SiOO:X
SiOO:X Wood Protection eliminates differential weathering and provides a consistently weathered tone.
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Certain plots demand an extraordinary home be built upon them, and this is undoubtedly true for Ferry House’s verdant riverside location. At the bottom of the garden, the River Avon and its floodplain teem with nature. The spires of Salisbury Cathedral and towers of Longford Castle hover on the horizon. There’s a belt of mature trees in the garden and a large woodland to the north. To do all this justice, the site’s owners sought an architect who would understand their vision for a contemporary home befitting of its location. They landed on AR Design Studio, an award-winning practice based in Winchester. The resulting building, completed in 2023, is Ferry House, which uses Russwood timber on a mass scale – for the walls, roof and decking – to stunning geometric effect.
Wood cladding provides the ideal contrast to brick
AR Design Studio’s plans for Ferry House relied on the use of contrasting external cladding for the lower and upper ground floors. They opted for timber cladding for the upper ground level, explaining, “Wood is a lightweight natural material which perches on the solid manmade brick lower ground floor.”
AR Design’s cladding of choice was our SILA Select® boards in the RW014 profile, expertly fitted by contractor Matrod Frampton. While Siberian larch – which SILA Select is made from – is now in shorter supply, the same look can be achieved using our sustainable alternative, Abodo® Vulcan Flatsawn cladding. For them, being able to use the same material across the walls and the roof reinforced the sculptural form of the building. “It’s as if it was hewn from a single material,” they affirm. Thanks to the use of a rail system that is welded back to the single-ply membrane, the roof’s waterproofing isn’t compromised.
A natural, high-quality product
There were other factors which played into the decision to specify Russwood timber. AR Design Studio had previous experience using SILA Select and was pleased with the finish – thanks to minimal knots and the quality. On top of that, we were able to supply the timber in a sawn finish, providing the natural aesthetic the architect had in mind.
Russwood were easy to deal with and had lots of expertise. We appreciated that they supplied the wood and the coating, so we didn’t have to deal with multiple people.
AR Design Studio
SiOO:X coating cinches the deal
Due to its shaded areas, recessed balconies and different elevations, Ferry House was at real risk of differential weathering. Our ability to factory-coat the cladding in SiOO:X Mid Grey was another plus point for Russwood. This clever coating, which also comes in Light Grey and Original shades, ensures an even weathered appearance from installation onwards.
The use of SiOO:X allowed the covered areas of Ferry House to remain uniform with the rest of the cladding, which was of utmost importance to AR Design Studio. “We did not want differential weathering to occur, it doesn’t look good when each elevation or covered area has different levels of weathering. Pre-weathering using SiOO:X resolves this.”
An extraordinary family home
Ferry House has become a spectacular, light-filled home that perfectly complements its surroundings. Its unique geometry – three wings that splay outwards and upwards from the centre point – provides the couple who own it with a space that marries beauty with functionality. And since the design has placed additional accommodation for visiting family on the lower ground floor, it’s a home that will remain practical as the couple ages.
Asked for their final thoughts on Ferry House and the Russwood materials used in its construction, AR Design are hugely positive. “We’re very happy with the project and the overall aesthetic,” they said.
Specifier Tip: Since no toxic or harmful chemicals are used, SiOO:X’s wood protection products are completely safe and eco-friendly.
Check out our SILA Select® Siberian Larch or suitable alternative Abodo® Vulcan Flatsawn.