Turning Sawdust into Something More
At Delta Millworks, our foundation has always been rooted in wood, its character, its versatility, and the endless ways it can be shaped into something extraordinary. The most compelling design stories rarely come from a single material alone. True innovation happens at the intersection of disciplines.
This is where wood meets metal.
The relationship between these two materials is one of contrast and collaboration. Wood brings warmth, texture, and organic depth. Metal introduces precision, strength, and a refined edge. Together, they create environments that feel both grounded and architectural, spaces that are as durable as they are visually striking.
A Conversation on Craft, Quality, and Innovation
To explore this dynamic further, Delta Millworks’ Robbie Davis sat down with Preston Johnston of Fathom + Form for a conversation centered on craft, quality, and the creative tension between materials.
Their discussion moves beyond aesthetics into the realities of execution, how ideas evolve, how challenges are solved, and how high standards are maintained across disciplines. It offers a look into the level of detail and collaboration required to bring ambitious architectural visions to life.
At its core, the conversation reflects a shared mindset, a relentless pursuit of precision, a respect for materials, and a belief that the best outcomes are built through partnership.
The Power of Contrast in Design
Some material pairings feel inevitable. Wood and metal are one of them.
The warmth of wood softens the sharpness of metal. The strength of metal elevates the natural beauty of wood. Each enhances the other without overpowering it. The result is a balance that feels intentional, modern, and enduring.
This interplay is something we continually explore. Whether it is a dramatic exterior facade or a layered interior space, the combination creates depth, contrast, and a sense of permanence that stands the test of time.
Origami House
Bold Lines. Natural Depth
At the Origami House, BOSS.architecture selected a combination of Accoya Barnwood in Delta Black and custom colored vertical grain Hemlock to complement the home’s strong, linear form.
The wood introduces warmth and tactile depth, softening the structure’s bold geometry while working in harmony with the metal detailing. It creates a balance of softness and strength that seamlessly connects interior and exterior spaces.
Cochise House
Built for the Desert. Inspired by Nature
Designed to exist in harmony with its environment, the Cochise House uses Lunawood Triple Unfinished to echo the tones and textures of the surrounding desert landscape.
Paired with durable metal framing designed to withstand the Arizona sun, the materials create a composition that feels both rugged and welcoming. The contrast is subtle but powerful, natural wood grounding the structure while metal provides resilience and definition.
Lake Shore Dock
Where Land, Water, and Sky Meet
The award winning Lakeshore Dock by Matt Fajkus Architecture is designed as a connection point between people and place, structure and nature.
Vertical Grain Douglas Fir brings warmth and organic texture to the steel framework, balancing the strength of the structure with a softer, more tactile experience. As light shifts throughout the day, the materials reflect the changing tones of water, sky, and landscape, making the dock feel like a natural extension of its surroundings.
The Future of Material Collaboration
As architecture continues to evolve, so does the way materials are used together. Wood and metal will always offer a compelling dialogue, rooted in contrast but defined by balance.
We remain committed to pushing that dialogue forward. Through craftsmanship, innovation, and collaboration, we continue to explore how materials can work together to shape spaces that are not only built to last, but designed to inspire.
