Blog

Showcasing Timber Innovation and Excellence in New Zealand Architecture with Aspen Homes

October 15, 2024

Aspen Homes continues to stand out in the New Zealand building industry, embracing the beauty and versatility of timber in modern architecture. Their recent project at Ara Hills is a testament to how timber can be used to elevate both design and functionality, all while blending seamlessly with the natural environment. This showcase of timber innovation highlights Aspen Homes' commitment to excellence and their ability to create homes that stand as architectural marvels.

Timber: The Heart of Modern and Sustainable Architecture

Timber has long been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s building industry, offering a sustainable, durable, and beautiful material that can adapt to various architectural styles. In the Ara Hills project, Aspen Homes demonstrates how timber can be utilised in both structural and design elements to create homes that are not only functional but also visually stunning.

The Ara Hills residence showcases innovative use of timber cladding, decking, and interior finishes, creating a harmonious blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. The use of JSC’s Rusticated Western Red Cedar and TMT Taxon cladding in the exterior speaks to the versatility of timber in modern architecture. The combination of horizontal cedar with vertical TMT cladding adds depth and texture to the design, while also highlighting the natural beauty of the grain and finish.

Blending Indoor and Outdoor Spaces with Timber Excellence

One of the key aspects of this project is how the use of timber enhances the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The expansive Vitex decking, finished with JSC Coda Clear, creates an inviting outdoor living space that feels like an extension of the home’s interior. This seamless transition is made possible through large windows and doors that frame the surrounding natural beauty, allowing the home's occupants to feel connected to the landscape at all times.

Inside, timber continues to play a crucial role. European Oak flooring stained in Graphite adds a touch of modern sophistication while maintaining a natural, earthy feel. The consistency in timber use, from the cladding to the flooring, ensures a cohesive design that ties the home together, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Innovative Timber Applications in Design

Aspen Homes’ Ara Hills project is an example of how timber can be used in innovative ways to create unique architectural features. From the barn doors made from Okoume wood to the detailed finishes on the fireplace and bathroom tiles, timber is at the core of the home’s aesthetic.

The exterior cladding, in particular, showcases the potential of timber to provide both durability and beauty. JSC’s Rusticated Cedar, finished in Dryden Driftwood, offers a timeless rustic look, while the TMT Taxon cladding, with its vertical grain structure and bold Scumble Nightfall finish, adds a modern edge. This mix of traditional and contemporary elements is what makes the home stand out as a piece of architectural innovation.

Timber's Role in Sustainable Architecture

In a world where sustainable building practices are becoming increasingly important, timber continues to be a standout material. Not only does it have a lower carbon footprint compared to other building materials, but it is also renewable and recyclable. Aspen Homes, through their Ara Hills project, demonstrates how timber can be used sustainably without compromising on design or quality.

The Ara Hills residence, with its extensive use of responsibly sourced timber, contributes to a more sustainable future in architecture. The use of JSC’s timber products, such as Rusticated Western Red Cedar and TMT Taxon cladding, provides durability that ensures the home will stand the test of time, while also being environmentally friendly. These materials are chosen not only for their visual appeal but also for their sustainability, reflecting Aspen Homes' commitment to eco-conscious building.

A New Standard of Timber Excellence

The Ara Hills project exemplifies how timber, when used creatively and with precision, can transform a building into a work of art. The careful selection of timber finishes, from the cladding to the decking, shows how Aspen Homes and their collaborators are setting a new standard in architectural design using natural materials.

Each element of the home, from the rustic cedar exterior to the elegantly stained interior flooring, plays a role in creating a cohesive and luxurious living space. The Vitex decking, which extends the living space into the natural surroundings, is a key feature that highlights how timber can be both functional and beautiful.

Timber is not just a stylistic choice but a strategic one. Its natural insulation properties help regulate indoor temperatures, while its durability makes it a long-lasting material, perfect for New Zealand’s varied climate. This combination of beauty, functionality, and sustainability is why Aspen Homes consistently chooses timber as a core element in their designs.

Celebrating New Zealand’s Timber Craftsmanship

Aspen Homes' collaboration with L.W. Architecture and JSC highlights the incredible craftsmanship and innovation found in New Zealand’s building industry. Timber is deeply rooted in the country’s architectural history, and projects like Ara Hills showcase how modern design can elevate this material while still paying homage to its traditional roots.

From the unique grain of the cedar cladding to the rich textures of the European Oak flooring, the Ara Hills residence is a celebration of timber in all its forms. This project proves that timber can be as modern and elegant as it is traditional and rustic. It stands as a testament to the versatility and excellence of New Zealand’s timber craftsmanship, setting an inspiring example for future architectural projects.

Why Timber Matters to Aspen Homes

For Aspen Homes, timber is more than just a building material; it is central to their philosophy of creating homes that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and enduring. Their approach to using timber in the Ara Hills project reflects their dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

Whether it’s the carefully crafted exterior that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape or the elegant interior spaces that provide warmth and character, timber is at the heart of Aspen Homes' architectural vision. Through projects like Ara Hills, they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with timber, delivering homes that are timeless, functional, and deeply connected to New Zealand’s natural beauty.

DOWNLOAD PROJECT FILE HERE
Get Started

Ready to start your homebuilding journey?

CTA
CTA
CTA
CTA
CTA