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ecotimber3 · 4 months

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Embracing Nature: The Timeless Appeal of Charred Timber Cladding in Australia

Introduction: In the world of architectural design, the use of natural materials is often celebrated for its ability to create a harmonious connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape. Charred timber cladding, also known as Shou Sugi Ban, is a traditional Japanese technique that has gained popularity in Australia for its unique aesthetic, durability, and sustainability. In this blog post, we'll explore the timeless appeal of charred timber cladding in Australia and its growing popularity among architects, builders, and homeowners.

Natural Beauty

Charred timber cladding is renowned for its striking appearance, characterized by a rich, deep black color with unique texture and grain patterns. The charring process involves carefully burning the surface of the wood to create a protective layer of char, which enhances the timber's natural beauty while also increasing its resistance to decay, insects, and fire. The result is a visually stunning facade that exudes warmth, character, and sophistication, making it a popular choice for both contemporary and traditional architectural styles.

Durability and Longevity

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, charred timber cladding offers exceptional durability and longevity, making it well-suited for Australia's diverse climate conditions. The charring process renders the wood more resistant to moisture, UV exposure, and rot, significantly extending its lifespan compared to untreated timber. This durability ensures that charred timber cladding requires minimal maintenance over time, saving homeowners time and money on repairs and replacements while maintaining its pristine appearance for decades to come.

Sustainability

Charred timber cladding is also valued for its sustainability credentials, aligning with Australia's growing focus on eco-friendly building practices. The charring process involves using controlled flames to burn the wood surface, which eliminates the need for chemical treatments or preservatives. Additionally, charred timber cladding is often sourced from responsibly managed forests or reclaimed wood sources, further reducing its environmental impact. As a renewable and biodegradable building material, charred timber cladding offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cladding materials, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners and designers.

Versatility and Adaptability

Another key advantage of charred timber cladding is its versatility and adaptability to various architectural styles and design preferences. Whether used as a focal point on a contemporary facade or as a subtle accent on a traditional home, charred timber cladding adds a sense of warmth, texture, and visual interest to any project. Furthermore, charred timber cladding can be customized in terms of texture, finish, and color intensity to suit specific design requirements, allowing architects and designers to unleash their creativity and achieve their vision with ease.

Cultural Significance

In addition to its aesthetic and practical benefits, charred timber cladding holds cultural significance as a traditional Japanese building technique with centuries of history and craftsmanship behind it. By incorporating charred timber cladding into Australian architecture, designers pay homage to this ancient tradition while also embracing the timeless beauty and sustainability of natural materials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, charred timber cladding offers a compelling combination of natural beauty, durability, sustainability, and cultural significance that makes it a popular choice for architectural projects in Australia. Whether used in residential, commercial, or public spaces, charred timber cladding adds a touch of elegance and sophistication while enhancing the connection between the built environment and the natural landscape. As Australia continues to embrace sustainable building practices and celebrate the beauty of natural materials, charred timber cladding is poised to remain a timeless and enduring choice for generations to come.

#Charred Timber Cladding #Charred Timber Cladding Australia #Charred Timber Cladding Suppliers

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engineer-gunzelpunk · 8 days

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Its been a bit of a while since I put some fiction up. I'm gonna introduce another character while I am at it, because why not.

Here I introduce "Puffing Billy" or as his human name is, William Vauclain the 1st. Esq. or Victorian Railways NA-class 2-6-2 T 2A, one of a pair of original Baldwin Works locomotives sent to Australia; one of many "Puffing Billies" that chuff along the Narrow Gauge Belgrave to Gembrook line in the Dandenong Ranges.

(Baldwin Works of Philadelphia in the early days of the Victorian Railways produced a lot of locomotives for them, the so called "Yankee" locomotives; to my limited knowledge, a Baldwin D3 is preserved at the Newport Railway Museum, all the rest have been scrapped including 1A and 2A; but 2A lives on has my fictional char...)

All the remaining NAs, including the ones that chuff around the Puffing Billy railway today, were built at Newport Workshops.

Here he meets Heavy Harry in for the first time, in the midst of the Scrappings...

The Man In Black

Preamble

Sometime in the late 60's

“You call me ‘cute’ again, and I will break your kneecaps! I might be short, but your knees and shins are perfectly in reach, you great galoot!”

The tiny, short, potbellied narrow gauge engine in human form stares with unblinking hostility at the black clad titan and his slighter red-haired companion. The big Man In Black merely stares back with an inscrutable expression.

He is only 5ft’’, 1’, but he is very round, squat and powerful. He is clad in an old-timey American engineers outfit, complete with striped hat and thick gloves. The only tell of his locomotive being is the lamp affixed to his hat.

He kept this affectation long after he got humanised, no matter how much the humans that ran the joint discouraged him from doing so. It amused him to tease and vex railfans by wearing such an out-of-place set of clothing on an Australian preservation railway.

He is not at all impressed by the pair of tall timbers in front of him dressed like delinquents.

Yobbos.

He had been in the country long enough to know what a ''yobbo'' was, if they played the fool on his railway he’d chase them off.

Others he’d cut to pieces with dour humor if they ever even so much as smirked at his get up.

The Man in Black takes a puff of the cigarette.

“Stroppy little bastard, aren’t you?”

“I’d be ‘stroppy’ if some so-called 'King of the Railways' came over to my abode and started throwing their weight around! I haven’t seen you in the entire time we’ve existed, and now that the VR has destroyed your railway, you show up to mine!

Whaddya want?!”

“I never said I was the king of anything. No Gods, No Masters…”, said the Man In Black, the red-head shaking his head from side to side.

“Nae, not a word of it!” said the red head.

“Then why are you even here, all the way in the Dandenongs? Don’t you have a heritage railway of your own to puff around on?”, the little tank engine stood proud, chomping on his cigar.

“You have no idea who I am and why I have come, haven’t you?”

“All I know is that there’s this guy, this Big Harold fellow, who you seem to be, who’s some kind of king of the VR locomotives… well, you aren’t my king!”

“Well, then it’s a good thing I’m not looking for subjects then…” said the Man In Black.

“Then why have you come all the way over here, surely its tiring for your big self to be walking around like this…”

Silence for a few moments. A nerve had been struck.

“I’ve heard you are a stroppy bastard, Puffing Billy… It just so happens I really, really like stroppy bastards...”

Puffing Billy is suspicious, narrowing his eyes to slits. “What do you want from me…”,

“First, I want to know who built you…””

Puffing Billy is taken aback… “You came over all the way from where you live just to ask me that?

‘If it’s that important, its Baldwin Works, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America to you!”, he gesticulates, pointing sassily at the Man In Black.

“Hmmmm, Billy from Philadelphia… shall I call you ‘Billy From Philly’ to distinguish you from the other Puffing Billies here?"

Puffing Billy laughed for the first time since meeting the Man In Black, “’Billy From Philly’!?, Ha! Only took about a half a century for someone to come up with it, but I like it!

But I presume there's something more to this…”

“Yes. There was nothing arbitrary with what I said about me liking ‘stroppy bastards’. I heard you are the stroppiest of all in this state…”

“Uh huh…”

“You and your humans have managed to stave off the scrappers during the Lokodammerung, haven’t you? And Operation Phoenix?”

The little engine scratches his head.

“I can’t lie, big fella, it was a very tough going for a while. We did close a while, but we opened up because the humans wanted us operating, and managed to wrangle control of the railway ever so slowly from VR to the Preservation Society. We won a huge battle and we’re damn proud of it!

‘But we can’t just physically fight the scrapping, Big Harold! Its impossible!”

The Man In Black only smiled his ironic half-smile.

“Oh yes we can… but not as an end in of itself, we aren’t martyrs. We do that, we lose.

‘We can’t simply fight them, we need to make things easier for our human allies and ourselves and to make things more difficult for them… we need to buy some time for our kin and an opportunity for our human brethren to rescue them...”

‘This is what I need you, your cussedness and your gift with machinery for…”

“I’m listening…” said the newly minted Billy From Philly.

#rws #ttte #thomasallgrownup #real locomotives #victorian railways #Red And Black Steam On Southern Metals #Heavy Harry OC #Puffing Billy #VR humanisation #VR gijinka #humanised locomotives #humanisation #VR H-class Pocono H220 “Heavy Harry”#VA NA-class 2-6-2T “Puffing Billy”

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amazingarchitecturewebsite · 1 year

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meow7arch · 1 year

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#architecture #interior #garden #living room #pool #sofa #bathroom #kitchen #bedroom #deck #bookshelf #bench by the window #plans #i like

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adithdotmappers · 4 years

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THE STORY BEHIND OUR EXPERTISE IN RECYCLED TIMBER

Tell us how Eco started:

I (Josh) went out to the market and noticed that there was not a lot outside the square when it came to timber and its products – there seemed to be a lack of creativity and inspiration for unique timber products. So, on that basis – Eco Timber started.

We decided to create a business that appealed for function, creativity and design to gain great outcomes.

We achieved this by capitalising on many of the existing attributes of a previous life – for example, Recycled Timber – A lot of interest was shown in Princes Pier Timbers which were fashioned by the sea – the timber had already had an interesting past with a story to tell and an interesting appeal for people to look at and talk about.

Going back a step – I always had an infinity to the environment and the enjoyment I got from being a part of it.

I wanted a career in something I could connect with. That started out in Landscape Gardening – being a part of the earth and creating concepts through land whilst I was at still at University – rocks, soil, earth, timber etc.

That then evolved or fuelled my career choice to then wanting to create things with timber, it was so adaptable as to what you could make with it. Through my interest in the areas of the environment, recycling, sustainability and doing the right thing and not waste our resources – it was entrenched in my psyche. Coming from an era where people didn’t really value old timber, if it had a nail in it then it was no good – everyone thought everything needed to be new.

I went and worked for a company for 14 years that did timber recycling, starting with de-nailing to ultimately running the company. It was at this point I realised I wanted and knew I could take my trade and knowledge and expand and develop my ideas into my own – which then birthed Eco Timber Group.

Our Quest for Excellence and Creativity

What does a general day look like?

Mornings are filled with running around trying to get three kids sorted and ready for school…percolated coffee off the stove to get the brain functioning and a lick and play with the dog and I am out the door.

With the travel time into work I process and plan the day ahead and what needs to be done often having it turned on its head even before I arrive some days. Things are always changing so you need to be adaptable when running a small business.

Moving between the head office in Richmond or the timber mill at Bacchus Marsh the day could involve anything from navigating curve balls between sales, deliveries, sourcing timber and staff.

Raising the Bar Through Innovation

Tell us about the charred cladding?

Charred cladding came out of the need for people wanting a colour fast cladding that maintained its colour long term without long going maintenance that can be associated with normal oiled finishes.

Charring timber is a process borrowed from traditional Japanese method known as Shousugiban. The process is applied to non-durable timbers as a preservation technique. By burning timber or charring the timber we are creating a carbon crust that is resistant to fading from sunlight.

Additionally, it also has benefits including creating a carbon armour that helps protect the timber from parasites and funguses that are often attributed to the degradation of timber, thus preserving the timber long term. All our charred timber products receive a BAL29 fire rating. We only use the best timber which is typically ironbark and or blackbutt.

Offering Numerous Possibilities

What other options are there?

Other charred options include screen battens, joinery items such as benchtops, furniture, flooring, decking and timber posts.

Unparalleled Performance

What makes the Eco Timber products one-of-a-kind?

We love timber. Everyone loves timber in our company. When you love something so much that energy and passion transfers into the products you make. Creative passion fuelled by the need to address functional solutions to the everyday applications makes our products stand out.

How does Eco Timber maintain such a high standard of Eco-Friendly products?

By using recycled timber and certified timber products that have a full chain of custody. Sustainable practises are critical in all industries if you wish for those industries to be ongoing into the future – it’s just common sense.

Premier Manufacturer of Sustainable and Recycled Timber Products

How do you source the best and most interesting timbers in Australia?

30 years of working in the recycled and sustainable timber industry give you good insight and you create a network of contacts. Demolition through to forestry, that allows us to enjoy a complete range of products. We can all enjoy recycled right through to new timbers.

Experience the Benefits of Sustainable Timber

What are the benefits of someone purchasing sustainable timber products in Australia?

It’s just like anything that sustainable it’s a market that needs to be managed so that it can be ongoing into the future. Sustainable by definition is: able to be maintained at a certain rate or level …so it can always be available today and for the future.

Enhance the Appeal of Your Home With Timber

What are some good ways of incorporating timber into the home?

Timber can be used in any areas of the home. Flooring is an obvious one but many people now are using timber as feature walls throughout their homes, timber battens and even lining the ceiling with timber has come into play.

Joinery is very popular – benchtops, tables, shelving and bookcases, moving into stair-treads, timber posts and beams.

How is timber cladding a good choice as opposed to brick or metal cladding?

