Set against the dramatic Southern Alps of Wānaka, this eye-catching charred timber home was designed to sit confidently within its surrounding environment. With the cladding exposed to temperature swings, moisture and harsh UV rays, the clients looked for a coating that would provide long-term protection without compromising on appearance. Following recommendation from a friend, CUTEK Extreme CD50 was chosen to protect the facade and keep maintenance to a minimum.

Despite its natural resilience, charred timber still requires maintenance, as the char layer can wear away unevenly, exposing the underlying timber. The homeowners had previously used another product to preserve the charred timber finish of their home but found it didn’t last as long as they had hoped. The char began to break down under the region’s harsh conditions, creating an inconsistent appearance, and the depth of colour was fading quickly. Looking for a New Zealand-made, sustainability-focused solution that would provide long-term protection, and following the recommendation, they turned to CUTEK.

Unlike some other coatings, CUTEK wood oil penetrates deeply to stabilise the wood from within. This is critical in Wānaka’s demanding climate, where UV, temperature swings and moisture exposure can accelerate timber movement. By controlling moisture, CUTEK helps minimise warping, cupping and splitting, contributing to long-lasting durability. 

CUTEK Extreme CD50 with double-strength Colourtone Punga was chosen to restore and enhance the richness of the charred finish while maintaining the timber’s natural character. 
The CUTEK Colourtone enhances UV resistance, helping to further slow the weathering process, while preserving the home’s dramatic black aesthetic. 

CUTEK’s ability to provide bespoke timber protection solutions helped to address a problem the clients had with the former coating — the surface pigment had been rubbing off onto clothes on the adjacent washing line. To ensure this wouldn’t be an issue, CUTEK worked closely with an in-house chemist to provide a bespoke solution that stabilised the charred surface without altering its look or texture. This eliminated the issue, without compromising on the look or durability of the facade.

One year on, the CUTEK Extreme CD50 wood oil with Colourtone Punga continues to preserve the dramatic charred timber look of the home. The high-performance and durability of the CUTEK coating has successfully stood up to the harsh Wānaka elements, and has allowed the client to extend time between maintenance cycles as they had hoped. 

“We’re a year in and with anything else I’ve used I’d be starting to think about putting another coat of oil on the north faces now, and we’re not,” says the client. “I’d recommend CUTEK without hesitation. On the strength of what I’ve seen in the last twelve months, compared to everything else we’ve put on this timber, it’s in a different class.”