Brimstone ash cladding chosen for Taigh na Coille – ‘House of the Wood’
WT Architecture has recently completed Taigh na Coille, which translates as ‘House of the Wood’, a contemporary cabin designed to blend seamlessly with the rugged Atlantic coastline of Sutherland, Scotland. At the heart of this project is an emphasis on sustainability, which informed the decision to clad the cabin in Brimstone ash, an innovative, thermally-modified British hardwood supplied by Vastern Timber.
Brimstone ash, made from sustainably sourced British ash, has been carefully chosen for its durability and environmental benefits. The modification process uses heat to transform the wood, improving its stability and resistance to pests and rot without chemicals. This allows the cladding to withstand harsh marine climates, making it an ideal choice for the cabin’s exposed location, where wind speeds can reach over 100mph.
Initially, Siberian Larch was considered for cladding, but due to supply challenges, Brimstone ash was selected as a sustainable alternative that could deliver the required performance and aesthetic qualities. Project architect Thomas Fitzgerald notes, “We wanted a timber that would weather evenly and gracefully in this dramatic setting. Brimstone ash’s stability meant it could also be used for the cabin’s distinctive sliding screens.” Over time, the untreated Brimstone ash will weather naturally from its golden hue to a silver grey, enhancing the building’s harmony with its surroundings.
The use of Brimstone ash in Taigh na Coille aligns with stringent sustainability standards, including the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge. With high levels of insulation, triple glazing, and prefabricated timber elements, the cabin demonstrates strong credentials in both operational and embodied energy. So far, Brimstone ash has performed admirably, even on sheltered elevations where it has silvered evenly.
"We chose Brimstone Ash because we needed a highly stable and durable material for the site's harsh marine climate. The stability of this timber meant we could also use it to form the feature slatted sliding screens. We wanted a timber that would weather very evenly, as the unusual geometry of the house creates elevations facing multiple directions, and the site is at a high latitude. Of all the options Vastern provide, we felt Brimstone Ash offered the best balance of character and refinement.
"
Taigh na Coille exemplifies how sustainable British timber can support contemporary architecture that is both resilient and respectful of its environment.
To find out more about the Architect for this project, WT Architecture, please visit their website:
