Vertical timber cladding: project inspiration

Amy Conboy
By Amy Conboy
| 3 min read

Vertical timber cladding arrangement is a growing trend among architects and self-builders. Often considered a more modern alternative to horizontal arrangements, vertical timber cladding creates the illusion of height, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic. These are some of the most interesting projects our teams have worked on to give you inspiration for your next project.

Vertical timber cladding arrangement

The arrangement of your cladding can affect the visual impact it will have. It can be used in both traditional and modern aesthetics. Two of the most popular arrangements are open rainscreen and board on board.

Scotlarch® cladding factory coated with SiOO:X Light Grey | Wendover Wood Cafe | Re-Format | Jim Stephenson Photography

Open rainscreen

For a refined look, you may consider an open rainscreen arrangement. This project by Re-Format uses Scotlarch® coated in SiOO:X Light Grey for uniform weathering under the eaves. The clean lines and long vertical boards create an illusion of added height to the facade.

Scotlarch® board-on-board cladding | Fergus Purdie Architect
Scotlarch® board-on-board cladding | Fergus Purdie Architect

Board on board

A board on board arrangement is perfect for rural projects. Russwood Scotlarch® is a popular choice for vertical timber cladding in board on board arrangements. Little Lindisfarne is a great example of this. The timber has weathered to a silvery grey shade and nestles into the local surroundings whilst the simple arrangement compliments the modern building structure.  

Scotlarch® sawn boards used vertically by Oberlanders Architects
Scotlarch® sawn boards used vertically | Oberlanders Architects

Vertical timber cladding creates interesting patterns

Using mixed widths can create interesting patterns on the façade. This project by Oberlanders Architects uses an open rainscreen arrangement which gives it a clean contemporary look, whilst vertical boards are laid in alternating widths adding a playful touch to the façade.

Thermopine® Cladding Factory Coated with SiOO:X | Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
Thermopine® Cladding Factory Coated with SiOO:X | Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

Vertical timber fins

Temple Farm, pictured here, uses Russwood Thermopine® coated in SiOO:X Original with vertical fins. The arrangement of the timber forms a unique pattern that mimics the surrounding tree lines and creates a striking visual.  

Thermopine® cladding coated black | Loader Monteith Architects

Combining horizontal & vertical timber cladding

Mixing vertical and horizontal timber cladding has created a feature of the window in this cottage designed by Loader Monteith Architects. Strone combined alternating timber cladding arrangements throughout the extension creating textural interest between the buildings.  

Strone Cottage in Newtonmore with black Thermopine cladding
Thermopine® Cladding (73x20mm) coated black | Loader Monteith Architects

Strone Cottage timber clad in brushed Thermopine® Cladding in profile RW014 coated black by Loader Monteith Architects
Thermopine® Cladding coated black | Loader Monteith Architects

Strone Cottage timber clad in brushed Thermopine® Cladding in profile RW014 coated black by Loader Monteith Architects
Thermopine® Cladding coated black | Loader Monteith Architects

Get in touch

If you are considering using timber cladding in your project get in touch with our Specification Team who will be happy to advise.

Meet Amy Conboy

Marketing Manager

Amy Conboy is a Marketing Manager at Russwood, where she leads the development and delivery of the company’s digital marketing strategy. Overseeing campaign planning, performance analysis and channel optimisation, Amy ensures that digital activity aligns with wider business objectives and delivers measurable growth.

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