The top 3 timber cladding trends of 2022
The ways in which architects use timber to create interesting and innovative buildings is ever evolving. As the first point of contact for architects, Russwood’s Architectural Liaison Team are at the forefront of these new timber cladding trends as they emerge. In this blog, Architectural Liaison Supervisor, Dominykas Maurusaitis takes us through the three most popular timber cladding trends of 2022 so far.
1. Vertical timber cladding using narrow boards
Many architects are choosing to specify modern vertical timber cladding arrangements over more traditional horizonal options. Using vertical timber cladding is a great way to make buildings look taller and specifying narrow profiles can make the design look refined and textured.
To achieve this effect, Russwood recommend using thermally modified timbers that offer enhanced durability (Class 2) and excellent dimensional stability. Russwood’s Thermopine® RWB001 42x42mm batten-style profile (part of Russwood’s Battening System), and Lunawood Collection Luna Triple 32x140mm tongue & groove profile which has two deep grooves on the main face creating a batten-style effect, are ideal options.
RWB001 42x42mm battens can be installed as vertical open rainscreen cladding by leaving 8mm wide ventilation gaps (or wider provided the substructure components can cope with increased exposure to UV radiation). In contrast, Lunawood’s Luna Triple 32x140mm profile forms a closed cladding system where the boards interlock.
Using either of these batten-style cladding profiles also makes the otherwise knotty appearance of the timber look less busy as the narrow board effect subdues the knots.
2. Weathered-look timber cladding with SiOO:X coating
Architects frequently contact Russwood about specifying naturally weathered timber cladding. Depending on exposure conditions, the naturally weathered appearance of timber can show variations in the colour alluding to its natural origins. Customers who wish to achieve a more uniform weathered-look timber cladding effect choose to specify SiOO:X coatings.
A key thing to remember about SiOO:X treatment is that it works best on roughened wood surfaces, i.e. Microtex® (available for Thermopine® and SILA Select® Siberian Larch) and sawn (available for Scotlarch® and SILA Select® Siberian Larch). Roughened surfaces enable better SiOO:X adhesion resulting in an optimal curing process which leads to a uniform accelerated weathering effect. The big advantage in coating timber cladding with SiOO:X is that it’s a maintenance free finish which also has the secondary benefit of hardening the wood surface making it more resistant to insect and fungi attack.
Russwood recently finished successfully testing SiOO:X coatings on Thermopine® timber with Microtex® surface texture the results of which have been enthusiastically accepted by architects.
3. Flame retardant pressure-impregnated timber cladding
Fire safety requirements have been a growing concern for architects specifying timber cladding, and this has propelled Russwood to look for a flame retardant treatment for our timber cladding products.
When asked by architects about flame retardants, Russwood’s timber experts recommend Burnblock® pressure impregnation system which has undergone comprehensive testing for hygroscopicity and the durability of reaction to fire performance. The treatment is classified for use in internal and external conditions. Burnblock® flame retardant treated timber cladding achieves up to Euroclass B- s1, d0 as classified under EN13501-1, and in accordance with EN14915.
After pressure-treating with Burnblock® the colour of the wood tends to become a bit darker initially but over time the natural weathering takes over, and timber cladding develops a grey/silver tone.
To find out more about our Architect Liaison Team and the services they offer, visit our Architects & Specifiers page.