Dulux Trade
Latest Case studies
Top architect bares all in Berkshire
When renowned architect John Pardey was tasked with creating a bespoke home in Berkshire, his vision was to produce a beautiful timber exterior which complemented the countryside setting. An essential specification of his design was that the natural colour and finish of the wood cladding should be conserved over time, so he turned to woodcare experts Dulux Trade to provide an innovative solution.
The answer lay in pioneering Weathershield Naked Wood products from Dulux Trade which utilise technology unique to ICI Paints to deliver a finish that has been previously unattainable in woodcare - a truly clear coating with a natural matt finish for invisible protection from discolouration.
The Weathershield Naked Wood system protects vulnerable exterior wood from the weathering effects of the elements - in particular the action of sunlight causing 'greying' of the timber and repeated wetting and drying cycles which cause wood to swell and crack. Unprotected wood is also prone to mould and fungi, so Weathershield Naked Wood Basecoat features anti-fungal properties to prevent unsightly staining.
Exterior wood is protected from the bleaching effect of the sun by a combination of UV absorbers and polyurethane technology unique to Weathershield Naked Wood. This provides a clear yet durable matt coating that will not yellow over time, like conventional varnishes.
The build has already attracted attention in the industry, having been well received by the Architecture Society and nominated for a number of design awards. It is also to be featured on an upcoming episode of Channel 4's popular Grand Designs programme with eco-architect Kevin McCloud.
These products provide the first truly clear, matt finish on the market. There is a growing trend towards the use of natural wood on the exterior of buildings, yet it can be hard to maintain this. It may look great at first, but the greying process will set in and soon the wood will lose its natural appeal. These products specifically tackle this issue to help meet growing customer demands for the integrity of wood to be maintained and preserved without constant attention.
Henry Goss from John Pardey Architects concludes: "The design of this building was very much intended to blur the boundaries between the building and the environment, so the exterior wood was an essential feature of the finished build. We wanted to make sure that the natural beauty of the wood could shine through and that it would continue to do so for years to come. Weathershield Naked Wood is the only product on the market which delivers the 'finish-free' result we were looking for, combined with crucial lasting colour protection."
