Vulcan Charred Extension - Queenstown, New Zealand

The dark textured tones of Abodo Vulcan Charred timber add a contemporary aesthetic to this Queenstown renovation.

Project details

Architect
Kerr Ritchie
Builder
Cammell Projects
Product
Vulcan Charred Cladding
Photography credit
Marina Mathews
Completion date
2022
Location
Queenstown, New Zealand

Abodo Vulcan Charred timber weatherboards add a sense of contrast and contemporary texture to the additional wing for an existing home in Jack’s Point, Queenstown.

For this project, architects Kerr Ritchie were originally called upon to add sun shading to a schist-clad home in Jack’s Point.

The success of this addition, which used Abodo Vulcan Charred timber, inspired the homeowners to expand their brief to encompass a new wing on the neighbouring section, containing a guest apartment, office space, wine cellar, pool, games room and additional garaging.

The sun shading reaches across the brow of the original home and connects the two both physically and in terms of materiality.

The new form then extends outwards, creating a windbreak for the pool deck and landscaped outdoor area, as well as providing the requested amenities.

The new addition is clad entirely in Abodo Vulcan Charred weatherboards, lending a contemporary look that elevates and defines the schist stonework. Inside, the charred timber is also used for the walls of the wine cellar, creating a sense of history and a moody atmosphere.

The architects were interested in selecting a sustainable timber solution for this home and were inspired by the charred option, says Pete Ritchie.

Abodo has embraced a more sustainable timber cladding solution than we have traditionally used. They have also embraced the charring of timber cladding as a final finish, something that we have been interested in for many years since a trip to Finland in the late 1990s. The finish is very rich and beautiful particularly when viewed close up.

- Pete Ritchie

Based on Japanese yakisugi or shou sugi ban, Vulcan Charred has a unique alligator skin-like texture that is formed through a charring process, which creates a long lasting charred covering that acts as a sacrificial layer for weathering.

Sealed after charring with Abodo’s Char Oil, the outer layer is given extra strength and longevity. Shiplap and rainscreen profiles are available in this specialised weatherboard product.

While the new wing is connected, thought was put into making it possible for the two properties to be separated in the future. The new wing is self-contained and upper windows kept to a minimum to allow for privacy if this was to occur.

Products

See more about the products that have been used on this project.