COVER STORY PIVETEAUBOIS
A View to a Thrill Wier Quay is a beautiful house built on the banks of the River Tamar, near Tavistock in South West England and features a range of timber products from leading French supplier PIVETEAUBOIS. Image © P.M. Phillips
T
he new timber-based home was designed for clients
A range of timber systems and products were considered from
Mike and Susan Philips, both of whom knew the area
traditional oak framing to Canadian Tamarack Larch, as well as a wide
well, being keen boating enthusiasts. The plot originally
range of techniques from traditional mortice and tenon through to
contained a concrete bungalow that had served the
CNC-machining and modern stainless steel connectors. The materials
couple well as a weekend getaway, providing them with the perfect
that were eventually chosen were Pine cross laminated timber (CLT)
spot to sail and steam on the river. Having now retired, they desired
floor, walls and roof contained within a visible Douglas Fir glulam frame
a more comfortable and attractive house where they could stay for
– all supplied by PIVETEAUBOIS. The CLT panels and glulam frame were
longer and enjoy the countryside and all the river offered.
CNC-manufactured in a precision factory environment at the company’s
To create the successful home a collaborative design phase went
main production site in Sainte-Florence, France, with a small amount of
into great detail with the client to choose the appropriate materials
on-site carpentry required to finish the joints, fit metal connectors, and
to realise the concept. Wooden House, a specialist timber framing
profile some of the timbers before being raised into position.
company from the South West of England, John Pardey an awardwinning architectural practice and PIVETEAUBOIS, worked together closely, with the aim of all involved to create a wonderful home but also a
“A unique aspect of the house was the use of visible Pine CLT for the walls. This is something that is rarely seen in the UK and gives the house a very distinctive feel.”
healthier environment for their client. “We see our work as humanistic – “This was a super project to be involved with,” says Elisabeth
modern, but tempered by a love of place, traditions and materials – we aim for timelessness in our buildings,” says John Pardey. “On all projects
Piveteau-Boley, export sales manager UK & Ireland. “The team worked
– regardless of scale or budget – we firstly understand the vision and
together so well to achieve the design brief and the vision of the
objectives of the client and then work very hard to explore options
client. A unique aspect of the house was the use of visible Pine CLT
to find a solution that exceeds expectations yet remains practical,
for the walls. This is something that is rarely seen in the UK and gives
achievable and lasting. We always endeavour to use natural materials
the house a very distinctive feel. It is a great showcase for this timber
to make buildings that work and wear well and provide a richness and
species. Alongside our sapwood free Douglas fir glulam and Pine CLT,
resonance that endures.”
we also supplied grey pressure-treated Douglas Fir cladding, so it
Timber Construction Magazine
Summer 2021
16
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