Page 74 - Designing Ways 271

Private forested home,

harmonises residential

life with sustainable

architecture

Bois-le-Roi, France

or the past two years, the home of two architects in Bois-le-
Roi, in the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest near Paris, has
Fbeen clad entirely in sustainably sourced Kebony wood. The
previous all stucco property has completed redevelopment with the
use of knot-free Kebony Clear wood, simultaneously delivering a
striking contemporary style, and complementing the predominantly
stone architecture of the local area.

The wood has also been chosen for the exterior decking of the
home, as well as for extensive use throughout the interior, including
lining the stairs and kitchen. This continuity of material used across
different spaces in the property reflects the aesthetic sensibility
of the homeowners and the landscaped, tree-lined garden that the
property sits in, giving an overall sense of harmony to the design, and
delivering an understated yet intimate abode.

The couple chose Kebony Clear wood to clad their own home due
to its superior sustainable credentials, durability, and aesthetic
characteristics. The owners wanted their house to be clad with vertical
siding, with no ribs or veins, ensuring a sleek and uninterrupted
facade. Above all, they wanted to avoid using endangered tropical
hardwoods, such as Ipe or Cumaru, without having to make sacrifices
on either built or visual quality.

74 Issue 271 • dw