Bear Creek Barn House

However the contrast remains subtle due to the gradual silvering of the silicate coating, which naturally forms a silicon based shell on the Vulcan timber, creating a long-term weathered look that is at once protective.

For those looking to maintain a healthy home for both people and the environment, this product is Red List free as required by the Living Building Challenge, and is made from safe, plant-based active ingredients.

Maria Sanchez from Northworks notes “The house needed something that was resistant to rot, termites, and required minimal maintenance, and the 15-year warranty was an added comfort.”

Vacation homeowners often come up against maintenance issues, which can counter the relaxation they hope to gain from their time away. Instead of requiring annual recoating like many cedar products, Vulcan finished in a silicate coating has an extended recoat period of up to seven years. As a penetrating, non film-forming coating that sits on the surface, silicate is easy to apply to timber, and as a waterborne product, is also easy to clean up.

Surrounded by trees, the pale finish of the cladding seems to echo its natural setting. Complete with a separate guest house and designed with large expanses of glazing to take in the varied views, this is a much-loved place of respite for its owners and their family and friends.