its look and feel. Their unique washing method prepares the wood for the nourishing ingredients and ensures that it retains its coloring by protecting it from elements that cause discoloration.

Natural resins, waxes and oils, such as walnut oil and beeswax, are applied as finishes and are absorbed by the wood surface. These provide protection while allowing the timber to look and feel as natural as possible. These healthy and sustainable low-VOC finishes ensure that the interior air quality remains free from the harmful chemicals typically found in many standard flooring products. Their wood surfaces can be easily maintained without resorting to abrasive treatments. Instead, they can be cleaned, revitalized and protected using specially developed soaps and oils, allowing a rich patina to build over time.

Available in various lengths and featuring a ¾” (19mm) multi-layer construction, Schotten & Hansen’s tongue and groove flooring boards primarily utilize a hardwood top layer (often European oak), bonded to a middle and stabilizing layer made from native softwoods. This design resists the typical warping challenges associated with solid wood and enhances the board's stability. The company's parquet blocks, which come in both classic and French herringbone styles, also employ this multi-layer construction. Their use of water-based, formaldehyde-free adhesives is essential in eliminating the risk of harmful off-gassing in homes.

In our increasingly urbanized world, contact with natural wood can provide a host of therapeutic benefits, and the positive impacts of timber environments on our wellbeing have been thoroughly researched. Scientific studies have noted physiological benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, when individuals are in settings surrounded by wood. Further research underscores wood's ability to elevate mood, alleviate stress and evoke feelings of warmth and comfort.

Schotten & Hansen, through their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, not only elevate interior spaces but also pave the way for healthier homes. Their work transcends mere flooring, resonating as a harmonious blend of nature, tradition, innovation with a vision for healthier and more sustainable living.

Photography: Schotten & Hansen, Tim Evan-Cook, Klein & Schneider Fotografie