I love timber, who doesn't? As a material it has so many uses as structure, cladding and interior lining to name but a few.
Bringing timber inside a building gives it so much character. Timber is a natural product, with variations in colour, grain and texture. Interestingly some clients select natural products and then expect it all to be consistent in terms of these qualities. This consistency can be hard to achieve. For me the big benefit of using natural materials is this variance. You are getting a completely unique result as no one piece of timber is the same as another.
There are options if you want a more consistent look and that is to use engineered timber. Engineered timber is not only more consistent in appearance, it is more consistent in performance. For the entry of this high performance house in Avonhead, I have carried the vertical shiplap cladding from the exterior into the entrance with a hidden door leading to the master suite. To build a hidden door which would perform over a long period of time required a timber with a high level of performance in term of stability. That is why I chose Abodo Wood Ltd Vulcan.
The only difference between the timber outside and timber inside is that a brushed finish is used inside. This gives the timber a slightly different look, with more reflection of light off the polished surface while at the same time emphasising the timber grain. The wall just invites itself to be touched and there is no chance of a splinter as there would be with the band sawn finish used outside.
The other materials used in this space are the polished concrete floor and glass to the entrance door and large picture window opposite. The texture and colour of the timber adds warmth to the space in contrast to these cooler materials.
If you have a build project where you want to work with an architect who understands how to design and detail with natural materials, give me a call.
I am Graeme Jacobs a Christchurch based Architect specialising in residential newbuilds and alterations.
Contractor - John Garlick Builders
Photography - Mick Stephenson Photography
