In an unprecedented reversal of American history, the demographic landscape of the United States is undergoing a transformative shift. A growing number of Americans are choosing to relocate from major cities and metropolitan hubs to the outskirts, suburbs, and rural expanses, propelled by a multitude of factors. As individuals settle in and around diverse ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and shrub lands—also known as wildland-urban interface (WUI) zone—ramifications of this population shift become more pronounced.
This migration trend unfolds against an increasingly pressing concern—climate change-induced wildfires across North America. The intricate interplay between human habitation and natural landscapes amplifies the challenges associated with wildfires. With rising temperatures and prolonged droughts heightening the risk of wildfires, a significant emphasis is placed on enhancing safety measures and protections in the WUI zone.
Introduction of Wildland Urban Interface Construction Codes
Over the years, with the escalating threat of wildfires, there has been a growing development of building codes tailored specifically for areas prone to wildfires.
The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) provisions are typically integrated into state or local building codes. California is known for introducing its own set of WUI zone construction requirements within the California Building Code (CBC) in 2008. CBC regulations mandate that building products intended for use in the WUI zone or State Responsibility Area (SRA) must adhere to specific directives. The WUI construction code primarily aims to enforce heightened standards for fire resistance and ignition resistance in the built environment.
A home or building designed and constructed with meticulous attention to detail and the use of compliant building materials significantly enhances its chances of withstanding a wildfire. There are two common ways to identify optimal building products for properties located in wildfire-prone areas: opting for WUI-Compliant building products or selecting products listed under CAL FIRE Building Materials Listing Program.
WUI-Compliant Building Products
WUI-compliant products generally refer to products and materials that meet specific standards and regulations outlined for the Wildland-Urban Interface zones.
According to California Building Code (CBC), the minimum requirement for building envelope components, such as siding/cladding is that an exterior wall covering or wall assembly, shall comply with one of the following requirements:
Wall assemblies that have been tested in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in ASTM E2707 with the conditions of acceptance shown in Section 707A.3.1
Wall assemblies that meet the performance criteria in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-1.
CAL FIRE Building Materials Listing Program
CAL FIRE is a California state agency responsible for safeguarding natural resources within areas designated by the State Board of Forestry as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). In alignment with this mission, the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) introduced the Building Materials Listing (BML) Program. This program serves as a comprehensive initiative aimed at evaluating and certifying a diverse array of building materials. Product manufacturers are required to pass rigorous testing conducted through laboratories accredited by the State Fire Marshal (SFM), ensuring their building materials meet stringent standards for the WUI zone.
The BML Program provide authorities, architects, engineers, contractors, and the fire services with a reliable and readily available source of information when they do not have a staff or subject matter expert to assess the building material quality.
There is a common belief that wood, being perceived as combustible and flammable, is not considered a safe material in proximity to fire. As a result, wood is often not the first come to mind when selecting building materials for building structures in wildfire-prone areas. As technology advances, reSAWN TIMBER co. addresses this challenge by innovatively modifying wood structures. The thermally modified wood offerings, Abodo and Sylva, can be more resistant to fire than untreated wood. The thermal treatment alters the chemical composition of the wood, leading to a decrease in the content of flammable substances within the material, while preserving the original aesthetic of wood.
As demographic trends evolve and more individuals relocate to wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones, architects, builders, and homeowners must stay well-informed about the escalating wildfire risk. This necessitates diligent research, selecting building materials by code requirements, and preserving aesthetic appeal throughout the construction process. Contact us to learn about what product works best for your project.
The natural beauty, durability, and availability of wood have made it one of the world’s oldest and most sustainable building materials. Today, architects and designers use real wood not only in a traditional sense but also in highly imaginative ways – both visually and technically. From an end-user perspective, a common issue with choosing real wood cladding for exterior facades is the perceived ongoing maintenance and uneven weathering on different structure parts.
Uneven Weathering on Uncoated Exterior Wood Cladding
In the last decade, wood finish manufacturers such as SiOO:X Wood Protection have improved the category’s overall design and performance capabilities to solve common building envelope issues. Now there’s a wood cladding finish option that combats weathering and ongoing maintenance issues by taking advantage of several technological advancements.
