Consider timber cladding; it is often the more environmentally friendly option.
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Timber cladding adds a more natural appreal to a structure.
Timber cladding: the cherry on top
Consider timber cladding; it is often the more environmentally friendly option.
By Ntsako Khosa
Incomparable to the warmth and softness it brings when added to steel, brick or cement, timber cladding is commonly used as decorative feature.“ Timber cladding is a softening feature. Many architects look for contrast and different timber tones that allow you to achieve that look,” says Andrew Prior, sales director of Rhino Wood. He also says that creating a contrast in a building is becoming architecturally fashionable.“ It’ s something that is en vogue. It’ s a perfect imperfection because timber is not perfect but what makes it perfect is the knots and cracks and that is what people are looking for. The natural aspect,” he says.
Cladding can be used internally or externally. Popular applications include timber frame houses, log cabins, wendy houses, dog kennels, game farms, coastal resorts, putting partitions for offices and more.“ The main application is cladding for a timber frame building,” says Johan Labuschagne of GG Timbers.
Timber is such a versatile product that when applied well it can fit into any application.“ It can be used internally and externally in buildings including ceilings, walls, staircases, flooring and doors. You can go vertical or horizontal. Vertical space is ideal and there are many patterns or options you can use,” Prior says.
MATERIALLY SPEAKING
When selecting a cladding product, it is important to understand what you are selecting.“ Investigate the qualities of the timber you are considering as there may be some products out there that would not be suitable.
32 DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018 //