OVO, Istanbul's exciting new attraction

Unique shape

Created by the Odeaubois artistic sculpture team, the OVO is a highly acclaimed attraction. Its unusual shape was created through a combination of 24 pairs of intersecting spirals based on the double helix model, omnipresent in our universe, from DNA to the solar system! Visitors can interpret this creation in their own way, imagining it as an egg, a pineapple, or even a pine cone.

The OVO's structure is made of Accoya wood, cut into 356 individual pieces bolted together to create a striking whole with virtually invisible seams. Accoya wood's exceptional properties in terms of durability, stability, strength, and beauty make it ideal as the primary building material for this highly original design. Guaranteed for 50 years outdoors and 25 years underground, Accoya is ideal for outdoor use and extends the maintenance cycle of its cladding due to its dimensional stability and UV resistance. Preventing possible distortion through dimensional stability and tensile strength, despite the modifying process of wood transformation, was also an important selection criterion.

Captivating sensors

The shape of the OVO is a symbolic choice. The egg evokes birth, unity, perfection, the cocoon, and transformation. Inside the structure, a total sensory experience is offered to the visitor, who finds himself in contact with the four elements: air, through the two entrances; fire, thanks to the changing colors of the LED lighting system; water in the structure's basin; and finally, earth, with Accoya wood.

Experience of sustainability

The project was designed according to strict sustainability criteria. Every element involved in its creation was carefully considered to respect environmental needs. Accoya is manufactured using a patented non-toxic modification process on sustainably sourced woods, and it surpasses or equals the durability, stability, and beauty of the finest tropical hardwoods without endangering them. It has received numerous prestigious environmental awards and certificates. The LED lighting system consumes only 700W of continuous power. This system is IP67-rated and operates without the need for bulb replacement. The water system is also very economical. Finally, the construction and installation produced minimal waste, due to the use of only natural materials, such as wood, rubber, and metal, which are all reusable and recyclable.
 

“Accoya demonstrates exceptional performance and clear sustainability benefits, so it fits perfectly into this new creation,” says Jean-Pierre Noel, Commercial Director at Van Steenberge. “The OVO represents a fantastic concept, and we are proud to be a part of it. It is also our first project in Turkey, which hopefully demonstrates how Accoya can create remarkable and inspired projects.”  

"Accoya, an eco-friendly and wood enthusiast, ticked all the boxes for OVO. We needed a simple, natural, and sustainable material for our creation, and it fit perfectly with our design," said Mostafa Hadi and Pol Marchandise, sculptor-artists at Odeaubois.

Notes to Editors:

Accsys Technologies PLC

Is an environmental science and technology company whose primary focus is on the production of Accoya® wood and technology licensing via its 100% owned subsidiary, Titan Wood Limited, which has manufacturing operations in Arnhem, the Netherlands, a European office in London and an American office in Dallas, Texas. Accsys Technologies PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market, and on Euronext Amsterdam by NYSE Euronext, under the symbols 'AXS'. Accsys' operations comprise three main business units: (i) the Accoya® wood production facility; (ii) technology development, focused on a program of continuous improvements to the process engineering and operating protocols for the acetylation of wood which are currently under development and the development of technology for the acetylation of wood elements; and (iii) the licensing of technology for the production of Accoya® wood and Tricoya® wood elements across the globe. (www.accsysplc.com)

Wood Acetylation

Is a process which increases the amount of 'acetyl' molecules in wood, thereby changing its physical properties. The process protects wood from rot by making it "inedible" to most micro-organisms and fungi, without - unlike conventional treatments - making it toxic. It also greatly reduces the wood's tendency to swell and shrink, making it less prone to cracking and ensuring that, when painted, it requires dramatically reduced maintenance.

Accoya®wood

Is produced using a process, the subject of patent applications around the world, that effectively converts sustainably grown softwoods and non-durable hardwoods into what is best described as a "high technology wood". Distinguished by its durability, dimensional stability and, perhaps most importantly of all, its reliability (in terms of consistency of both supply and quality), Accoya® wood is particularly suited to exterior applications where performance and appearance are valued. Unlike most tropical and European hardwoods, its color does not degrade when exposed to ultraviolet light. Moreover, the Accoya® wood production process does not compromise the wood's strength or machinability. The combination of UV resistance, dimensional stability, durability and retained strength means that Accoya® wood offers a wealth of new opportunities to architects, designers and specifiers. For marine uses where weight is also important, Accoya® wood for the first time provides boat builders with a wood that is strong, lightweight, durable and retains its natural beauty for far longer. For a full archive of Accoya® news, visit www.accoya.com/news.asp.

Medite Tricoya® Combines technologies from both partners who signed the JDA in London June 2009.

Scion

Scion is a New Zealand Crown Research Institute that undertakes research, science and technology development in forestry, wood products, biomaterials and bioenergy. Scion's work contributes to beneficial economic, environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. Formerly the NZ Forest Research Institute, Scion employs approximately 340 people and has its head office in Rotorua. For more information, please visit www.scionresearch.com