The American red oak, soft maple, ash, yellow birch and tulipwood timbers that make up Infinity Bench were thermally modified. The thermal modification process uses high temperature in a controlled environment permanently altering the wood’s chemical and physical properties. This limits the ability of the wood to absorb moisture, so products are more dimensionally stable and less prone to cup, warp and twist with changes in humidity. 

The thermal modification process also removes the nutrients in wood that would otherwise provide a food source for insects and wood-destroying fungi. This increase in dimensional stability and decay resistance significantly extends the service life and reduces maintenance needs of the bench.

AHEC European Director David Venables says, 'This project embraces the use of newer technologies of hardwood durability enhancement. There’s a developing market for thermally modified hardwoods in the UK, led by the growth in demand in Europe and it’s great to be able to showcase their potential at the London Design Festival this year. By processing wood produced from America’s well‐managed hardwood forests, thermally modified hardwood provides a quality, environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to imported tropical hardwood species.'