Creative Ways to Use Timber Cladding on Residential Homes

There is definitely something charming about timber clad homes. Possibly, because the natural tones pair well with the usually drab overcast British skies. Or, maybe it’s because timber tends to blend with the surroundings, rather than contrast. For many reasons, homeowners are considering alternatives to traditional brick and render, and timber cladding meets that need.

Beyond the Obvious

Most installations cover entire elevations, and many self-build projects do this. However, some of the more innovative designs leave some walls un-clad. For example, it may cover the wall that faces the garden or the wall that faces the sunset instead of the wall that faces the street. This design is generally more cost effective and allows the timber cladding to serve the purpose of distinguishing the social/timber side from the functional/brick side.

This type of approach also works for porches and entryways. A small amount of timber cladding around the front doorway is effective, and focuses attention on the door well before the visitors are there to see it, which is actually really important. The first impressions of a home’s curb appeal happen quickly.

Extensions That Don’t Attempt to Match

For a long time, the approach with extensions was to match the original brick as closely as possible, at times even matching the mortar. This is beginning to change. Many architects now put old and new in stark contrast, and timber is the material that creates most of that contrast. If you cover the new part and leave the old part exposed, the joint looks intentional. Compared to what you might think, the planners, especially in conservation areas, are more flexible with this approach. A contrasting material often gets easier approval than a low quality match.

Garden Rooms and Outbuildings

Sheds are no longer just a place to dump your lawnmower. In a good number of gardens now, you can find a home office, a studio, or a place to escape the noise of the house. Timber cladding is a perfect match to these buildings for a couple of reasons. First, it is a practical and useful material at that scale, and second, it makes a small structure look like a considered part of the garden, rather than an afterthought. A few of the small choices, such as vertical boards on a gable end, and horizontal boards on the sides, change the overall effect of how garden structures interact with the rest of the garden.

Direction and Pattern Variation

Most people do not think about how cladding can be applied in different directions. For the most part, we see horizontal boards. And that works. But, vertical boards can actually improve the height perception of short buildings. Further, adding a herringbone or basket-weave pattern to a porch or gable, can elevate the overall design, and be something most people notice. This is not as expensive as people think. Most of the time, it is the same boards, just used more creatively.

Mixing Materials

Most successful designs do not use timber on its own. For example, a piece of timber running between two courses of brick, or wrapping around the exterior of a window, can add visual appeal to a large wall while maintaining the solidity of brick and stone. This is an excellent compromise for most British streets where there is not an emphasis placed on uniformity.

Thinking of Timber Cladding

There are a lot of things to think about when considering timber cladding, especially how it will look over time, not just when it is first installed. For some people, the maintaining of timber’s natural color and sheen is more desirable. For others, a light stain or oil is preferred and creates a more modern look. Ultimately, the design of the building is improved by the decision of what finish to use.

When strategically applied it can break the monotony of conventional design. The most creatively designed houses with timber cladding are where the architect has thoughtfully considered the placement of cladding and where it can be omitted.