The SiOO:X Wood Protection System is a reactive coating system that creates a unique protective barrier to timber. It is designed to minimize the frequency of maintenance when compared to other semi-transparent coatings by creating a surface that becomes more attractive as it ages. SiOO:X mirrors the natural aging process of wood by accelerating the creation of a weathered, silver-grey appearance while giving long-life protection in a completely environmentally friendly way.
This also solves the issue of uneven weathering where some areas fade due to UV exposure, and others don’t. SiOO:X creates a consistent grey tone that mimics the look of weathered wood subjected to years of exposure from exterior elements. With SiOO:X, the wood will resemble a weathered look starting around 10-16 weeks after exterior installation, depending on the area’s climatic conditions.
Abodo® Vulcan Cladding in SiOO:X Finish
Abodo Vulcan Cladding in SiOO:X Finish
How Does SiOO:X Work?
SiOO:X is a patented, two-part application silicon technology system. Part one protects and strengthens the wood’s structure, and part two seals and protects the application of part one until the curing process is complete. Once applied SiOOX cures by reacting with carbon dioxide and moisture in the atmosphere to form an insoluble and flexible silica network within the timber surface. The silicon molecules then grow and expand in the cells and around the wood fibers, deep into the wood, creating the network. The formation of the silica network toughens the surface of the timber and forms an effective barrier against moisture, and rot. The network fuses the silicon to the wood, strengthening it while creating a unique silicon shield that protects and gives the surface a natural grey finish. SiOO:X wood protection can last up to 15 years.
Abodo Vulcan Cladding in SiOO:X Finish
SiOO:X Wood Protector is applied first – it opens up and penetrates surface fibers in the wood cells where it forms a network of silica crystals, creating a barrier bonded to the surface. An application of SiOO:X Surface Protector is then applied which binds with the Wood Protector and prevents water penetration.
Step 1 – The first component, SiOO:X Wood Protector, has tiny silicon molecules that penetrate deep into the wood, where they react and form a solid protective layer over time.
Step 2 – The second component, SiOO:X Surface Protector, acts to seal and protect the first component until it is fully cured, and at the same time forms an inert water-resistant envelope. SiOO:XSurface Protector allows the right amount of moisture to enter, ensuring optimum conditions for the continued process of hardening and mineralization. The result is timber with a beautiful and uniform grey-driftwood appearance, long life protection, and less maintenance overall.
Is SiOO:X An Environmentally Sound Wood Surface Protector?
Yes. SiOO:X is a water-based and environmentally friendly wood surface protector inspired by how nature protects itself using silicon. Silicon is a naturally occurring mineral found in the natural world. It is in trees, other plants, and humans. Trees and plants absorb silicic acid from the soil which dissolves in water and is then transported in trunks and stalks, precipitating out in the organisms and making them stronger. The same natural process strengthens both teak wood in the rain forests and aspen trees in Swedish forests.
Petrified Log and Welwitschia at Namibia
Silicon also preserves wood. This can be seen in trees with petrified wood, which can be found in many locations worldwide. The cellulose in petrified trees is replaced with silicon, protecting them from the weather for millions of years.
What Are The Benefits of Using SiOO:X Wood Protection?
SiOO:X works with wood to protect against:
Sunshine and UV rays
Rain, frost, and snow
Rot
Algae and mold
Advantages of SiOO:X Wood Protection:
Low Maintenance – Timber finished with SiOO:X can be regarded as low maintenance and can be left for 5-7 years before considering re-application. The wood will have cured to a naturally weathered appearance when a recoat is suggested in most circumstances. If a weathered appearance is desired, reapplication is not needed nor required.
Aesthetics – SiOO:X provides a long-term weathered look in a short period of time while keeping wood protected for years.
Penetrating – Non-film-forming coating penetrates into the timber surface and forms a natural protective barrier.
Natural – Plant-based ingredients that are safe for people and the environment.
Red List Free – Free from Red List chemicals as required by the Living Building Challenge.
Water-borne – Only water is needed for clean-up. No solvents are required.
Product Performance from Patented technology – SiOO:X carried out extensive tests at their sawmill and production site. In addition to this, they have an independent piece of research underway in conjunction with Napier University’s Centre of Wood Science and Technology. See test results here.
