A timber makeover for a traditional stone house
“Using first class products isn’t just about appearance – it’s about longevity, performance and reputation.”
These words belong to Nick Sangster of Sangster & Company. His construction firm has converted a garage and added two extensions to Springbank, a stone house that sits in the hamlet of Durris in Aberdeenshire. The home now features a bright and comfortable open-plan living space and utility area finished with our Lunawood cladding and European Oak flooring, both of which were meticulously installed.
Getting familiar with our products
Award-winning architect and founder of Deeside Architects, Catriona Tanner, designed the new space for Springbank’s occupants. Tanner specified Russwood products after learning more about her clients’ tastes. Outside, they wanted cladding that would complement the property’s age while contrasting with the existing stonework. Inside, they wished for durable flooring to support their country lifestyle.
Nick and his brother Harris, co-founders of Sangster & Company, visited our Newtonmore showroom in October 2024 ahead of the build. Although Russwood and Sangster & Company have worked together for a number of years, the visit gave them the chance to see our cladding and flooring ranges up close, meet the team in person, and discuss technical details relating to the project. Nick says they left ‘very impressed’, having gained valuable insights into our products and processes. Many visitors also value our outdoor cladding zone, where products are permanently displayed to show how they look in natural light and how they patinate over time.
Luna Triple cladding is simple and effective
On the exterior wall of the new extensions, Sangster & Company fitted our Luna Triple cladding. This 32 mm x 140 mm tongue-and-groove profile with 2 deep grooves is an easy-to-install way of achieving a striking batten style finish. Nick confirms his experience of the product was very positive, saying it aided his team’s ability to produce neat detailing around the window and door openings. “The width of the product proved to be a success, providing a sharp finish on the window details,” he explains.
The use of our specially designed Russwood Battening System also helped Sangster & Company achieve the premium detailing that’s apparent at Springbank. This system combines Thermopine® cladding battens, load-bearing screw fixings and Kompefix® ventilation strips in an engineer-assessed fixing method. Using the entire system helps the cladding last longer, and it simplifies and speeds up the installation process, saving money during the build phase. Our battening system also reduces on-site waste, and any battens that are left over can be safely used elsewhere, as the thermal treatment process means they contain no hazardous chemicals.
SIHGA® screws provide a secret-fix solution
A physically small but critically important element of the premium finish on the cladding was the use of SIHGA® screws. Sangster & Company used two types: L-Go Fix to secure the battening system, and F-BohrFix to secret-fix the cladding.
These screws are precision-milled from stainless steel by Austrian timber engineers SIHGA, and we recommend them because we’ve seen how they complement – and extend the life of – our products. The sharp flanks of the screw thread allow optimum anchoring without causing the timber to split, and pre-drilling isn’t necessary for most species of timber.
Working with Russwood is always a pleasure. Their timber cladding is second to none and their attention to detail and service make the whole process seamless from start to finish. You know you’re getting top-quality materials backed by a team that genuinely cares about the end result.
Nick Sangster, Director, Sangster & Company
Leftover oak flooring put to innovative use
Indoors, wood is equally prominent in the new space. Our European Oak Flooring in Pearl unites the open-plan area, giving the occupants a hard-wearing floor that doesn’t care whether shoes are removed at the door. Sangster & Company’s attention to detail is apparent here, too. When the team found themselves with leftover flooring, their client had the idea to run it up the side of the kitchen island. This modification to the initial design helps create a seamless flow between the living and kitchen spaces, lending the room a more luxurious feel. The remaining surplus planks were used to create bespoke kitchen shelving, complemented with recessed LED lighting.
“It wasn’t part of the original plan but this allowed us to elevate the space by using leftover material and producing quality bespoke fittings” says Nick.
Specifier Tip The European Oak Flooring used at Springbank is Prime grade, offering subtle character with small to medium-sized knots and delicate figuring. Character and Prime Plus grades are also available.
An all-round success
With the crisp cladding outside and the eye-catching oak flooring within, Springbank’s occupants are now surrounded by timber. Sangster & Company’s attention to detail, paired with our products and the architect’s vision, has given them a beautiful, low-maintenance and durable home for the future.
Project gallery
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Lunawood Collection is based on Scandinavian design combined with the best technical properties of Thermowood® – all to meet the needs of modern architecture.
Products Used
Lunawood Collection
Lunawood Collection is based on Scandinavian design combined with the best technical properties of thermally modified wood.
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Pearl
A pale, neutral floor with soft warmth beneath the surface. Pearl’s textured finish and subtle tone make it perfect for creating calm, light-filled spaces.
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