Could Rainscreen Cladding be the way forward?

There are a lot of stunning properties on the horizon that not only encompass whole new design techniques but also provide new sustainable ideas that could potentially go worldwide. With every new building fabricated and new idea making it to the blueprints, can we learn from every last one of them and overall incorporate these sustainable systems to produce a house that is rivalled by no other?

Recently I came across an innovative idea on grand design which is both practical and could potentially be considered as ‘green’. The summerhouse was originally built over 50 years ago out of poor materials that had eventually worn out from the bitter weather. Little things like single glazing were just the last straw that made the owners decide to re-build it.

Throughout the 50 years the building regulations had changed a few times, and now stated that the location in which the summerhouse sat was not practical, so the owners decided to knock it down completely and would simply move further from the beach.

There were two summerhouses built in total, one each for both owners: whilst one is more exposed to the elements, the other has more of a sprawling design so the houses were not identical.

Annelise, one of the owners, stressed that the new house should not impinge on its surroundings, so they went with a design that was modern but classical and was almost invisible in the landscape.

The interior is dominantly fabricated with pine however glass doors and large picture windows break up the wooden surfaces and ultimately give spectacular views in every direction which purely entices the outside in.

The L shape of the house helps to keep it naturally sheltered from the wind. It’s simply, cleverly designed layout emphasizes the light, spacious-feeling living area, with a snug contemporary fire and a staircase leading to the mezzanine level.

The structure also houses wooden shutters which are multi-functional, providing shade from the piercing sun, and keeping the warmth in during the crisp months. Soft jewel colours enhance both the dark and light woods of furniture and exposed fabric of the timber frame.

The exterior is erected of rainscreen cladding, made from red cedar which will age gracefully, softening and silvering as the years slowly pass.

These buildings, unlike many others, do not show off to its landscape, but rather slyly sits quietly on the Norwegian coast. These modest, tasteful buildings truly belong to its surroundings.