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Inspiration
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Case Study
Environmentally friendly larch with an innovative wood protection treatment, supplied by International Timber, has helped husband and wife team, Dan and Nina Rowland build their sustainable, three-storey dream home in Chichester.
The waterside retreat comprises nearly 1,000 metres of decking and over 6,400 metres of cladding into the build, with SiOO-X wood protection treatment, to give the timber a long life and natural surface, with even colouration.
Dan, an architect and Nina, an interior designer purchased the plot over two years ago, comprising the original 1930s house and a stagnant pond, and set about creating a contemporary home that combines nature with eco-friendly design – a project that featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs in October 2021.
Having worked with timber on numerous residential projects, Dan knew that he wanted to incorporate the natural aesthetics of larch into the design, alongside a coating system for additional durability. The build’s environmental credentials were also a high priority, with the couple keen to prioritise natural products that were sustainably sourced alongside a range of innovations including high thermal efficiency, passive ventilation and renewable energy to power their entire home.
It was this commitment to use timber products that would both stand the test of time and came with FSC certification, that led the couple to approach International Timber for advice.
Initial requirements had been for machine or sawn finished timber, but the cladding and decking team at International Timber advised a textured finished, which allows the grain of the timber to be showcased to best effect, while retaining a smooth service.
Installation, which was completed in just two weeks and the couple were so impressed with the finish that they ordered more timber for the kitchen and decking area; bringing the beauty of the external material indoors.
Bernie Roberts, Cladding and Decking Product Manager who led the team at International Timber added:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Dan and Nina on this project and see how our traditional larch timber has helped bring warmth and durability to their contemporary home. Larch is an excellent, timber to last a lifetime.
“Combining the wood with our innovative SiOO-X coating system, which accelerates the weathering process to provide an even, silver finish, adds an additional versatility – as proven by the fact that the timber has also been used internally to provide a high-end, decorative finish in the kitchen.
“All of our timber is sustainably sourced too, so the team always have a real sense of pride when they can see the product being used in projects like this, which are focused on the minimising overall environmental impact.”
Dan Rowlands concludes:
“From start to finish, working with International Timber has been really smooth. Everything arrived on time, ensuring that the build went according to plan. It was our dream to build a home for our family that made the most of its natural environment, and the larch cladding and decking have certainly added to the building’s overall aesthetic. I hope to work with International Timber on another project soon.”
For further information about building with sustainable larch, please visit www.internationaltimber.com/product/siberian-larch-2. You can find more about the project on Dan and Nina’s Instagram @_studiofuse and website www.studiofuse.co.uk