Abodo Vulcan Cladding in SiOO:X Finish
Benefits of Specifying SiOO:X Prefinished Exterior Cladding from reSAWN TIMBER co.
Research & Development – For each wood species, a certain understanding of how that species accepts finishes and how it will weather is crucial. reSAWN has the research, industry knowledge, and exterior wall assembly expertise to guide a specifier, builder, or end-user through the process. reSAWN TIMBER co.‘s Research and Development team has tested SiOO:X Wood Protection extensively. Repeated testing found wood surfaces do consistently become more attractive while resisting wear, wind, and weather in even the most demanding conditions. reSAWN’s weathering guidelines are available for prospective specifiers and customers.
State of the Art Finishing and Texturing Equipment – Our state-of-the-art finishing and texturing equipment offers sophisticated results that cannot be achieved during site finishing.
Maximum Finish Penetration – Our machine applications ensure proper spread rates are maintained. SiOO:X is brushed deep into the surface for a longer product life span.
Drying Time & Space – Drying racks that hold wet cladding on a job site are costly and take up much-needed space. reSAWN TIMBER co.’s prefinished wood materials are finished and dried in a controlled environment prior to arriving on a job site.
Product Protection – Wood siding is protected from exposure to water and sunlight until it arrives at the construction site.
Save Space – Save physical space on a job site by eliminating the coating phase from the construction process.
Year-Round Finishing & Installation – No weather or humidity delays for stain application. reSAWN’s manufacturing facility is climate controlled and operates 12 months out of the year.
Abodo Vulcan Cladding in SiOO:X Finish
How Long Does It Take For Exterior Wall Cladding To Become Silver-Gray?
Treated wood is initially yellowish-brown and a bit mottled. The curing and bleaching process starts in contact with water, and after 6–12 months, the cladding will begin to have a lovely, even silver-grey tone. The curing and bleaching process then continues for up to 2 years by which time the timber will be a pale, grey driftwood color.
SiOO:X Finish – Day 1
SiOO:X Finish – Weathered 6 Months
Will all exterior areas cure to the same tone, regardless of exposure to rain and other climatic elements?
Yes, however extremely sheltered areas (for example, under large overhangs) may take longer to turn entirely grey. Sheltered areas can be doused with water periodically to speed up the curing/weathering process. This process can be repeated several times as required.
Abodo Vulcan Cladding in SiOO:X Finish
This color variation evens out quickly and, over a period of 10-16 weeks once exposed to moisture and humidity in the atmosphere, the timber will lighten and develop a uniform appearance as the SiOO:X cures.
If I order exterior cladding pre-coated in SiOO:X, what color will it be when delivered to a job site?
Immediately after the application of SiOO:X, the color can range from the wood’s original color to a dark brown. The color of the boards may also vary depending on the tannin content.
Job Site Photo: Sag Harbor, New York – Abodo Vulcan Cladding in SiOO:X Finish
Abodo Vulcan Cladding – SiOO:X Finish
What’s the Best Timber Substrate?
SiOO:X works on many types of timber; however, according to SiOO:X Technologists: “Abodo Vulcan Cladding is recommended. It’s a thermally modified softwood that is durable with low movement. These are key aspects to maximize the performance of the SiOO:X wood protection system.”
Abodo Vulcan Cladding by reSAWN TIMBER co. finished in SiOO:X
“Furthermore, the medium density of Abodo Vulcan timber combined with its textured sawn face means that the reactive wood protection can penetrate well into the timber and react with it to create the best possible durability.”
When Abodo Vulcan Cladding is finished with SiOO:X Wood Protection system, the result is timber with a beautiful and uniform grey driftwood appearance, long life protection, and less maintenance overall.
Abodo Wood Manufacturing Facility, New Zealand
Abodo Vulcan thermally modified wood cladding is created from New Zealand plantation timber and engineered with a patented vertical grain orientation for superior weathering characteristics.
The thermal modification process and vertical grain structure give Vulcan cladding superior stability and reduced resin content. It’s naturally durable so the timber doesn’t require any chemical preservatives, and has a beautiful, consistent brown tone. reSAWN TIMBER co. is proud to be the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of Abodo thermally modified Abodo Vulcan Cladding and in the USA.
