Exterior Cladding
- Product
- HERON
- Species
- Thermally Modified Radiata Pine
- Finish
- Water-Based
The Grounds
Hobsonville Point, New Zealand
Architect: Peddlethorp
Design: Tallwood
Builder: Stanley Construction
Design: Tallwood
Builder: Stanley Construction
Project Overview
Located in New Zealand, The Grounds is a 42-unit community recognized as the country’s first engineered tall timber residential development. Comprised of four three-story buildings, the project was designed to demonstrate how sustainable materials and modern construction methods can work together to deliver high-performance multifamily housing.
To improve construction efficiency, many building components were prefabricated or prefinished before arriving on site, reducing installation time while supporting a streamlined construction process. Sustainability remained a central design objective, with responsibly sourced timber playing a prominent role throughout the development.
Material Selection & Performance
The project features SiOO:X-treated thermally modified vertical screening slats, selected for their durability, dimensional stability, and long-term weathering performance. The architectural screens provide privacy, solar control, and visual rhythm across the façades while reinforcing the development’s clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Manufactured from FSC®-certified, thermally modified New Zealand plantation timber, Abodo® Vulcan is engineered with a vertical grain orientation that delivers exceptional stability and weather resistance. Finished with the SiOO:X Wood Protection System, the slats are designed to weather naturally to a refined silver-gray patina while minimizing long-term maintenance. The environmentally friendly treatment strengthens the wood surface and enhances resistance to moisture, algae, mold, and decay.
As the first verified carbon-negative feature timber with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), Abodo Vulcan also supported the project’s broader sustainability goals while providing a durable exterior solution backed by a 15-year warranty against fungal decay.
Specification & Technical Support
To align with the project’s sustainability and construction objectives, the design team selected a wood screening system that combined environmental responsibility with long-term performance. The use of prefinished Abodo Vulcan slats helped support efficient installation while providing a durable, low-maintenance façade designed to age gracefully over time.
Project Team
Peddlethorp is a New Zealand architecture and design practice dedicated to creating resilient, sustainable buildings that enhance occupant well-being while minimizing environmental impact. Through a strong commitment to low-carbon design and responsible material selection, the firm delivers architecture that supports both present and future generations.
