Contemporary coastal design is embracing the ‘Knotwood Look’, ushering in an exciting new era of timber aesthetics for coastal homes.

The new face of coastal homes

Advancements in technology allow for new style trends to flourish. In recent years, the aesthetic of homes in coastal communities has changed drastically with Knotwood as a pioneer of the movement. The introduction of wood-like aluminium profiles has unlocked a new aesthetic by addressing the challenges of timber. Here’s a deep dive into the new wave of coastal construction.

Challenges of timber in coastal areas

Timber is undeniably beautiful, especially in coastal settings. Some of our favourite Knotwood finishes have been inspired by coastal timbers, including Driftwood™ and Hamptons Cedar™ to list a few. However, the issue we are faced with is that many natural timbers run into numerous challenges when used in coastal environments.

Coastal and tropical climates expose building materials to harsh elements, leading to several problems down the track. Wood is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather, moisture and humidity, intense UV exposure, weathering, salt spray, and fungal decay.

Key issues:

Moisture and humidity can cause timber to swell and warp.
Fungal decay occurs when wood retains moisture for extended periods. This decay can eventually lead to rot.
Saltwater drying in wood over time forms salt crystals, leading to splintering and cracking. This creates openings for moisture to penetrate deeper into the wood.
UV exposure, weathering and salt spray can deteriorate timber coatings and affect the surface texture of the wood.
Uncoated timber subjected to coastal elements may change colour and shape, and develop splinters.
Coastal timber will change over time. Maintaining the beauty and structural integrity of wood requires dedicated time and care.

Weathered timber

Benefits of Knotwood aluminium

Presented with the challenges of natural timber in coastal areas, Knotwood has found the perfect solution to enjoy the beauty of natural timber, with the benefits of aluminium.

With over 15 years’ experience designing and manufacturing on the Gold Coast, Australia, Knotwood has developed a range of products tried and tested in some of the toughest coastal conditions.

Here’s why Knotwood is perfect for your coastal build:

Corrosion resistant

Knotwood is made from high quality marine grade aluminium. Aluminium reacts with the oxygen in the air, forming an extremely thin layer of oxide, which acts as naturally occurring, self-repairing corrosion protection. Unlike many other metals, aluminium remains resilient to corrosion in harsh environments.

Weather resistant

Aluminium is perfect for wet, damp, shady environments. Unlike wood, Knotwood is non-porous and will not swell, or grow mould or mildew when exposed to wet conditions. As it doesn’t retain water, it’s easy to maintain as it doesn’t require regular sealing, making it a more practical solution than wood.

Dissipates heat

Aluminium is great in direct sunlight as it remains cooler than most other materials. It naturally absorbs heat slowly but releases it quickly. In hot climates, Knotwood aluminium remains cool to the touch.

Non-warping

Aluminium is not only lighter and stronger, but it’s also straighter than real wood. Knotwood supplies lengths of up to 6.5 metres ensuring every extrusion is true to form. This means building with a perfectly crafted marine grade material that is easier to install and won’t warp over time.

Low maintenance

Knotwood’s specialised powdercoat finish has outstanding properties to ensure ease of maintenance and longevity of your surface. Knotwood doesn’t succumb to the effects of weathering like wood, and will not require frequent recoating.

Wider timber colour range

Knotwood’s range of wood grain finishes opens the door to many timber colours typically not used due to coastal challenges.

The Knotwood Look

Bay Builds by Kyal & Kara – Toowoon Bay, Central Coast

A new wave of coastal aesthetics

In recent years, the thought of a luxury coastal facade brings to mind sleek lines, striking white walls, calm neutral tones and beautiful wood grain battens – sometimes referred to as ‘The Knotwood Look’.

Knotwood has emerged as a defining feature of the contemporary coastal style. This has become apparent across residential homes, multi-res developments, and commercial projects throughout coastal communities.

Here are some standout Knotwood projects that not only capture the essence of contemporary coastal design but are also paving the way for future trends.

The Knotwood Look

Caba Hill Beach House – Cabarita Beach, NSW; Product: 50x50mm Battens; Colour: Silver Wattle; Architect: ByCulprit; Builder: J & B Projects; Photographer: Andy Macpherson

The Knotwood Look

Siarn – Palm Beach, QLD; Product: Fabricated Louvre Screens; Colour: Teak Brown; Architect: BDA Architecture; Builder: Cru Construct; Photographer: Andy Macpherson

The Knotwood Look

Singlefin – Bokarina Beach, QLD; Product: 25x25mm Battens; Colour: Spruce & Textura White; Architect: Reitsma & Associates; Builder: Gold Leaf Constructions; Photographer: Alyne Media

Like to learn more?

Whether you’re renovating, building, or simply tired of maintaining your current wood products, get in touch with our expert team to help with your next project.

Architecture & Design Team

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