Abodo Vulcan Cladding Ceiling Soffits in SiOO:X Finish
Experience the Difference of Wood Protection with Patented Silicon Technology
SiOO:X Wood Protector products are specified by world-leading architects, designers, and homeowners seeking sustainable and natural wood protection solutions. Experience the difference of an even consistent, beautiful patina and wood protection that preserves wooden surfaces and protects them at depth using nature’s own silicon technology.
Samples of our SiOO:X prefinished wood are available for architects and designers at no cost and shipped via UPS Ground. Click on the button below for more information about SiOO:X prefinished exterior cladding.
In an unprecedented reversal of American history the US population is becoming less concentrated in urban areas. Many Americans are moving out of big cities and metropolitan areas en route to the suburbs, exurbs, and rural areas.
As more and more people live in and around forests, grasslands, shrub lands, and other natural areas—places referred to as wildland-urban interface, or WUI zones—problems related to wildfires are exacerbated. There are more wildfires due to human ignition. Wildfires that do occur pose a greater risk to lives and homes, they are hard to fight, and it becomes impossible to let natural fires burn.1National Academy of Sciences Furthermore, the expenses to reduce fire hazards, battle rapidly spreading fires, and protect homes and human lives have risen pointedly in recent decades.
What is the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)?
The wildland urban interface consists of geographical areas where human development and infrastructure (e.g., cell towers, schools, water supply facilities, etc.) meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildlands.
They are locations where wildfires have their greatest impacts on people and property. WUI zones are of concern for the public, federal, state, and local governments, so wildfire mitigation and preparedness are necessary when living within WUI zones.
Where is the Wildland Urban Interface Within the US?
Across the United States, wildland-urban interface zones in areas within California, Utah, Arizona and Oregon are experiencing wildfires. California has the most densely packed WUI in the United States.2Rethinking the Wildland-Urban Interface. Currently, they have just over 11.2 million people living in about 4.46 million homes across 6.7 million acres. Six of the twenty largest wildfires in California history were part of the 2020 wildfire season. Five of the new wildfires ranking in the top 10 were all a part of the August 2020 lightning fires. 3California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
In the Pacific northwest and the lake states, forests are the predominant wildland fuel. In southern California, chaparral brush predominates. The plains states have grass and oak woodlands, New Jersey has Pine Barrens, and the southeast has pine and hardwood forests.4FEMA
Given that wildfires can occur in any wildland area; and the number of acres burned has been increasing; and the number of houses in the WUI is increasing, federal, state, and local government agencies are focusing more on promoting the concept of “fire-adapted” communities. 5USDA A fire adapted community is defined by the United States Forest Service as “a knowledgeable and engaged community in which the awareness and actions of residents regarding infrastructure, buildings, landscaping, and the surrounding ecosystem lessens the need for extensive protection actions and enables the community to safely accept fire as a part of the surrounding landscape.” 6The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
The Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
Introduction of Wildland Urban Interface Construction Codes
As of January 2008, the 2007 California Building Code (CBC) went into effect along with the inclusion of Wildland Urban Interface building standards. For building products to be used in the (WUI) or State Responsibility Area (SRA), regulations require that building products comply with specific directives. In terms of fire resistance and ignition resistance the primary goal of the WUI code is to hold construction practices to higher standards in the built environment. When a home or structure is designed and built with attention to detail and careful consideration of complaint building materials, it increases the chances of a structure’s survival in a wildfire.
California Fire Standards for WUI Compliant Exterior Wood Products
According to California Building Code (CBC), the minimum requirement for building envelope components such as siding/cladding is that an exterior wall covering or wall assembly shall comply with one of the following requirements:
Wall assemblies that have been tested in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in ASTM E2707 with the conditions of acceptance shown in Section 707A.3.1
Wall assemblies that meet the performance criteria in accordance with the test procedures for a 10-minute direct flame contact exposure test set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-1.
The benefits of using real wood cladding with wall assemblies that meet the performance criteria set forth in SFM Standard 12-7A-1 are tremendous:
When compared to noncombustiblebuildingmaterials such as steel and masonry, using WUI compliant exterior wood cladding and wall assemblies offer a sustainable, environmentally friendly, carbon neutral solution.
