An easy flooring choice for architects
Architecture practice Somner Macdonald has an unending commitment to quality and sustainability, prioritising natural, high-performing and long-lasting materials. After working with Somner Macdonald on two previous renovation projects, a London family asked the practice to return to help them reimagine the rear of their house for the next generation. In response, the team designed a new extension that connects seamlessly with the main body of the house and flows through to the garden, giving the family a unique kitchen and dining space.
Unbeatable quality and value for money
Both client and architect were familiar with Russwood flooring, having used it in their previous projects. In this instance, Somner Macdonald specified our Pearl shade of European oak flooring in Prime grade, to complement the simple, calming and assured spaces created by their design.
Seán Gaule, Director Architect at the practice, says that Russwood was the obvious choice for the kitchen and ground floor flooring thanks to its value for money, range of finishes and long-lasting quality. “The width, length and range of finishes combined with the prime grade option meant it was almost impossible to find another oak board that could match it in terms of cost and quality,” says Seán.
Enhancing the building’s aesthetic
Somner Macdonald and their client were particularly drawn to our oak flooring by its attractive colouring, figuring and durability. We use European Oak in our solid and engineered boards because it is considered to be the finest in the world. Wire brushes are used to pull out the softer early wood and expose the harder late wood, leaving a beautifully textured and durable surface.
We have specified Russwood for years now. The level of customer service is second to none, and the quality of the product always delivers.
Seán Gaule, Somner Macdonald Architects
Pale is beautiful
The beautiful oak timber used in our flooring is enhanced by its finishing options. Brushed boards are delivered pre-finished with Osmo Polyx® Hardwax Oil, which penetrates deep into the wood to keep it healthy and ensure that it is water and dirt resistant.
Osmo Oil is available in a choice of different colours, with white being chosen by the architect on this occasion to achieve a natural feel with “an almost bleached look”. A bonus of using the paler coating is that the effect of UV light exposure (which can make flooring change colour) in this south-east facing extension will be reduced.
Specifier tip: We have a dedicated flooring team to assist architects and interior designers with timber flooring specifications.