It is warm. It is organic! It is natural. Personally, we think it looks better. It’s not a hard finish – it has life – it is formed naturally. Distinct from bricks and metal which are man-made. Each piece of timber has its own identity or character.

https://www.ecotimbergroup.com.au/

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architectnews · 2 years

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Mount Gambier Regional Air Terminal, Australia

Kangaroo Island Air Terminal, South Australia Building, Travel Hub Architecture Images

Kangaroo Island Air Terminal in South Australia

2 Jun 2022

Architecture: Ashley Halliday Architects

Location: Wandilo, South Australia

Photos: Peter Bennetts

Kangaroo Island Air Terminal, Australia

People are drawn to the Limestone Coast region to connect with its majestic coastline, subterranean geological wonders, fertile soil, famous wine, and industry. As a gateway to the region, the new air terminal represents an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the Limestone Coasts unique essence and to amplify its stories to the world.

What were the key design moves? The architectural approach to Mount Gambier Regional Air Terminal is innovative and unexpected, designed to optimise travelers connection and experience with the Limestone Coast region. The architecture comfortably introduces and immerses travelers in the regions unique natural, geological, cultural and historical features, creating a unique and memorable experience that makes people want to visit, re-visit and engage with the regions diverse environment, culture, and commerce.

Travelers’ first impression of the region is welcoming and special, greeted by a dynamic extruded building form that sits comfortably within the regions rolling landscape. Entry points are clearly defined by complimentary curved inflections in the facade. Referencing the regions predominant sustainable forestry industry, travelers pass by an abstract forest of radiata pine columns and once inside the terminal are immediately immersed in the regions spectacular geological wonders.

What’s beneath the Mount Gambier region is like nowhere else in the world – a spectacular labyrinth of limestone caves, chambers, and sinkholes. Linking this identity with the terminal is a dramatic circular skylight over the arrivals hall, abstractly reminiscent of the atmosphere created at the nearby Umpherston Sinkhole. Lined in charred timber and surrounded by a curtilage of expanded black mesh, day light will filter through the hole and create a dramatic and unexpected atmosphere.

How does the new air terminal assist the regional community to leverage its assetts? The terminal was the councils largest ever infrastructure project. To maximse this community investment, the lack of daytime purpose between scheduled morning and evening aircraft movements has been addressed through a series of adaptable spaces. A multi-modal space located adjacent the sinkhole hosts a cafe, bar, tourism service, brand display, art gallery, commercial kitchen, and function space can be readily re-configured.

It has already hosted, functions, community events, helicopter FIFO lounges and more, allowing the council to see greater use and return on investment as demand for flights continue to vary widely. The terminal has been designed to accommodate future security requirements with subtle integration of secure swing gates, pass back corridors and security throats that still allow visitors to pass through the terminal effortlessly in its current configuration.

What are the sustainability features? The Mount Gambier Region is a cooler climate that sees higher rainfall and darker days than much of South Australia. As such the exterior cladding utilises large amounts of clear polycarbonate to introduce as much natural light as possible and reduce artificial lighting. Large sweep fans combined with operable louvres allow the terminal to be natural ventilated on temperate days, unusual for an air terminal. This is combined with a 55kw solar array and a bore water connection, further reducing the buildings carbon footprint.

Mount Gambier Regional Air Terminal in Australia – Building Information

Design: Ashley Halliday Architects – https://ashleyhalliday.com/ Project size: 1800 sqm Project Budget: AUD 5,000,000.00 Completion date: 2021 Building levels: 1

Photography: Peter Bennetts

Mount Gambier Regional Air Terminal, South Australia images / information received 020622

Location: South Australia

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Adelaide Contemporary shortlisted architects The six star design teams: Adelaide Contemporary International Architecture Contest Shortlist News

Realm Apartments, Austin Street, CBD Design: Elenberg Fraser Architects image : Pointilism Architectural Visualisation Realm Apartments

Urban Wetland in heart of Adelaide wins national Sustainability Award photo : John Gollings Adelaide Botanic Gardens Wetland

Adelaide Contemporary International Design Competition photo © davidwallphoto.com Adelaide Contemporary International Architecture Contest News

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Flinders University Redevelopment – Plaza and Student Hub Design: Mott MacDonald image from architects Flinders University Building in Adelaide

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Comments / photos for the Mount Gambier Regional Air Terminal, South Australia page welcome

Website: Woods Bagot Architects

The post Mount Gambier Regional Air Terminal, Australia appeared first on e-architect.

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jeremystrele · 4 years

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The Outstanding Interior Design Finalists In The TDF + Laminex Design Awards 2020

TDF Design Awards

Lucy Feagins

CJH Studio, Penthouse M. Photo – Cathy Schusler.

CJH Studio, Penthouse M

A low-maintenance, minimalist home in Queensland, CJH Studio opted for gentle curves, soft lines and creamy tones. These elegant interiors are a sophisticated response to the original building’s curvaceous form.

Budge Over Dover by YSG Studio. Photo – Prue Ruscoe. Ross Farm ‘Barn’ by Studio Moore. Photo – Eve Wilson.

YSG Studio, Budge Over Dover

Honed with an artisanal energy mutually celebrating whimsy and functionality, YSG transformed this hard-edged freestanding coastal house into a tactile haven celebrating nuanced colour and sculptural forms. Curved walls, archways, and rounded banquette seating soften previously harsh geometric lines, while sage Marmorino polished plaster walls and blushing aubergine ceilings complement the handmade terracotta tiles lining the walls and floor.

Studio Moore, Ross Farm – Barn

The Barn is one of three dwelling properties on Ross Farm – a former dairy farm turned boutique accommodation. The building has its own identity defined by pitched ceilings, granite, and a striking floor-to-ceiling glass rear facade. Studio Moore were inspired by the landscape of neighbouring Wilson’s Promontory National Park, designing the raw and handmade interiors palette to complement the honesty of the immediate natural surrounds.

Read our original story here.

Malvern Residence Two by Doherty Design Studio. Photo – Derek Swalwell. Art House by Studio CD. Photo – Anson Smart.

Doherty Design Studio, Malvern Residence Two

An extensive renovation of a 1980s house originally designed by architect Peter McIntyre balances Palm Springs-style resort living with the needs of a modern family. In a nod to the building’s heritage, Doherty Design Studio borrowed an 80s-era dynamism to combine bold paint tones, custom terrazzo flooring and brass inlays. The contemporary upgrade exemplifies how today’s interior design can be sympathetically applied to significant older architecture.

Read our original story here.