Ignition resistant fire-retardant-treated wood is impregnated with chemicals, so the use of paints, coating, stains or other visually pleasing surface treatments are not an option.
From an architectural and design perspective, WUI compliant exterior wood cladding has many aesthetically pleasing options to suite any project, with a bevy of species and finish options to choose from.
Exterior timber cladding is a versatile, timeless building material that works well in traditional or contemporary architecture.
Not only is real wood recyclable and biodegradable, but it also has strength, toughness, and durability that rivals many other exterior facade options on the market today.
reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Abodo® Vulcan Cladding was recently tested on an exterior wall assembly in accordance with the California Standards Code, Chapter 12-7A, SFM 12-7A-1 (Siding Materials for Exterior Wall Siding and Sheathing). The test simulated wildfire conditions using full size 4′ x 8′ panels that were exposed to a flame of 150 Kw for ten minutes. After, the panels were then observed for 60 minutes to check for further flaming. In order to gather accurate results, the process was repeated three times.
There is an absence of flame penetration through the wall assembly.
There is an absence of glowing combustion on the interior of the assembly after 70 minutes.
A test for siding in both a horizontal and vertical orientation is required to be sure of performance.
reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Abodo Vulcan Cladding is WUI Compliant
reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Abodo Vulcan cladding passed the test for both horizontal and vertical orientations for upcoming inclusion in the WUI Products Listing. A copy of the test results can be found here. The result? Abodo Vulcan cladding is now a compliant wildland urban interface building material.
SFM Standard 12-7A-1 Test Requirements
Test Results
Pass/Fail
Absence of flame penetration through the wall assembly at any time.
Flame penetration through the assembly was not observed during the full duration of the test
PASS
Absence of evidence of glowing combustion on the interior surface of the assembly at the end of the 70-minute test
Evidence of glowing combustion on the interior surface of the assembly at the end of the 70-minute duration for all three tests was not present
PASS
Abodo Vulcan thermally modified wood cladding is created from New Zealand plantation timber and engineered with a patented vertical grain orientation for superior weathering characteristics. A fine-sawn face provides beautiful grain depth and optimal coating performance.
Builders can rest-assured when choosing a wall assembly that combines reSAWN TIMBER co.’s Vulcan Cladding with fire-rated sheathing or gypsum board, the result is durable, CAL FIRE WUI compliant exterior siding that is impervious to hazardous weather conditions.
Since reSAWN’s Abodo Vulcan Cladding is pre-finished in modern, beautiful tones, architects and designers can confidently specify carbon negative, high performance, visually pleasing Vulcan exterior siding in wildland-urban interface zones. Clients are left with a stunning, natural, one-of-a-kind facade that can be easily maintained throughout the product lifecycle.
If you’d like to learn more about specifying reSAWN’s CalFire compliant Abodo Vulcan Cladding in Wildland Urban Interface zones, get in touch with us.
We are excited to share that a project featuring reSAWN TIMBER co.’s NIGIRI shou sugi ban charred Accoya® wood won an award at ULI Baltimore’s Annual WaveMaker Awards.
ULI Baltimore’s annual WaveMaker Awards recognize outstanding local real estate development projects, as well as Lifetime Achievement and Leadership Award winners. The winning projects were selected based on the following criteria: Completeness; a Sense of Place and Quality; Sustainability; Visionary and Emulation; and a Need.
reSAWN is humbled to share that PI.KL architecture design studio in Baltimore Maryland chose our custom shou sugi ban charred Accoya® on their Broadway Market project.
2019 AIA Excellence in Design Awards
Broadway Market was recognized with two awards at the 2019 AIA Baltimore Excellence in Design Awards:
AIA Baltimore Excellence in Design Award Honorable Mention
AIA Baltimore Good Design = Good Business Award
It was included amongst so many deserving projects of all scales. We’re so happy to be a part of such an important community revitalization.
