The two tests
Architectural designer, Gordon Aitken, chose Accoya to clad his Scottish home in 2006, due to its many preferential credentials: “I initially chose Accoya due to its exceptional durability and 50-year above ground guarantee, as well as being impressed by its environmental credentials and aesthetic qualities.”
Gordon’s home was the very first in the world to be clad in Accoya and its location in a harsh, northern climate would be an interesting test for the modified wood product.
At the very same time, the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) commenced a test-rig research project to assess the performance of Accoya over a period of 10 years when exposed to natural weathering.
Gordon’s Fife home results
Fast-forward to 2016 and Gordon Aitken’s home has endured no shortage of rain, sleet, snow, extreme temperatures and piercing sun. His 30m2 of Accoya cladding is present on both north and south facing facades, coated with a translucent Sikkens protective coating system.
“Since it was installed in 2006, we have experienced a lot of harsh weather conditions, with the north façade being particularly exposed. But in the last 10 years, I have only maintained the cladding once by cleaning it with a mild soapy water solution, restoring it to “as new” appearance,” says Gordon.