An innovative illustrated guide to the history, current design and future potential for external timber cladding in Scotland has been published.
Timber Cladding in Scotland is the result of a study carried out last year by Ivor Davies and James Pendlebury of Highland Birchwoods and Bruce Walker of the University of Dundee.
The report was commissioned by the Scottish Executive which hopes it will help progress policies for architecture and design announced last year.
The study was carried out in response to public and professional concerns about the poor external design quality of much new housing in Scotland.
Allan Wilson, deputy minister for environment and rural development, said the study ‘looks at the subject from a Scottish viewpoint. It shows that, contrary to popular belief, there is a strong historical precedent for its use here, and that well-designed timber cladding is particularly suitable for buildings in an exposed maritime climate. It also highlights the variety of external designs, finishes and colours that can be used’.
Mr Wilson said timber cladding offered a unique combination of environmental, social and economic benefits, especially when produced sustainably in Scotland.