“The design team did a fantastic job updating the 200-year-old market to better support business and the community. They showed great attention to detail—the doorways are amazing. You can tell a lot of care went into restoring the market. The jury was impressed with the take on the “black box”—by providing a layer of glass between the box and the facade of the brick structure, the design acknowledges the history of the building and the woodshed structure. The jury appreciated how the shou sugi ban treatment draws the user to see the difference between old and new”. – AIA Baltimore
We’re so honored that Studio B Architects chose to specify reSAWN’s DUNCAN 2.0 shou sugi ban Western Red Cedar exterior cladding at the “Blur House” in Boulder, Colorado.
Studio B received 2 awards at the 2019 AIA Colorado design awards celebration for the project.
Award of Distinction for AIA – North
Award of Excellence for AIA Colorado
The AIA Colorado Annual Design Awards honor the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, which reinforces the value of great architecture and highlights members’ positive contributions to the community.
reSAWN’s custom shou sugi ban charred cypress is featured on the cover of the August 2019 Hamptons Cottages & Gardens Architecture issue. Similar in color and tone to our MURASAKI – this custom finish was designed by reSAWN specifically for this project. The blue/grey hue of this finish compliments the wood and will age gracefully in place. Burning helps to accentuate the natural grain pattern of the cypress and adds visual depth to the wood cladding.
“All exterior materials, from reSAWN’s custom shou sugi ban charred cypress to raw concrete walls, to the zinc roof, were chosen for their ability to weather and patina gracefully, naturally over time.” — Architect Maziar Behrooz (read the full article here)
MB Architecture chose to carry our custom shou sugi ban charred cypress throughout the interior of the home as well. They also incorporated our GOVERNOR European white oak flooring and custom North American white oak ceiling cladding.
reSAWN TIMBER co. is pleased to announce the addition of 4 rough-sawn weathered ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR designs to our sought after cedar offering – for exterior cladding and interior wall/ceiling cladding. The new rough-sawn offering includes 4 designs: CHINOOK, FOEHN, OSTRO and SIROCCO.
WHY SPECIFY ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR
We offer ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR because of its propensity for resiliency, beauty, and versatility. Its lightweight, straight grain, ease of machining, ease of finishing, low shrinkage, and extreme resistance to decay make it a trusted and elegant option for both interior and exterior applications.
ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR that is uncoated and exposed to weather over time will develop an attractive silver/gray patina.The rate of that color change depends on climate zones, the orientation of the home/structure and exposure to weather. reSAWN’s finishing process on our pre-weathered ATLANTIC WHITE CEDAR designs solve for wood’s natural propensity to grey out by resembling a weathered look at the time of installation, with little change as it ages in place.
An additional benefit to our pre-weathered designs is the ability to achieve consistent color on all differing exterior exposures and to attain a seamless interior/exterior aesthetic from day one when exterior cladding is brought to the interior (see the BRIZA image below for an example). From the start expect a soft, consistent weathered color and texture that looks natural, appealing and interesting. For interior applications, expect little to no change from the day of installation.
reSAWN TIMBER co. chose Western Hemlock for interior applications due to its impeccably straight uniform grain structure, fine texture and its creamy white to light gold color, which lends itself to a modern clean aesthetic.
Western Hemlock is typically found on the Pacific North West coast of North America and is one of the most valuable sources of lumber in the northern hemisphere and is the largest of the hemlock species. Specimens range from 90 to 150 feet tall and 3 to 4.5 feet wide, though some specimens have been known to grow to heights of 250 feet and diameters approaching 9 feet. The wood is usually odorless when dry and free of resin.
reSAWN’s Western Hemlock offering includes three CHARRED shou sugi ban designs — KITSAP, YAKIMA and KITTITAS — and six designs that are non-CHARRED — MASON, GRAYS HARBOR, LEWIS, SNOHOMISH, OKANOGAN, and WHITMAN. All nine products are available for sampling and specification.
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”
― Henry James
The first day of Summer isn’t quite here yet, but as of late, we’ve been day-dreaming about sun-drenched afternoons, relaxing by the pool with a good book, reconnecting with friends and family, and last but certainly not least, packing our bags and making a carefree escape to a summer house destination.
Whether it’s a home with pristine beachfront views or stunning a lakeside retreat, we’ve rounded up 8 architecturally pleasing abodes that satisfy our lust to wander. These picturesque homes will get your design pulses racing.
