Thermally Modified Timber Supporting Low Carbon Residential Design

Project

Ebode Homes’ Cambridge Show Home is a case in point for material-led low‑carbon architecture in New Zealand. The design merges SIP construction, a MaxRaft slab, and thermally broken joinery. Energy modelling via PHPP confirms it consumes 70 percent less energy than a typical New Zealand home and maintains around 20 °C year‑round.

Product selection

At the heart of this tactile atmosphere is JSC TMT Taiga, specified for both exterior cladding and key interior surfaces. Thermally modified using only heat and steam, Taiga uses no added toxic chemicals in the process and reshapes the timber’s cell structure, reducing moisture affinity and significantly boosting dimensional stability. That enhances resilience to moisture cycling and fungal decay while extending its whole‑life carbon storage. Importantly, the timber continues to store the carbon absorbed during tree growth, locking it into the building fabric for the full life of the home.

The JSC Scumble factory‑applied wood‑oil finish in colour Frost strengthens the timber’s resistance to UV and moisture while retaining the subtle visibility of knots and brushed texture. The surface reads calm and refined yet offers a sensory expression that reinforces both longevity and architectural intent.

Results and impact

Using thermally modified timber paired with JSC Scumble addresses several low‑carbon aims. The renewable material replaces high‑embodied‑carbon alternatives. The chemical‑free modification and robust coating reduce future maintenance or re‑cladding, cutting downstream waste. The timber’s refined texture adds layered depth to the visual family of materials, creating a calm yet engaging spatial experience.

Architects and visitors alike remark that the timber’s surface quality is among the most compelling features of the home. As Ebode Homes shared: “The timber is one of the features people connect with most… the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Project Credits
Design & Build: Ebode Homes
Architectural Design: Tawa Architecture
Products: JSC TMT Taiga with JSC Scumble Frost
Photography: Onsite Media

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Contact JSC to request free samples

JSC Vertical Shiplap Timber Weatherboard Cladding

JSC

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JSC are recognised as leaders in complete timber façade and cavity system development in New Zealand, offering an extensive range of carefully selected quality products, profiles, colour coatings, cavity battens, aluminium detailing solutions and recessed window systems to suit a wide range of design needs.

NZ-Owned Business

JSC installation and specification guide and CodeMark certificate guidelines must be followed.

JSC VertiClad — Vertical Shiplap Weatherboard Cladding System – CodeMark Certificate: CM-GM30084

Location:

In wind zones up to and including extra high, as defined in NZS3604:2011 or situated in specific design wind pressures up to a maximum design differential ultimate limit state (ULS)of 2.5 kPa, where the building has been specifically engineered
In all exposure zones, excluding microclimates as defined in NZS3604:2011.

Building:

Has the scope limitations of NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Third Edition including amendment 9 (27/06/2019), Paragraph 1.1; and,
New timber framed buildings with building wrap or rigid air barrier that comply with the NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1 Third Edition including amendment 9 (27/06/2019),
Existing timber framed buildings where the designer and installer have satisfied themselves that the existing building is suitable for the intended building work
With a risk score of 0-20 when calculated in accordance with NZBC Acceptable Solution E2/AS1, Third Edition including amendment 9 (27/06/2019), Table 2
The System must only be installed vertically on vertical, flat, surfaces
The System is certified for use with aluminium window and door joinery that is installed with vertical jambs and horizontal heads and sills
The wall cladding system is located more than 1m from a relevant boundary.

Where recessed aluminium windows or doors are specified, refer to the Aro® Recessed Flashing System Design Guide, Installation Guide and Technical Drawings. The Aro® system is designed for use with JSC 18.5mm VertiClad and RustiClad weatherboard systems and 45mm structural cavity battens.

Note: See CodeMark Certificate for full and up to date information. Please refer to installation instructions and maintenance guide available for download under Documents.

The JSC Weatherboard Systems if designed and installed as per the JSC VertiClad installation and specifications guide, will meet the following provisions of the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC):

Clause B1 Structure: Performance B1.3.1, B1.3.2, B1.3.4 (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) for the relevant physical conditions of B1.3.3 (a), (e), (f), (h), (j), and (q)
Clause B2 Durability: Performance B2.3.1(b) and B2.3.2(b)
Clause E2 External Moisture: Performance E2.3.2, E2.3.3, E2.3.5, E2.3.7(b) and (c)
Clause F2 Hazardous Building Materials: Performance F2.3.1

JSC Western Red Cedar Weatherboard System, if installed and maintained as per manufacturer’s documentation, will meet the minimum 15 year durability requirement in respect of clauses B1 and B2 of the first schedule of the New Zealand Building Code for external cladding. In a typical installation, it is likely to have a serviceable life exceeding 30 years.

CodeMark

Interior Timber Panelling & Sarking/Ceilings

JSC

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JSC has a range of species, available in a variety of timber panelling and sarking products suitable for new homes, renovations, and commercial projects.

NZ-Owned Business

The JSC Interior Panelling & Sarking Guide outlines the installation of JSC Timber panelling to internal applications in buildings covered by New Zealand building code that govern the fire performance requirements of materials used in the construction of all building forms.

Suitable for internal wall linings, and ceiling linings
JSC interior timber lining can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally

Please refer to JSC Interior Panelling & Sarking guide available for download under documents for the latest guidelines.

Performance varies based on the product/species chosen. See species/product data sheets on the JSC website for more information.

JSC Thermally Modified Timber

JSC

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JSC TMT® is a thermally modified timber range suitable for cladding, panelling, battens, and other interior and exterior applications.

NZ-Owned Business

Post-Consumer Recyclable Content

Suitable for use as cladding, panelling, and exterior battens in residential, commercial, and civic construction
Proven to perform in New Zealand’s high wind zones, coastal and high UV exposure regions
Can be used in environments subject to frequent rain, humidity, and temperature variation
Compatible with coated or uncoated applications, including oil- or water-based systems
Interior applications include feature walls, sarking, ceilings, and joinery
ThermoPine is only suitable for interior applications

JSC TMT® products meet the performance requirements of the New Zealand Building Code:

B2 Durability: TMT is proven to provide long-term performance as required for exterior timber applications
F2 Hazardous Building Materials: No added toxic substances are present or released
E2 External Moisture: When used as part of JSC’s certified cladding system
Additional compliance under CodeMark certification as part of the JSC Cladding Systems

CodeMark

JSC Scumble Wood Oil

JSC

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JSC Scumble® is an advanced water-based product for protecting timber, containing natural plant-based oil ingredients.

NZ-Owned Business

JSC has worked on specifically developing a product to cater to the New Zealand market that is suitable for the unique and varied climatic conditions. JSC Scumble® is perfect for all a variety of timber applications such as exterior timber cladding, soffits, timber joinery, interior panelling, sarking, ceilings and decorative screens.
JSC timber boards will be factory coated using the JSC factory coating system. This involves coating boards/weatherboards under controlled conditions using our vacuum coating technology. Vacuum coating ensures 100% coverage over the entire surface area of any profile in one pass. Factory coated product is delivered on-site dry, well stacked, and ready for installation.
10 colours to choose from with high-quality pigments & UV inhibitors.

Typically longer lasting than some other stains*
Fast drying
Weather resistant
Very low VOC

Stain colours may vary depending on timber species, grain, finish, and application. Samples are indicative only, and digital/print images may not represent the final result. We recommend requesting a sample and speaking with our team to ensure the best outcome. Coating formulations may change, and availability is subject to update without notice.

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