Black Ridge House with Exterior Solutions

Exterior Solutions worked alongside Neil Dushieko Architects in creating, 'Black Ridge House' an award-winning charred timber clad extension, of a 3-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Walthamstow. Black Ridge House won the "NHIC Award for Best Use of Aluminium Systems" and was shortlisted for the "NLA Awards Don't Move, Improve 2018", "AJ Retrofit Awards 2018" and the "George Clark Medal 2018". The design concept of this project has been based around sustainable living and the celebration of nature which is incorporated throughout the layout, design & materials used. Wabi-Sabi has also been a significant influence on the design of 'Black Ridge House' which teaches the world view of beauty being "imperfect, impermanent and incomplete".

Black Ridge House is the epitome of biophilic design, which is becoming increasingly popular, it being the most sustainable of design styles to date, as it incorporates reconnecting people with the natural environment. Edward O.Wilson describes the biophilia hypothesis as, "the urge to affiliate with other forms of life" and it is proven to have many health benefits, a positive impact on increasing productivity and overall well-being.

The extension was constructed using Shou Sugi Ban® Burnt Timber Cladding, which is a modern application of the ancient Japanese art of charring timber. This process is described as being "volatile and unpredictable", which gives a sense of uniqueness, as no two pieces will be the same. For this particular project, a sleek and contemporary finish was used to create a modern look. Exterior Solutions offer the flexibility of manufacturing the charred timber cladding, to your exact specification as they have a wide range of options, resulting in them being the number one supplier for charred timber cladding in the UK and Europe. The Shou Sugi Ban® Burnt Timber Cladding is exclusive to Exterior Solutions, which can be visited at the Sky House Design Centre in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, now known as the prime location for interior design in the South East.