Studio CD, Art House

An expressive family home from Studio CD is inspired by the grandeur and detailing of European architecture, elevated by art and colour. Custom designed furniture adorned with period details are a welcome surprise against the addition of neon, stone and modern hardware.

Read our original story here.

Toorak Residence by Workroom, with furniture, art and object styling by Simone Haag. Photo – Derek Swalwell. Potts Point Residence by Flack Studio. Photo – Anson Smart.

Workroom, Toorak Residence

A robust yet warm and comfortable family home. Workroom’s thoughtful use of concrete provides a sense of permanence and strength, as well as a lightness that defies preconceived notions of the material. The house unfolds into a series of spaces that appear to be hewn from a single block of concrete, using form, scale and light to create a tactile sanctuary for family life. All architecture and interior design by Workroom, with furniture, art and object styling by Simone Haag.

Flack Studio, Potts Point Residence

Positioned in the heart of Potts Point, Flack Studio designed this project for a couple to spend their ‘twilight years’. Described as a ‘love letter’ to Sydney, and to the clients themselves, this five-level home strives to maintain its original essence while creating a self-contained world.

Spanish Queen House by Robson Rak Architecture & Interiors. Photo – Felix Forest. Brass House by Edwina Glenn. Photo – Sharyn Cairns.

Robson Rak Architecture & Interiors, Spanish Queen House

A complete restoration, renovation and addition of a 1920s Spanish Mission home by Robson Rak Architecture & Interiors sees a rich layering of textures and patinas traverse the renovation towards a steel and glass atrium addition. Silver-grey limestone floors, travertine benchtops and tarnished silver light fittings comprise the luxurious old-world material palette.

Edwina Glenn, Brass House

An extensive renovation of a formerly ‘vanilla’ home turned contemporary haven with reflective brass, steel windows, and parquetry. Where possible, Edwina Glenn salvaged joinery to be remodelled and refinished, lending the space a comfortable, ambient feel beside its modern detailing.

Flack Studio, Middle Park Residence. Photo – Anson Smart. Fowler and Ward, Bourke Street Apartment. Photo – Tom Blachford.

Flack Studio, Middle Park Residence

Middle Park Residence is a full scope renovation of an original Edwardian, reflective of the owner’s personality. Every inch of the house was custom designed for the client, resulting in a conversation between materials and objects that totally embodies the distinctive Flack Studio flair.

Fowler and Ward, Bourke Street Apartment

Fowler and Ward’s renovation of a 1981 city apartment draws on the bold form of the striking existing building as inspiration for the totally new family home within. The presence of bold terrazzo, brass mosaics and an island of clashing stone and glass reflect the focus on texture and materiality initiated by the building’s rich exterior palette. In addition, the spatial layout was completely reorganised to accommodate the essentials of family living.

The Quarterdeck home by Studio Gorman . Photo – Prue Ruscoe. Ross Farm’s Dairy by Studio Moore. Photo – Eve Wilson.

Studio Gorman, The Quarterdeck

‘50s elements alongside the latest technology bring this mid-century home into the 21st century and beyond. Studio Gorman restored the original subtle shipping references by reinstating the butterfly roof, exposed steel beams, and shiplap panelling to the front facade. Colour is layered sparingly over a base of limed and oiled American oak, encouraging the dominance of simplicity over a muted palette of mustard, russett and petrol blue.

Read our original story here.

Studio Moore, Ross Farm – Dairy

Initially three separate buildings, this boutique accommodation has been redesigned as a cohesive, three-bedroom structure defined by charred timber and a raw, moody material palette. Local cypress timber was used to line the walls and build furniture, while recycled tin sheets clad the building’s exterior. The round concrete bath is a repurposed water trough and with old concrete from the former cattle yard filling the gabion walls for insulation, this building design by Studio Moore received a 6-star energy rating!

Read our original story here.

Slow Beam by Hearth Studio. Photo – Lauren Bamford.

Hearth Studio, Slow Beam

A jewel-box of a house designed as a unique Hobart getaway. The two linked pavilions take advantage of an existing cutting from a previous owner’s abandoned earthworks. Hearth Studio positioned black-stained ply interiors in contrast with bold and striking colours, commissioning custom carpet by Melbourne-based artist Esther Stewart to wrap the lounge in opulent and joyously colourful geometries.

Read our original story here.

The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards 2020 Interior Design award is presented by De’Longhi.

De’Longhi offers consumers innovative home appliances with a distinctive combination of style and performance across coffee, comfort and a range of kitchen appliances. De’Longhi was recently voted Australia’s Most Trusted Brand in the highly competitive category of Coffee Machines as judged by Australians in the 2020 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey.

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selectconstruction-blog · 5 years

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A gorgeous day spent putting a lid on our new garage and breezeway connection at our Hunters Hill build. Soon our @ecotimbergroup charred wall cladding and @trendwindowsau to be installed 🤙 • • • • #architectural #skylight #architecture #newhome #sydney #weather #cladding #feature @colorbondsteel #framing #timber @timlj #sun #shine #winter #designer #building (at Hunters Hill, New South Wales, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BymRhb7FEaV/?igshid=seklm12ho47a

#architectural #skylight #architecture #newhome #sydney #weather #cladding #feature #framing #timber #sun #shine #winter #designer #building

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mrstevenbushus · 5 years

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The Benefits of Prefab Homes

Prefabricated homes are hugely popular in Germany, Australia and the United States. However, they’ve only managed to corner a relatively small part of the UK housing market.

This is a shame because prefab houses offer big developers speedy construction, cost certainty and economies of scale. The government has clocked this and has been pushing for greater uptake in a bid to help solve the housing crisis.

But the fact is, the main group investing in prefab homes has been (you guessed it) self builders. And some of us don’t even realise we’ve technically gone prefab.

What is a prefab home?

If the idea of a prefab house fills you with dread, fear not. Times have moved on since the cheap and cheerful boxes that pervaded the mid-20th century.

Speed of delivery is still important. But modern offsite-manufactured homes are now about design flexibility, accuracy and quality control.

One thing that’s worth clarifying early on is that prefab is a broad church covering a range of options. It doesn’t necessarily mean craning in entire pre-finished rooms.

In fact, by far the most common route for self build projects is to engage a company that specialises in highly pre-manufactured closed panel timber frame.

Source it: Find more Hanse Haus projects in the Build It Directory

This is the type of product that’s come to our shores via the German package home suppliers, such as Baufritz, Hanse Haus and Meisterstueck. It’s something of a hybrid route, where much of the internal fit-out work is still carried out onsite.

