Our charred timber cladding has often been used to provide a harmonious contrast with other building materials. We’ve seen wonderful examples of blackened timbers being paired with traditional brick or stone buildings. Equally, its timeless style ensures it works with zinc roofing and smooth renders on modern builds. However, in this article, we’re highlighting a selection of architectural projects that have used two-tone timber cladding.
Contrasting Timber Cladding
Two-tone timber cladding offers architects a uniformity of material, yet the opportunity to play with the perception of space. A large façade can be broken up to create visual interest a subtle play of light or a bold statement. The effect has been used on residential, commercial and public buildings to great effect.
Subtle Cladding Solutions
One way to break up a timber-clad building is to play with the orientation of the cladding planks. Feather-edge is the traditional timber profile. This method involves overlapping tapered-edged planks and it has to be installed horizontally to ensure rain runs off the surface. However, by opting for a flat, tongue and groove profile, it is possible to install timber cladding horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
The grooves, natural grain and textures of the wood catch the light in different ways depending on the orientation. This can make one section appear lighter than another. Examples include Criss Cross House by Ashton Porter Architects and Oak Hill by Claridge Architects.
Another option is to combine two variations of the same colour. For example, pairing our light grey New England Accoya® – Mizu, with the darker grey Light Brush Accoya® – Shizen. An example is seen in a modern garden retreat on the Shou Sugi Ban® portfolio page.
Dark & Light Timber Cladding
Subtle solutions aren’t for everyone, so you might wish to make more of a statement. We’ve supplied blackened timbers for exterior cladding, which contrasts with light pine wood interiors. In addition, we’ve seen examples of charred black cladding paired with light, natural or painted woods to great effect on the façade of buildings.
Have you seen the York St John University building by Tate + Co Architects? It was named Building of the Year at RIBA Yorkshire 2023. Or, maybe the Quarry Studio Office which was designed by Moxon Architects as the base for their business. This won the Scottish Design Award in 2022. We supplied two distinct Shou Sugi Ban® timbers for the Stokewood Leisure Centre in Bournemouth. And, we’ve seen another good example of a two-tone timber, self-build property in Grand Designs Magazine.
How about the upper floors in a light-coloured cladding which blends in with the sky, contrasted with lower floors clad in blackened timber, which grounds the building? Even installing a contrasting wooden front door to the timber-clad exterior can add to the aesthetic.
Charred Timber Range
The most popular Shou Sugi Ban® timbers are the traditional blackened finish, however, dark and textured charred timbers don’t suit all architectural projects. Fortunately, our range of tried and tested finishes also includes light timbers including Kebony Legima and Larch Byakko.
We also supply natural, grained timbers such as Accoya® Tenki or Yũkari Kawa and even coloured cladding. Our downloadable charred timber cladding catalogue shows the full range of options. Then simply contact us to request samples.
Using timbers in architecture is a lower carbon option that brings many other benefits, including a connection with nature, insulation and versatility of design. Will it feature in your next build project?
