SGA Architects Design Stunning Beachfront Home Featuring Accoya with Charred Shou Sugi Ban Finish
In a remarkable project designed by SGA Architects, a luxurious beachfront home stands as a harmonious blend of modern architecture and the rugged beauty of its coastal environment. This striking residence, nestled on New Zealand’s coastline, integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, thanks to its thoughtful use of materials and innovative design elements. A central feature of this stunning home is the extensive use of shou sugi ban Accoya laminated beams, with 140 lineal meters running from the interior of the house to the expansive outdoor living area, creating a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces that overlook the ocean.
The Use of Shou sugi ban Accoya Beams
Accoya, a sustainable and high-performance modified wood, was chosen for its outstanding durability, structural integrity, and its ability to withstand the harsh coastal climate. For this beachfront home, the charred and brushed Accoya laminated beams not only support the architectural vision but also enhance the home’s connection to its natural surroundings. The beams run seamlessly from inside the house to the large outdoor living area, framing the space in a way that feels both inviting and protective against the elements.
Shou Sugi Ban Finish: Aged and Weathered Beauty
A unique feature of these Accoya beams is the Shou Sugi Ban finish, specifically a charred and double-brushed treatment that gives the wood an aged, weathered appearance, perfectly suited to the coastal environment. The Shou Sugi Ban technique, originally developed in Japan, involves charring the surface of the wood, which not only provides a striking aesthetic but also offers enhanced protection against weathering, insects, and decay.
For this project, SGA Architects opted for a double-brushed approach. After the initial charring, the beams were carefully brushed twice to remove excess soot and reveal the natural wood grain beneath. This double-brushing adds texture and depth to the beams, softening the dark, charred surface with lighter undertones that mimic the weathered, sun-bleached timber commonly found along the shoreline. The result is a finish that feels timeless—both modern and rustic—perfectly blending with the coastal surroundings.
Accoya’s Durability Meets Coastal Demands
Coastal environments pose unique challenges for building materials, with high humidity, salt air, and constant exposure to the elements accelerating the wear and tear on most structures. Accoya’s acetylation process alters the wood at a molecular level, increasing its dimensional stability and resistance to swelling, shrinking, and decay. This made Accoya the ideal choice for the structural beams in this project, as they maintain their shape and performance over time, even in the demanding coastal conditions.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
The home’s design, featuring Accoya beams that extend from the inside to the outdoor living area, reinforces the idea of seamless indoor-outdoor living. The outdoor space, covered by the charred beams, becomes an extension of the interior, creating a fluid connection between the sheltered interior and the open, ocean-facing exterior. Whether relaxing indoors or enjoying the sweeping views of the ocean from the outdoor living area, the Accoya beams frame the experience, offering both shelter and a bold architectural statement.
Conclusion
SGA Architects’ beach house project showcases the perfect marriage of design, material innovation, and craftsmanship. The Accoya laminated beams, with their charred and double-brushed Shou Sugi Ban finish, embody the home’s balance of durability and beauty. The aged, weathered look of the beams not only enhances the home’s aesthetic but also provides lasting protection, making them an ideal choice for this stunning beachfront retreat. The result is a home that feels naturally integrated with its environment, designed to stand the test of time both structurally and visually.
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