Site operatives install a Hanse Haus internal wall panel, which has been manufactured with service channels and some plumbing infrastructure in place

With this kind of structural system, the company produce the wall and roof panels in the factory. They pre-cut the door and window openings and add insulation under controlled conditions.

All fairly basic stuff so far – but what sets the prefab versions apart is that a lot more of the work is done offsite.

“Our external wall panels will be fitted with doors, windows and ideally the cladding. Or at least as much of it as you can possibly put on in the factory,” says Robert Lumme from Baufritz.

Some suppliers can take things a stage further, with plasterboard pre-applied internally and sections of the services already run through the channels. This will save even more time on the ground; but Robert warns that going too far can be restrictive.

“We may pre-drill a few holes for sockets that we’re certain will be in a particular position. But we prefer to put the electrics, plumbing and heating in onsite. This is for the simple reason that people like to amend things once they see the house shell in reality,” he says.

The next step up is a fully prefab build – also called modular or volumetric constructions.

Large-scale wall panels are produced with speed and accuracy in the Baufritz factory

With this route you’re dealing with large, 3D building elements that could represent whole rooms or sections of building; sometimes with the services, internal fit-out and finishes already installed and commissioned. In some cases, companies can deliver entire homes in a matter of weeks.

The modular method is pretty rare for one-off houses as the level of factory manufacture makes for a high upfront cost; but it could make sense for some custom build or community self build schemes.

Interestingly, in terms of domestic projects modular construction is currently more frequent for extensions. This is perhaps because the ability to crane in an entire single-storey room or habitable loft pod can be useful in certain circumstances – such as where there’s tight access to terraces.

There are a number of firms specialising in this area, including Ecoqube and Moduloft.

Is prefab right for me?

If you’re looking for a high-quality bespoke scheme, then it could be the best option. But every project and every self builder is different.

Here are five key questions to consider when figuring out how to approach your project:

1. Can you have an individual design?

It’s a common myth that extensive levels of factory manufacture lead to more standardised architecture; in fact you can tailor your home to your exact needs, both in terms of aesthetics and how it suits your lifestyle. Many firms put a real focus on high-quality design and construction; and a number of architects, including the likes of Ecospace, have moved into the arena.

Small Prefab Home Clad in Charred Larch

READ THE FULL STORY

Architect Guylee Simmonds designed the new building from the inside out. He based it on the needs of the artist and the scenic surroundings.

The end result is a highly bespoke space, which proves that prefab can be personal.

The key difference to the traditional route is that you need to think through all the details prior to manufacture. But you still get all the design control you would expect with a bespoke project.

“There is a lot of pre-planning, because the panels have to be drawn up in detail. They have to be made to exact millimetre-precise dimensions,” says Robert. “But we’re able to quite flexibly create very different shapes, sizes and styles of building.”

If you’re going all-out for a modular scheme, changing things on site is likely to be difficult. There’s slightly more flexibility with the closed-panel route; but it won’t come cheap. For instance, if you want to make a window bigger you’ll need to involve a structural engineer.

2. Do prefab homes last?

It’s a simple fact: the more work gets done in the factory, the more accurate the finished house will be. This can help underpin key areas for self builders, such as energy performance.

The post The Benefits of Prefab Homes appeared first on Build It.

Article reference The Benefits of Prefab Homes

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ecotimber3 · 4 years

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When people think of timber cladding they often think about it as the exterior of a house. However, it can also be used in the interior of a building to give it a completely different look and feel. For example, timber cladding can be used to give a feeling of warmth and luxury to a warm and cosy room.

The first thing you need to do when looking for the right timber cladding for your external walls is to check the material that the cladding is made out of. Timber is the most popular choice of material for timber cladding. This can be thought of as being wood with a coating added to it to make it more durable.

This is the reason why many people use timber for the walls of their home. They are able to get the best durability from the wood. The material has to be cut to a certain standard, it is cut into panels and then this is painted with a finish.

This is a very expensive job for the contractor because the panels have to be custom made. When making the panels there are plenty of factors to consider. There is the type of panel that will need to be used, what colour should it be painted and even if the primer colour is the same as the primer for the wall.

Colours are a good option for making the walls more attractive and making the room seem warmer and cozier. It also makes a room look bigger and more spacious. A great feature about using colour is that it can be painted on without worrying about peeling.

Another type of timber that can be used for exterior walls is metal. Metal can be bought in a number of different colours and is also available in a variety of shapes. There are also different textures available for metal cladding.

Wood is the cheapest material to use and also provides a great look for the outside of the house. The key here is to buy the right type of wood. A lot of people will choose to buy a plank timber cladding but it is important to keep in mind the amount of maintenance that the wooden panels will need to be taken care of.

There are different kinds of woods and these can help you find the right material for you. The worst thing you can do is use wood that is already stained or painted.

By using wood that is not stained or painted you will be wasting money and also causing damage to the wood by not preventing this from happening. Another thing to consider is that this type of timber cladding is easier to scratch than other types of timber cladding. The wood is not actually treated for scratching, which means you can easily scratch it if you accidentally walk over it.

The second type of timber that can be used is metal. The advantage of using metal for the exterior of your house is that the timber will be harder than wood. This means that you will be able to get a harder and more durable surface.

Metal cladding can be painted to a wide range of colours. You can paint it to match your existing walls of other parts of the house. With this type of cladding you have to make sure that you take care of it.

Metal cladding can be painted over to match the style of your house, giving it a different look. It also has the benefit of being very strong. The best thing to do is to see how your chosen timber cladding will work for you before taking the plunge and purchasing it.

#charred timber cladding #charred timber cladding australia #outdoor timber feature wall #timber cladding melbourne

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tredanger · 6 years

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Charred timber cladding looking great at Albert Park College Liberal Arts Centre 🔨 courtesy of @neoconstruct ✏️ by @jcbarchitects #TasterForStageTwoPointThree (at South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)

#tasterforstagetwopointthree

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vincentbnaughton · 7 years

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8 Beautiful Home Projects Using Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood can be recovered from a wide variety of sources, but it most frequently comes from timber framing and decking used in old barns, factories, and warehouses. Some tell-tale signs of reclaimed wood include nail holes, manufacturer stamps, and markings. Other unique qualities, like variation and depth of color or unusual patterning, can be a result of it being stored in vessels like wine barrels, beer casks, and other containers.

Additionally, reclaimed timber is usually cut from strong, mature trees (unlike the younger, weaker trees used today for lumber), and is less prone to splitting. Because of these aspects, many designers choose to use reclaimed wood rather than virgin timber in their projects.

