Exterior Solutions Ltd supplies our market-leading Shou Sugi Ban® charred timber to projects across the UK and abroad. It’s been a busy first quarter, with a high level of enquiries from returning and new architects. Charred timber is being specified for residential builds, commercial interiors and buildings of historic interest.
Timber Clad Zig Zag House
As timber suppliers, we don’t always see the results of building developments and refurbishments. So, we were delighted to view Zig Zag House in London, which was featured in the February 2023 edition of Dezeen Magazine.
Back in 2021, this 19th Century, mid-terrace was extended, and a garden room was added, to create more space for a growing family. This family home belongs to the Director of MATA Architects, so the vision was inspiring and the specification featured quality materials.
To create a connection between the main house and the new garden room, both buildings were clad in charred timber. On the house, charred oak ‘Honshu’ was installed in a dynamic zig zag format. This blackened finish is reflected in the charred larch ‘Takage’ cladding on the garden room. A landscaped garden with blocks of limestone lies between the buildings.
The use of natural materials is echoed in the earthy tones used in interior design and decoration. This gives an overall effect of calm amid city life.
Talking of city life, a statement zig zag rooftops the development of a new three-storey building in central Bradford, Darley Street Market.
Blackened Timber for Interior Retail Space
In a bid to revitalise the city centre in Bradford, a major project is underway. The former M&S store and the surrounding area have been demolished. On this footprint, a modern retail space has been created and it is hoped that it will encourage shoppers back into the city.
The planning application was submitted in May 2019 and Kier Construction commenced work on the site in April 2021. Darley Street Market promises to become a vibrant space for the community when it opens later this year. The building will include a large food hall, indoor stalls for market traders and a central outdoor square with seating and performance space.
Exterior Solutions Ltd has supplied Shou Sugi Ban® for this project. Our black charred timbers provide a consistent feature that connects the three floors. It adds a timeless finish to the interior of Bradford’s contemporary marketplace. The charred timbers offer a connection with nature in an urban location. This, coupled with renewable technologies increases the sustainability credentials of the development.
In June 2022, 260 expressions of interest were received from local traders and 6 months before Darley Street Market is due to open to the public, over 90% of the stalls are let. Some of the stallholders come from the city’s two existing markets, which will close when this new building opens. However, there has also been interest from new traders who are excited to be part of this rejuvenation of central Bradford.
Charred Timber for Garden Rooms & Grand Interiors
We continue to receive a high volume of enquiries and orders from architects and builders who are working on extensions and garden rooms. With a stagnant property market, the desire to create more space is favoured over moving. Charred timber offers a stylish, low-maintenance finish that blends well with existing architecture and garden landscaping.
In the words of Dan Marks, director of MATA Architects:
“I like the idea that the charring process seals the wood so that future maintenance becomes unnecessary – no longer the need to paint and repaint periodically.”
We are also supplying to a range of clients who are redesigning the interiors of commercial spaces. In recent months, these have included a new chain of roadside restaurants. We’ve also supplied for the redevelopment of supermarkets in the Channel Islands, along with a museum and an important castle!
If you are interested in specifying Shou Sugi Ban® charred timbers for your residential or commercial development, please get in touch on 01494 711800. Our team are happy to advise on our range of timbers, prepare quotes and send out samples.