Boral Timber cladding in Blackbutt species is one of the standout features in the design of a new home in Perth, Western Australia. Located on a 667-square-metre block in the Perth suburb of Cottesloe, the home is owned by David Groom.

Looking to create a family residence featuring Australian hardwood timbers, inside and out, David used his experience in commercial construction to level the site, lay a casting bed over the entire site, and prepare large concrete panels that were lifted by crane to erect an instant structure in one day with all the walls in place.

As a forester, and with a furniture maker as a father, David grew up understanding timber and wanted to integrate as much wood as possible into the build. He planned to use timber to soften the appearance of the concrete structure.

Boral Timber cladding in Blackbutt species was chosen as the main feature of the home. Approximately 260 square metres of shiplap profile cladding were applied horizontally to the two primary building components, sitting on either side of the pool area. The boards were chosen carefully to ensure the natural colour variations connected well together. David was particular about wanting to retain the natural colour of the timber instead of using pigment finishes. Though they did consider composite cladding products, they chose timber for its unmatched natural beauty.

Timber has been used throughout the home for decking, screening, internal flooring and door frames. Blackbutt veneer has been used on the kitchen cabinetry and David has also made a Blackbutt dining table. According to David, Blackbutt has great colour and consistency, with a nice golden look that’s not too yellow, brown or red. It’s also very durable in terms of weathering, and offers termite resistance and fire resistance.

Structural hardwood was used as vertical screening on the East, North and West first floor faces. The 3.6-metre lengths of timber provide privacy and shade from the outside, while creating a beautiful outlook from the inside. On the eastern balcony and the kids’ play deck, 127mm wide Boral Blackbutt decking has been installed. The vertical screening and door framing were cut and fitted on site using Boral Blackbutt F27 structural hardwood. Additionally, around 120 square metres of the internal floor plan features Boral Blackbutt 14mm overlay flooring, creating an aesthetic connection between the interior and exterior zones of the home. The garage entry gates, front and rear entrances also incorporate the classic Australian species.

David also highlighted the importance of lighting in their architectural and interior design. Light strips, for instance, have been extensively used inside the home to wash over and highlight the natural timber, while external uplighting showcases the timber day and night.

Featured Boral Timber products include shiplap profile hardwood cladding; F27 seasoned structural hardwood; hardwood solid strip flooring – 130mm wide board overlay; and decking.

Images: Serena Pearce/ Code Lime Photography