Here are eight different projects that incorporate reclaimed wood in distinct ways.

Ceiling turned to walls

Salvaged wood from multiple origins come together in this project in Buenos Aires by architects Teresa Sarmiento and Nicolas Tovo. They designed the home for their own family with the intention of celebrating recycled materials-floor boards of repurposed Brazilian pine and wall boards from the ceiling of a tenement in a local Buenos Aires neighborhood. The boards were cut down to size and oriented vertically to bring the eye upward to a clerestory window and small white beams.

Photo by Cristóbal Palma.

Repurposed staircase

A small, efficient home in Seattle designed by SHED Architecture & Design incorporated wood on the exterior and interior of the home, and even used salvaged wood from the residence that had previously stood on the site. Although the 100-year-old bungalow was demolished, the treads of one of its staircases were repurposed in the new home as a modern, open-riser stair that lets in light from the windows beyond.

Photo by SHED Architecture + Design.

Entryway elegance

Even a few pieces of salvaged lumber can have a big impact. This entryway in a Brooklyn townhouse, renovated by Bangia Agostinho Architecture, reused hemlock fir joists from the existing building structure as casework around the main entry door. The trim has a simple, modern profile, ensuring that it makes a contemporary statement. In the entryway is another repurposed piece of wood that was charred in a fire more than 100 years ago. It has since been painted and repainted - creating a unique patina and texture - and transformed into a bench.

Photo by Pia Ulin.

Accent wall and headboard

In a project in Quebec, Canada, a 1924 building was renovated by Bourgeois Lechasseur Architects. The renovation sought to modernize the apartment while preserving the historical elements - in particular, reusing wooden boards that were salvaged during demolition. The unfinished boards act as a rustic, earthy accent wall and headboard, while the surrounding white walls and crisp bed linens keep the room contemporary.

Photo by Adrien Williams.

From flooring to doors

This loft in Brooklyn, New York, used almost all reclaimed, recycled, or diseased wood for everything from the flooring - salvaged from a barn constructed in the 1800s in the Allegheny Mountains in Ohio - to the doors, which were saved from a mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut. Shelving, walls, and ceilings throughout the apartment are covered with wood that came from butternut trees in a blighted forest in Vermont, where worm infestations created intricate, unique patterns in the diseased wood. Although the apartment is located in New York, the different pieces of lumber inside come from all over the country.

Photo by Kevin Cooley.

Structural elements and beyond

Different types of reclaimed wood, each from different sources, steal the show in this residence in the Scottish countryside by Glasgow-based architect Andrew McAvoy of Assembly Architecture. Thick, deep oak beams were reclaimed and reused for structural elements, while the maple flooring was salvaged from an old school in the nearby rural village of Aberdeen. The reclaimed wood was a critical contributor to the goal of sustainability in the home.

Photo by Andrew Meredith.

Posts and beams

As barns become obsolete, they become fruitful sources of salvaged wood, like this house in the Catskills in Bovina, New York. Architect Kimberly Peck designed a home for a Norwegian couple that was looking for the perfect mix of warm, Scandinavian design and mid-century modern. The wood boards on the walls and the posts and beams are all reclaimed, but from different sources. The structural elements were recycled from a barn built in 1840, and the reclaimed planks on the walls were stained with a gray wash to match the other wood.

Photo by Torkil Stavdal.

A fine library

High ceilings and natural light prevent this small library that’s clad in reclaimed wood from feeling overwhelming or oppressive. The wood, a salvaged spotted gum, is a durable wood that’s native to Australia and is often used in structural, exterior, and interior applications. It ranges from a deep, reddish tone to a much lighter, almost yellow-white color. The library was part of a renovation of a family residence by Melbourne-based architects Andrew Maynard and Mark Austin of Andrew Maynard Architects.

Photo by Peter Bennetts.

This article was written by Kate Reggev and originally appeared on Dwell. Check out more of their content on Dwell.com.

Rustic Homes for Sale: Farmhouses, Cabins and Country Estates

Mixing 21st-Century Modern and Rustic Decor

Design Trend: Shiplap All Over the House

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danielgreen01 · 7 years

Text

8 Beautiful Home Projects Using Reclaimed Wood

Here are eight different projects that incorporate reclaimed wood in distinct ways.

Ceiling turned to walls

Photo by Cristóbal Palma.

Repurposed staircase

Photo by SHED Architecture + Design.

Entryway elegance

Photo by Pia Ulin.

Accent wall and headboard

Photo by Adrien Williams.

From flooring to doors

Photo by Kevin Cooley.

Structural elements and beyond

Photo by Andrew Meredith.

Posts and beams

Photo by Torkil Stavdal.

A fine library

Photo by Peter Bennetts.

This article was written by Kate Reggev and originally appeared on Dwell. Check out more of their content on Dwell.com.

Rustic Homes for Sale: Farmhouses, Cabins and Country Estates

Mixing 21st-Century Modern and Rustic Decor

Design Trend: Shiplap All Over the House

from Zillow Porchlight http://ift.tt/2wtkI0L via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Zillow Porchlight

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architectnews · 3 years

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Ten striking fireplaces at the heart of the home

As winter is approaching in the northern hemisphere, for our latest lookbook we have rounded up ten unusual fireplaces that add both visual interest and warmth to their surroundings.

Included in the roundup is a fireplace that doubles as a staircase, a fireplace that took its design cues from a Venetian tomb and a campfire-inspired fireplace within a cave-like home.

This is the latest roundup in our Dezeen Lookbook series providing visual inspiration for the home. Previous articles in the series showcased domestic gyms, cross-laminated interiors, exposed brickwork and hotels with a bohemian feel.

The Author's House, Denmark, by Sleth

The Author's House is a copper-clad writer's cabin located on the outskirts of Aarhus in Denmark. The cabin was designed to function as a workspace for the client and takes advantage of its natural forested setting.

At the centre of the cabin, a colourful fireplace starkly contrasts against the interior's natural material and colour palette. The breast of the chimney was painted a deep blue, making it the focal point of the space.

Read more about The Author's House on Dezeen ›

Casa Malalcahuello, Chile, by GAAA

This red-roofed gabled structure by GAAA is perched on a mountainous slope and features a timber interior with a largely open-plan arrangement set over a number of levels.

A large conical-shaped chimney, part clad in stone, extends from the ground floor to the timber-lined, gabled roof. Seating was arranged around the conical fireplace to create a cosy setting.

