Chat with Architect Ben Hudson

A prominent local architect based in Jacks Point, Queenstown New Zealand

Jacks Point Cedar Care

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What Timber cladding do you have and what issues were you facing? Thermory modified radiata pine ‘clears’ (knot-free). The timber is thermally modified using heat and steam. Thermally treated timber is easier to maintain and has a longer lifespan than conventional timber cladding. It’s also dimensionally stable due to its low moisture level. Notwithstanding this, I’d say we were a good six months overdue with the maintenance on our cladding, the timber was becoming quite dry and was discoloured in places by a sooty black mould. Additionally our garage is clad in board and batten, and we were keen to explore options for a darker, more substantial tone here.

What were your first impressions and knowledge Clayton was giving you regarding the options available and product suitable for your cladding as we are aware Jacks Point houses are just not Cedar and identification of cladding is important? A wide range of alternative timber claddings are available on the market, e.g. Western Red Cedar, NZ Redwood, larch, thermally modified timber, acetylated timber, and these will all behave differently over time. The Central Otago climate sees fluctuations in cold, heat and prevailing wind which can cycle on a daily as well as seasonal basis – this all takes its toll on your home. When you factor in different applications such as horizontal versus vertical cladding, board and batten, orientation and exposure, it becomes really important to consider how it will be treated and cared for. Clayton definitely knows his stuff and is clearly passionate about his role, which I empathise with as an architect. As noted above, our cladding is a modified timber finished with a dressed face (rather than the more textured bandsawn surface that you get with cedar). So a wood oil that works well with cedar, for example, may not necessarily be the best product to use in these circumstances. Clayton took the time to talk us through the various options so we were comfortable that we were using a finish that fitted the needs of the cladding.

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Once a decision was made on product and preparation and samples were done did you feel comfortable on the choice of product and colour? Yes, once we’d agreed on a suitable product we shortlisted a couple of colours and Clayton prepared sample panels. I wanted something that retained the natural beauty of the timber and complemented our home’s surrounding landscape, particularly the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range. Clayton also talked through the various methodologies for cleaning and preparing our cladding, as we wanted a ‘soft’ wash to remove surface contaminants rather than using chemical products. Having spent time money and effort on gardens and landscaping were you happy with the care taken placing scaffold and the subsequent work taken around these items? Yes. Clayton met them on site a few days prior to them putting up scaffold. The landscaping on the street side of our house is quiet established now, and they took care to protect the plants. Clayton has a hands-on approach and was in constant communication with us, clearly outlining each stage.

Before and after image:

Do you believe you have had added value to your property and JPCC maintenance program will be cost effective and always have your house looking good? When I look at the result, yes I think we’ve added value to our home. There’s a surprising difference between the before and after photographs. Jacks Point is a special place created with a vision as an architect do you believe people choose to live here because of its uniqueness? Definitely. Jack’s Point is set in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world! For some it’s a holiday destination and alpine retreat, but it’s also an area where the permanent population is continuing to rise, there are families here and a strong sense of community. From an architectural perspective the neighbourhood is bound by the Design Review Board’s controls on form and materiality, but by and large this translates to a consistent ‘Jacks Point’ character that fits with the natural alpine environment and has enduring value, and I think a lot of people recognise this.

I’d confidently recommend Jacks Point Cedar Care. Clayton’s professionalism and attention to detail flowed seamlessly across his team, who undertook the job with enthusiasm and skill, and I’d be happy to use them again.

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