With the use of glass becoming more popular as technologies advance in its thermal capacities we are occasionally requested to design feature walls in extensions and new builds.

This project has particularly tall doors/ windows to the ground floor set within a seasoned oak structural frame. Oak doors/ windows are often the preferred use set within the structural frame but they are not without challenge. On such large doors, they can have a tendency to move and distort over time. To seal and protect them from the elements requires introducing pigments to the treatment and this dramatically changes the colour and appearance of the wood. The same problem can occur if selecting a different wood type and treating it with ‘oak’ coloured stains/ lacquers.  We have been introduced to the use of Accoya wood, created via acetylated wood modification. Sustainably-sourced, it has the very best environmental credentials as well as having dimensional stability. It is becoming more popular for use where stability is crucial. In this experimental application we are using it to create the natural finish customers desire with the appearance and color match of raw timber.

In the images shown, the structural oak framework has been shot blasted using recycled glass to remove any staining and bring back a fresh face to the wood. It has then been oiled with Linseed and this shall lighten as it is absorbed. The Accoya doors/ windows have been installed and glazed and shall be left to stand and allow to tone down. With natural daylight on the Accoya, it shall take on the darker colors and begin to resemble a natural oak finish having that ‘silvering’ effect. Because it is a completely stable product it can actually remain untreated but once the finished has reached the desired tone, it shall be sealed to give an overall natural finish to the entire feature wall.

The images were taken in April 2012. Further images shall be posted showing the results.

Update October 2013

The Accoya door sets have behaved remarkably well and remained stable in all dimensions. Our original plan to leave them untreated enabling them to soften in tone was interrupted by the fact that the timber is extremely porous and was absorbing so much moisture, it was showing on the inside of the doors. Due to the properties of Accoya timber, this did not present a problem to the integrity of the wood but it was decided to treat the doors at an earlier stage. They had not enough time to tone and match the oak and so a natural oil based product was selected with a slight oak colorant in to bring the tone in line with the surrounding oak.

The project has been a great success and even featured in ‘Beautiful Kitchens’ magazine.

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