Architect Select® Larch wins Best Cladding Product!

Fiona Finnie

11th December, 2024

2 min read

We are delighted to announce that Russwood’s Architect Select® Larch has won Best Cladding Product or System at the 2024 Build It Awards. Architect Select® Larch is Russwood’s newest cladding offering – a premium grade of vertical grain European Larch, developed in response to the declining availability of Siberian Larch. Read on to find out more about about this award-winning product.

Build It Awards
Architect Select® Larch
Key Features of Architect Select® Larch
Larch legacy
Gallery
Architect Select® Larch

Build It Awards

The Build It Awards are a prestigious annual event celebrating excellence in the self-build and renovation industry. Recognising standout projects, products, and services, the awards highlight innovation and exceptional quality across the sector.

Nick Gillam of Build It said: “Russwood’s innovative Architect Select Larch is a cladding option that not only looks great, but boosts local industry and offers a genuine alternative to Siberian larch, which is subject to an import ban.”

Architect Select® Larch

With its naturally durable heartwood and consistent figuring, Architect Select® Larch is ideal for most external cladding applications. The boards are quarter sawn for a consistent, vertical or semi-vertical grain appearance, enhancing both stability and aesthetics. As Larch experts, we further regrade in-house to our exacting standards, vitally ensuring that the face of each board is sapwood-free.

Architect Select® Larch is available in two profiles: our popular RW014 horizontal open rainscreen and the contemporary RW082 vertical profile, which features a 7mm wide and 12mm deep square-edged channel. Both profiles are offered in a narrow yet thick 92mm x 24mm sizes to achieve greater stability and are held in stock, making them ideal for quick-turnaround projects.

Best cladding system or product, build it awards — Architect Select® Larch cladding, RW082 profile

Key Features of Architect Select® Larch

Quarter sawn for enhanced stability and a consistent vertical or semi-vertical grain appearance.

Regraded in-house to ensure sapwood-free faces and to meet our exacting grading standards.

Ideal substrate for SiOO:X Wood Protection or Woca Oil finishes.

Architect Select Larch® factory coated with SiOO:X Mid Grey | Russwood Production Office | Graham Niven Photography

Larch legacy

Specifically developed in response to the declining availability of Siberian Larch due to geopolitical issues, Architect Select® Larch showcases over 20 years of larch cladding expertise by Russwood Founder John Russell. The product is specifically manufactured to meet the needs of architects and self-builders who demand both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting performance. Read more about it’s development here.

Speaking of the award, John Russell said: “We are delighted to have had this new product recognised. The technical benefits of vertical grain combined with a contemporary profile is a special combination.”

Gallery

Architect Select® Larch

Architect Select® Larch offers a sustainable and durable alternative to Siberian Larch. With its carefully considered profiles, enhanced stability, and visual appeal, this award-winning cladding is ideal for a wide range of cladding applications.

Learn more

Meet the Author

Fiona Finnie

Marketing Manager

Fiona Finnie is Marketing Manager at Russwood, where she leads the development and delivery of the company’s marketing strategy. Overseeing all aspects of marketing activity—from brand development and content strategy to campaign execution—Fiona plays a key role in driving product performance, increasing brand visibility, and ensuring consistent, values-led communication.

Fiona is passionate about collaborating with architects, designers, and customers to tell the story behind standout projects that feature Russwood products. Her ability to balance creativity with data-driven insight makes her a valuable asset in strengthening Russwood’s presence across the architectural and construction sectors.