Ground Floor First Floor
build timeline
Planning permission
Jan 2016
Jun 2016
Jul 2016
Aug 2016
Aug 2016
Sep 2016
First fix electrical Sep 2016
First fix joinery Sep 2016 Insulation and
plasterboard Oct 2016
Second fix Oct 2016 Aluminium windows
installed Nov 2016 External joinery
and cladding Nov 2016
Internal finishes Dec 2016
suppliers
Architect
Guy Taylor Associates: guytaylorassociates.co.uk Builder
ROM Construction Ltd: romconstruction.co.uk Structural engineer CVM Consulting Engineers: cvmconsulting.co.uk Timber frame Sticx: sticx.co.uk Milano bricks Wienerberger: wienerberger.co.uk Demolition K&A Contractors: 07791 720107 Roofing Allied Roofing & Construction Ltd: allied-roofing.co.uk Electrical DB Electrical: dbelectrical.com Sanitaryware Duravit: duravit.co.uk Windows and doors Internorm: internorm.com
the floorplan
Bedroom
£5,590 £620
Kitchen £22,000 Bathrooms
and tiling £8,500
Floor tiles £7,500 Engineered
timber floor £3,800 Landscaping,
drive, patio, wall £28,000
Garage refurb £4,000
TOTAL £278,570
The ground floor is predominately open plan, but also features a WC and bootroom/utility. Upstairs, the dressing room can be converted into a fourth bedroom if required in the future.
For centuries the Japanese perfected the art of charring wood in order to make it resistant to fire, rot, insects and UV effects from the sun. It was first used by the Japanese in the 18th century for cladding buildings — Shou Sugi Ban literally translates to ‘burnt cedar board’. In some cases, charred timber can last up to 120 years, due to the protective layer created by carbon released during the charring process.
The technique – which involves charring a wood surface to render it a deep charcoal-black – has caught on recently as a treatment for dramatic, contemporary exteriors. Charred timber may also be used internally as a wall covering or even for furniture; it can be oiled in a variety of finishes and can also be treated with a fire rating of class 1 and 0.
“We’ve extensively researched the process to create new and exciting textures to be used on all manner of unique projects,” says Venetia Harrison of specialist company Shou-Sugi-Ban. “Through this research we have found a selection of timbers well suited to the processes — equally we’ve also found many timbers that are not so suited.”
Timber species suitable for charring include oak, Douglas fir and western red cedar. The harder the timber (i.e. oak or larch) the more durable it will be, and the longer it will withstand the weather and retain its looks. “The most commonly used timber is Siberian larch, and there are two other timbers we recommend that are hands down the best in terms of durability and aesthetic,” says Venetia Harrison. “Accoya carries a 50-year warranty against rot, and Kebony a 25-year warranty, and they are among the most eco-friendly timbers available.”
The process starts by charring the wood evenly on both sides to avoid it bending out of shape from the heat. Excess carbon can then be removed to clean the wood and add texture. Once the timber has cooled down it may be finished with a natural oil to seal and protect it from dirt, water and changes in humidity.
“We don’t recommend that anybody tries charring timber on a DIY basis, as the process is potentially dangerous,” suggests Venetia Harrison.
The process is not an exact science and there will be slight surface burn variations throughout the board length, which adds to the unique characteristics. Charring the outer surface brings out the richness of the wood and the grain structure, while varying the intensity of the burning process produces different finishes — from a traditional highly charred look to a sleeker, more contemporary brushed effect. Some finishes are more durable than others, with brushing resulting in a smooth board. If brushed further, the
natural timber will be exposed.
The cladding used on Jane and Matthew’s house is Larch Charred Light Brush, with Extreme Medite Tricoya® for the flashing detail. “The charred timber cladding has recessive qualities, and by using black materials the green landscape and trees are dominant in the visual hierarchy of the greenbelt,” says architect Chris Rodgers of Guy Taylor Associates. “After researching various options we decided to specify a charred timber rather than stained wood for the cladding,” adds Jane. “The additional outlay should be recouped in future, as we won’t need to hire scaffolding to maintain and stain the wood, which will hold its colour.”
Traditionally, charred products which are untreated can be fragile and need to be handled and stored carefully. Boards which have been brushed and/or treated will still need to be handled with care.
“All our products are appropriate for internal spaces, so long as this is specified,” says Venetia Harrison. Ordering has to be exact, due to the differences in timber species, profiles, finishes and oils, with prices starting from around £120/m2 plus VAT, depending on the finish, quantity, timber and profile.