Stunning hillside home transformation completed with sustainable Kebony wood

Natural and charred finished timber create striking contrast in unique renovation project

Beautifully perched on a sloping verdant hillside overlooking the fjord just outside of Oslo, Norway, a stunning family home renovation has now been completed with a striking combination of charred and natural Kebony wood, a global leader in the production of sustainably modified wood. 

Before the concept of a full home renovation was borne, the original project brief aimed to increase space and partially upgrade the existing home built in 1989. However, following consultation with architecture firm, Derlick Architects, a total renovation of the pre-fabricated home and new extension was agreed, and the stunning transformation to create the family home began.

The original home was upgraded with a clean and modern façade expression, a new roof layout and a more open and functional floorplan, while large glass doors were installed to create a brighter space and improve the connection to the garden, ultimately enhancing the panoramic waterfront views.

While developing the initial project brief, the architects selected Kebony wood for the façade of the original house and the new extension, and to obtain the unique contrast, two different types of Kebony wood were handpicked. The extension was elegantly clad with Kebony character wood, while the main house was wrapped beautifully with charred Kebony Shou Sugi Ban wood to create a dark, rich and distinctive patina. Taking its name from the ancient Japanese art of burning or weathering timber, the charred finish creates a striking contrast between the home and the extension, while complementing the natural and rugged appearance of the natural rural location.  

Developed in Norway, Kebony’s revolutionary technology is an environmentally friendly process which modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with furfuryl alcohol - an agricultural by-product. By polymerising the wood’s cell wall, the softwoods permanently take on the attributes of tropical hardwood including high durability, hardness, and dimensional stability. Kebony’s uniquely natural aesthetic, durability and sustainable credentials were perfectly suited to complete the ambitious home renovation project. 

Commenting on the project, Lars E. Kveen, Partner at Derlick Architects said, “This special renovation project is a source of great pride for our team. We are particularly pleased with how the home blends with the surrounding landscape, and how the contrast created by using two different types of Kebony wood has provided a unique finish to the home. The renovation has provided the family living here with an increased quality of daily life and they are very happy with the result.”  

Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager Norway at Kebony added: “We are delighted to see how both the charred Kebony Shou Sugi Ban and Kebony Character wood has combined to create this unique family home in Norway. It will be fantastic to see how the wood evolves and ages with time in this beautiful setting.”