Read more about Casa Malalcahuell on Dezeen ›

Lake Cottage, Canada, by UUfie

Canadian architecture studio UUfie added an extension to this woodland home beside the Kawartha Lakes in Ontario that features a mirrored entrance and charred cedar walls.

A fireplace occupies the rear wall of the living room and is framed by a cut-out that mimics the form of the pitched roof and ceiling. An opening between the fireplace and the cedar wall was filled with chopped wood.

Read more about Lake Cottage on Dezeen ›

Penthouse BV, Belgium, by Adjo Studio

Cherry wood veneer clads the walls of this penthouse apartment in Hasselt by Belgium-based Adjo Studio. Spaces within the apartment are zoned by partitions and furniture to form a broken-plan layout.

A mid-century modern-style fireplace was used to divide the space between the living room and library. Cherry wood veneer lines the breast of the chimney to match the walls, while the firebox is located within a stone base.

Read more about Penthouse BV on Dezeen ›

O12, Germany, by Philipp von Matt

A triangular fireplace with a circular hearth centres the living room of this artist's residence in Berlin by German architect Philipp von Matt.

The residence was designed to be a hybrid of art and architecture, and its unusual fireplace was informed by classical architecture. It was designed to mimic the Pyramid of Cestius in Rome, as well as the tomb of sculptor Antonio Canova in Venice.

Read more about Ski Lodge on Dezeen ›

Fairhaven Beach House, Australia, by John Wardle

This angular home by Australian architect John Wardle is a three-storey beach residence overlooking the nearby ocean.

Fairhaven Beach House has folding wooden interiors that are flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows. A large industrial-style wood-burning fireplace at the centre of its living area warms the home and gives the interior a rustic feel.

Read more about Fairhaven Beach House on Dezeen ›

Timber Cabin, Norway, by Atelier Oslo

Atelier Oslo created a curving, cave-like aesthetic throughout the interior of this cabin that has been clad in basalt and sits next to a Norwegian lake.

A black fluted fireplace was placed on a raised platform at the centre of the home and is surrounded by curving, amorphous walls. The fireplace was built within a slab of hexagonal marble and encased by glass to simulate the look of a campfire.

Read more about Timber Cabin on Dezeen ›

The Pavilion House, Switzerland, by Gus Wüstemann

Concrete and timber were used for the interior of this home in the village of Buchberg by designer Gus Wüstemann, who chose the materials to reference the barns surrounding the house.

The living area was blanketed in raw concrete and features a built-in fireplace in the corner beside full-height windows. The concrete fireplace extends out beneath the glazing to form a window seat.

Read more about The Pavilion House on Dezeen ›

Ancient Party Barn, UK, by Liddicoat & Goldhill

Liddicoat & Goldhill transformed a collection of derelict 18th-century buildings in Kent into a home that highlights and preserves the structure's rich history.

In the main living space, a large tapering brick chimney is host to both a fireplace and steel spiral staircase. The fireplace opens onto the seating area, while steps wind around the chimney flue up to a mezzanine level that houses a bedroom and bathroom.

Read more about Ancient Party Barn on Dezeen ›

This is the latest in our series of lookbooks providing curated visual inspiration from Dezeen's image archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks showcasing home gyms, marble bathrooms, smart storage solutions and home libraries.

The post Ten striking fireplaces at the heart of the home appeared first on Dezeen.

#Architecture – Dezeen

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garynsmith · 7 years

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8 Beautiful Home Projects Using Reclaimed Wood

http://ift.tt/2viXNXf

Here are eight different projects that incorporate reclaimed wood in distinct ways.

Ceiling turned to walls

Photo by Cristóbal Palma.

Repurposed staircase

Photo by SHED Architecture + Design.

Entryway elegance

Photo by Pia Ulin.

Accent wall and headboard

Photo by Adrien Williams.

From flooring to doors

Photo by Kevin Cooley.

Structural elements and beyond

Photo by Andrew Meredith.

Posts and beams

Photo by Torkil Stavdal.

A fine library

Photo by Peter Bennetts.

This article was written by Kate Reggev and originally appeared on Dwell. Check out more of their content on Dwell.com.

Rustic Homes for Sale: Farmhouses, Cabins and Country Estates

Mixing 21st-Century Modern and Rustic Decor

Design Trend: Shiplap All Over the House

from Zillow Blog http://ift.tt/2wtkI0L via IFTTT

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jeremystrele · 5 years

Text

Japanese Influenced Interiors – A World Of Inspiration

Interiors

Lauren Li

Amber Road designed a Japanese-inspired café called New Editions and incorporated ‘zaisu’: Japanese seating typified as a chair with no legs. Custom versions were upholstered in linen and featured the typical ‘sashiko’ stitching. Photo – Prue Ruscoe.

From Belgium to California, and right here in Australia, Japanese design has made a big impression.

I am an interior designer, not a Japanese design expert, but like a lot of us, I’ve visited this magical country, and I found it to be instantly captivating on so many levels. This feature won’t delve into what ‘true’ Japanese design is, but rather, will touch on the ways Japanese style has influenced a whole range of aesthetics globally.

While Japan might be recognised for ‘zen’ minimalism – think pristine spaces and glass elements that make up a house by SANAA or the bare concrete made famous by Tadao Ando – there are so many diverse Japanese interiors that I wouldn’t necessarily describe as minimalist. I’m very much drawn to more eclectic Japanese spaces, that are layered with texture, plants and meaningful objects.

This got me thinking about the paradox between how we imagine stereotypical Japanese minimalism, and then what you actually encounter when visiting Japan: a 100 yen store on every street corner, or at least a sublimely tasteful Muji! It seems to me that the Japanese appreciate minimal spaces, but also love to consume. Uh oh, Marie Kondo!

Inside Sydney’s New Editions cafe, by Amber Road. Photo – Prue Ruscoe.

New Editions references traditional Japanese ideas and materials. The interior by Amber Road feature a highly textured yet all-black palette. Japanese techniques have been employed such as ‘shou sugi ban’ a traditional way to preserve timber by charring it. Photo – Prue Ruscoe.

These interiors see the ‘wabi-sabi’ philosophy interpreted by Axel Vervoordt. Photo – Jan Liegeois

Wabi-sabi

You might be surprised to know that even Kanye West (!) has been influenced by Japan throughout his career – firstly with collaborations with Takashi Murakami and recently with his brand new ‘minimal monastery’ house designed by Axel Vervoordt. This Belgian architect is known for his intensely pared back design approach, and has long been inspired by Eastern philosophies. His stunning book Wabi Inspirations, features his own Westernised version of wabi features, including peeling paint, bare boards, distressed plaster walls, and muted colours. ‘It looks poor but it’s very costly. It’s the opposite of what most people want, which is something that looks expensive but is cheap,’ Axel chuckles.

