Aesthetically, the development
merges seamlessly with the landscape
through a simple palette of self-
coloured materials, such as Kebony
Character wood. Used for the deck,
cladding and facades of the clubhouse,
Kebony allowed for both consistency
in material and the promotion of
environmental responsibility. In the
coming year, the centre expects to
attract thousands of visitors, to which
Kebony’s enhanced durability and
resistance to wear and weathering will
prove instrumental in maintaining the
building’s original beauty and charm. not get too hot making it possible for
visitors to stand on during the height of
the summer.
Developed in Norway, Kebony’s
revolutionary technology is an
environmentally friendly process which
modifies sustainably sourced softwoods
by heating the wood with furfuryl
alcohol - an agricultural by-product.
By polymerising the wood’s cell wall,
the softwoods permanently take on
the attributes of tropical hardwood
including high durability, hardness and
dimensional stability. In addition, the
smooth nature of the Kebony wood
is suitable for those walking on the
decking with bare feet; the wood does Adrian Pye, International Sales Director
at Kebony added: “It’s wonderful to see
how Kebony blends with the natural
surroundings at the Fell Foot Active
Base. Helping to create a space which
people from all ages and walks of life
will enjoy for years to come fills us with
pride, especially due to the stunning
spot the Active Base occupies.”
Mark Lemanski, Architect at muf
architecture/art commented: “We
are all very proud of the Active Base,
which has already become a key part of
the community at Lake Windermere.
We responded to the volumes and
materiality of the adjacent listed
boathouses, with a harmonious
and simultaneously contemporary
appearance, to which the use of Kebony
played an instrumental role.”
www.kennybrown.co.uk
Image Credit: Kenny Brown
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