Reflecting on Timber Cladding Successes

The workshop team are applying the finishing touches to our latest order of charred timber cladding. It’s scheduled to be collected and delivered to the site this afternoon and the office team have all the paperwork ready. It’s business as usual, except, I’ve paused to take stock of what we’ve achieved this year.

Once again, we have encountered challenges and rewards that I couldn’t have predicted at the start of 2022. It’s only when you reflect that you realise that everyone in our team has applied their skills and efforts to deliver amazing results. Below are some of the most memorable building projects that specified Shou Sugi Ban® charred timber cladding.

Bilton Fields – Luxury Homes Clad in Kebony Charred Timbers

Bilton Fields is a collection of 12 sustainable, high-end properties. Developers BoBen Construction perfectly blends energy efficiency and desirability to create aspirational homes. They specified Shou Sugi Ban® charred timber cladding as a finishing that met their sustainable luxury remit.

This project faced disruption through 2020/21 but was back on track as soon as Covid restrictions were lifted. We were delighted to hear that BoBen was awarded ‘The Bricks’, a LABC Site Recognition Award, for quality in construction for this build.

These timber-clad properties were featured in Design-Buy-Build magazine 2022 (pages 54-56) and were snapped up as soon as they went on the market! It was a pleasure to work with BoBen Construction and we hope to supply exterior cladding for future projects.

Criss Cross House – RIBA Award winner

On another note, a charred timber-clad extension to a Victorian property, named Criss Cross House, won an East RIBA Regional Award this year. The project, which was designed to provide expansive views across the surrounding landscape, was completed in 2021.

What a great achievement for architects Ashton Porter; they used our traditional blackened timbers on this project. The cladding was installed in both horizontal and vertical directions, giving a subtle contemporary twist.

Shou Sugi Ban® at Chelsea

Ticket to Chelsea Flower Show

One of my highlights of the year was attending Chelsea Flower Show. I’ve never been before and it was a sight to behold! Exterior Supplies sponsored an exhibit in the House Plant Studio, designed by Edible Bus Stop.

Shou Sugi Ban® was their chosen material for hard landscaping and the contrast between the dark timber construction and the vibrant green planting was striking! It is rare for us to see a completed charred timber project in person and the experience was memorable.

Read more about Shou Sugi Ban® at Chelsea

Colchester Museum Exhibit

One subject that I hadn’t anticipated learning this year was witch trials. It’s not something that you come across every day, however, we were prompted to find out more following an enquiry from Colchester Castle Museum. They were preparing an exhibition called Wicked Spirits and wanted charred timber cases to add authenticity to the display.

This exhibition recognises the fact that accusations of witchcraft were a way of building superstition, dividing communities and torturing women. The exhibition details how attitudes changed over time. It runs until 8 January 2023, so there is still time to visit. It’s a delight to know that Shou Sugi Ban® helped bring history to life!

Great British Businesswomen Awards

Earlier this year, I was nominated for the Great British Businesswoman Awards and the judges have shortlisted me in the Engineering & Manufacturing category. The Award ceremony was due to be held in November, however, it is now being hosted on 26 January 2023. Just a little longer to wait! I’m looking forward to a glamorous evening out with the team.

Christmas Closing at Exterior Solutions

Our team have pulled out all the stops to supply premium timbers for hundreds of residential and commercial construction projects this year. Those included in this article are the tip of the iceberg!

I want to give us all an opportunity to switch off and recharge over Christmas. For this reason, our office and workshop will be closed from Wednesday 21 December until Wednesday 4 January. We will respond to any enquiries on our return in the New Year.

Thank you to the architects, building developers, businesses and homeowners that have specified Shou Sugi Ban® this year. As a small team, we appreciate every order you place.

I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and let’s raise a glass to success in 2023!