Axel’s greatest inspiration is the spirit of zen monks in Japan, who sought contentment in simplicity, purity and restraint. ‘It’s the celebration of beauty in humble things’ Let’s just let that sink in for a minute.

Simplicity, purity and restraint are values that are an antidote to our fast, frenzied consumerism, and the scrolling social media spiral in which many of us live. Kim and Kanye are the most influential celebrity couple of our time (love them or hate them) and they have bought wabi-sabi to the mainstream, by showing the world how they live in an entirely bone coloured house, void of decoration (other than some exquisite Japanese ceramic pieces – raw ceramic ‘rocks’ and vessels by Yuji Ueda) and an unbleached grand piano (a Steinway no less). Their house isn’t exactly humble, however, it is somewhat surprising to see they have rejected having ‘things’ in the pursuit of wabi-sabi. (If you haven’t already… suss their sleek new home by Axel Vervoordt here).

Courted House by Breakspear Architects. Photo – Tom Ferguson.

Studiofour use the technique of ‘borrowing scenery’ in their projects to create a quality of space that provides a sense of sanctuary, enclosure and comfort. Photo – Shannon McGarth.

This house by B.E Architecture features a particularly unexpected detail in an urban property; a secluded Japanese garden with an outdoor shower. Alongside Japanese design, they channelled inspiration from Chilean landscape architect Juan Grimm and Australian gardens by Edna Walling. Photo – Peter Clarke.

BE Architects often design the landscapes for their residential projects. They feel that these gardens should invoke a sense of calm and serenity. The purpose of the gardens is to support the architecture as well as the occupants, while not making a grand statement in themselves. Photo – Peter Clarke.

The tranquil gardens of the Kawaii Platypi project by Splinter Society. Photo – Jack Lovel, courtesy Australian Interior Design Awards.

Borrowed Scenery

We know that houses are seriously compact in Japan, although they still feel amazing to spend time in.

Often, this is thanks to a well-positioned window with a view to a garden, which gives an impression of more space.

To borrow scenery is an ancient technique known as ‘shakkei’, and it makes a lot of sense to employ this philosophy in our homes in Australia. A great example of this in practice are spaces by Studiofour, which have a tangible connection to the outdoors. The Melbourne-based firm believes that a strong relationship to the outdoors ‘is a pathway to human health and happiness’.

this Japanese-inspired ‘Hideaway‘ cabin on Tasmania’s Bruny Island was designed as a place of refuge by local firm Maguire Devine. It enjoys unencumbered views out to the natural surrounds. Photo – Robert Maver.

Timber cladding combines with seamless concealed joinery, offering hidden storage space, in the minimalist micro-living apartment in Richmond by T-A Square architects. Photo – Jack Lovel.

The handmade brick seen in the Mayfield residence by Studiofour was chosen for its imperfection and variance in colour, tone, texture and size. Photo – Shannon McGrath.

For their Captain Kelly’s Cottage by John Wardle Architects sourced tiles from Japan, the very same that were originally commissioned by Frank Lloyd Wright for his Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Photo – Trevor Mein.

Although geographically very far from Japan, Captain Kelly’s Cottage by John Wardle Architects, also in Tasmania, references Japanese design. The walls, floor, and ceiling of the living space was crafted entirely out of Tasmanian oak, and furniture items like a writing desk and coffee table were made out of leftover materials. Photo – Trevor Mein.

Dramatic panoramic views across the coastline of the north end of Bruny Island from Captain Kelly’s Cottage by John Wardle Architects. Photo – Trevor Mein.

Materiality

Imagine visiting a construction site, taking off your boots and sliding on a pair of slippers. This is exactly what happened to me when I visited Japan to work on an interior design project for a global retailer. I’m used to dusty worksites, with Triple M blasting from a radio in the corner, but I didn’t find anything like that on the Japanese construction site that day. The boots/slipper comparison reveals a lot about the way that building is approached in Japan. I encountered the cleanest and most organised building site I have ever seen, and I began to understand that everywhere I went I was talking to craftsmen.

The Shinto belief system, indigenous to Japan, influences Japanese architecture in terms of materiality and form. Materials are treated with care and the greatest craftsmanship. Materials are most cherished in their natural form.

The Nobu Ryokan in Malibu, designed by Studio PCH, incorporates Japanese traditions in a Californian beach setting. The retreat features hand-crafted teak soaking baths, combined with indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo – Dylan + Jeni.

This mid-century home in San Francisco features interiors designed by Charles de Lisle, including a powder room with a hand-carved elm sink and black lacquered rosewood paneling on the walls. Photo – William Abranowicz.

(left) BE Architecture begin designing by looking at the materials that best represent the feeling that they want a house to embody. Photo – Peter Clarke. (right) Senses by Louisa Grey & Frama. Photo – Rory Gardiner.

Bathing

Having a bath in Japan has its very own set of customs and rules.

Maybe, in the West, we’re not ready to bathe completely naked with strangers (!) however, we could learn a thing or two about the Japanese ritual of bathing – and the serene way the Japanese design their bathing spaces, with great emphasis on the bath, natural materials such as timber and stone, and natural light.

This serene bedroom in Arent & Pyke’s Pyrmont Apartment features a hand-painted screen with a Cassina Tokyo Chaise Lounge. Photo – Tom Ferguson.

Back in the mid-century house in San Francisco, this living room’s bar is enveloped in a custom de Gournay silk inside a custom indigo-dyed ash cabinet with brass countertop and shelves. The inspiration from Japan is endless. Photo – William Abranowicz.

This space references design ideas by American designer/craftsman George Nakashima. He introduced an appreciation of a tree’s natural forms and colours to celebrate its ‘imperfections’ to the American market. His live edge tables are iconic and he also designed pieces for Knoll, which blend American Shaker design with Japanese joinery. Photo – Terence Chin.

Decoration

It’s fascinating how Japan has influenced Western design for hundreds of years. Notably, designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright and William Morris found inspiration from Japan during the rise of the Arts & Crafts movement. Many Nordic designers have also found common ground in their shared appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

From nature-inspired motifs, to the use of timber cladding and black lacquer, there are countless ways that Japan has influenced design and architecture in Australia and beyond. Personally, I’m totemo grateful!

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