Private Residence
N House
Curved Woodflame Timberclad System Executed in Charred Meranti for Sculptural Residential Application
Architect
K-Thengono Design Studio
year
2024
location
North Jakarta, Indonesia
size
10 m²
The Brief
Project Overview
N House required a curved lift shaft clad in Woodflame-treated Meranti within a compact 10 m² application area.
Burnt timber bending introduces cracking risk.
Objective
The objective was to validate curved charred cladding by delivering:
• Controlled bending of carbonized planks
• Retention of char texture under curvature stress
• Stable attachment to curved substrate
• Long-term durability in urban humidity
This project merged traditional surface treatment with engineered curvature control.
The Constraints
Curved Lift Shaft Geometry
The timber had to follow a continuous curve without segment distortion or misalignment.
Charred Surface Fragility
Burnt timber surfaces are inherently brittle. Bending risks surface cracking and loss of texture.
Minimal Application Area with High Visual Impact
The installation occupies a small footprint but functions as a primary architectural statement.
Urban Humidity Conditions
Dimensional stability and moisture management were required to prevent movement over time.
The Engineering
Woodflame Meranti Timberclad
Meranti planks were charred through controlled surface carbonization. The char layer increases resistance to weathering and moisture exposure when properly detailed.
Performance comes from surface engineering.
Controlled Curvature Installation
Substrate preparation and calibrated fixing intervals allowed boards to follow curved geometry without stress cracking or distortion.
Curves amplify movement risk. Fixing logic mitigates it.
Char Surface Protection Strategy
Handling and installation were sequenced to preserve char depth and prevent surface flaking.
Surface integrity depends on controlled contact and fastening pressure.
Ventilated Cladding Assembly
Rear airflow was integrated to reduce moisture retention and extend service life.
Durability is achieved through ventilation and detailing discipline.
Precision Edge Alignment
Despite inherent tonal variation, joint lines were maintained with consistent alignment to protect facade rhythm.
The Products and Materials
The Results and Insights
Curved Charred Timber Execution Achieved
The installation maintained surface texture and curvature without cracking.
Craft and Engineering Integrated
The project demonstrates that Shou Sugi Ban aesthetics can be executed through engineered system logic.
Durability Through Detailing
Woodflame treatment combined with ventilated cladding supports long-term resilience.
Material Character Elevated
The lift shaft became a sculptural centrepiece rather than a concealed functional element.
Location
North Jakarta, Indonesia
INDONESIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question unanswered? Speak to our team.
What is Woodflame Timberclad?
Woodflame Timberclad is Woodlam’s controlled charring cladding system inspired by Shou Sugi Ban, engineered to enhance surface durability while preserving structural stability.
Is charred timber suitable for curved applications?
Yes, when curvature is engineered properly. Controlled fixing intervals and substrate preparation allow bending without surface cracking.
Does charring improve durability?
Surface carbonisation increases resistance to weathering and insects. Combined with ventilated detailing, it supports long-term performance.
What does this project demonstrate for Woodlam?
It demonstrates Woodlam’s ability to merge traditional craft inspiration with engineered installation logic, even in small-scale but high-impact architectural elements.