French Oak Floorboards Create a Calming Space

French Oak Floorboards in a Tranquil Design

In this stunning residential project, French oak floorboards take center stage, transforming the home into a serene and inviting space. With a soft, natural tone and subtle grain patterns, these floorboards bring a sense of calm to the interiors. The use of premium French oak adds timeless elegance, while the careful craftsmanship ensures both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Designed by renowned Interior Designer Sarah Foote, the home’s interiors reflect a perfect balance of modern design and natural elements. The smooth, light-toned French oak floorboards complement the minimalist aesthetic, creating an environment that feels both welcoming and peaceful. Photographer Michelle Weir has captured the essence of this space beautifully, showcasing how the French oak floorboards contribute to the overall tranquility of the home.

Why French Oak?

French oak has long been celebrated for its exceptional quality, durability, and distinctive grain patterns. Sourced from sustainable forests in France, this timber is known for its strength and versatility, making it an ideal choice for flooring. The floorboards in this project were carefully selected for their uniform appearance, which enhances the home’s modern aesthetic while maintaining a natural, organic feel.

Here are some reasons why French oak floorboards are a popular choice:

  • Elegant Aesthetic: The subtle grain and light colour of French oak create a refined, sophisticated look.
  • Natural Durability: French oak is incredibly strong, ensuring that the floorboards will stand the test of time.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Sourced from responsibly managed forests in France, these floorboards are an environmentally friendly choice.
  • Versatility: French oak complements a wide range of interior styles, from modern minimalist to rustic chic.

The Role of Oak Flooring in This Design

In this project, a light natural oak flooring was chosen to enhance the sense of calm and simplicity within the home. The soft, neutral tones of the wood work harmoniously with the overall colour palette, which features whites, greys, and natural hues. This combination allows the space to feel open and airy, while still maintaining a sense of warmth and comfort.

The floorboards are wide and long, which adds to the timeless appeal of the space. Their smooth, matte finish contributes to the calming atmosphere, reflecting light gently without overpowering the other design elements. French oak floorboards are a key design feature in this home, providing a seamless flow from room to room and grounding the entire space in natural beauty.

Craftsmanship and Quality

The French oak floorboards used in this project exemplify expert craftsmanship. Each board was carefully processed to bring out the natural beauty of the wood, highlighting its subtle grain patterns and organic textures. The result is a floor that feels luxurious underfoot and visually enhances the room’s design.

French oak is known for its consistent quality and durability, making it a reliable choice for high-traffic areas in the home. The floorboards were installed with precision, ensuring a flawless finish that complements the overall design of the residence. The craftsmanship behind these French oak floorboards elevates the home’s aesthetic, adding depth and character to the space.

Cafe Au Lait French Oak: A Timeless Choice

The natural beauty and durability of French oak make it an investment that will continue to add value for years to come. Whether you’re designing a contemporary home or looking to enhance a more traditional space, French oak floorboards offer unmatched elegance and versatility.

In this project, the combination of French oak floorboards, minimalist design, and careful attention to detail has created a space that feels calming and cohesive. The use of natural materials like French oak connects the home to its surroundings, creating a peaceful retreat from the outside world.

Flooring: Chateau Collection // Cafe Au Lait

Interior Design: Sarah Foote Design

Photography: Studio Weir

View Vienna Woods Oak Cafe Au Lait

Sustainable and Compliant Oiled Timber Flooring in Whitford

This recently completed a project in Whitford, showcases a rich dark oiled timber flooring, named Pina (after the infamous cocktail) finished with hard wax oil. This case study delves into the technical aspects, sustainability, and compliance features of this installation, which makes it a notable reference for architectural and interior design professionals.  Pina is an option from The Distilled Collection, a range of timber floor options produced in Europe from slow-grown, FSC-certified Lithuanian Oak, finished to the highest standard.  The Distilled Collection carries a number of subtle superiorities such as dense, hard-wearing oak, longer-than-usual board lengths and unique grain patterns.

Product Overview

The selected oak flooring for the Whitford project is treated with hard-wax oil, enhancing the natural beauty and durability of the wood. Hard wax oils penetrate the wood, providing robust protection against wear and moisture, while maintaining the wood’s breathability. This treatment ensures a longer lifespan and easier maintenance compared to traditional finishes.

Benefits of Oiled Timber Flooring

An oiled floor can offer a number of benefits over alternatives, but the main considerations for the client were:

  1. Option to “tint” the colour of the floor through the oil maintenance process.  If a darker hue is desired, a tint can be added to the maintenance oil.
  2. The enhanced natural beauty.  People generally sense the look and feel of naturally oiled timber if given the option.
  3. Improved durability and longevity.  With the correct maintenance, oiled floors are known to last…. well…. centuries, however most alternative require a sanding and refinishing coat to extend the life.
  4. Eco-friendly and safe.  Hard wax oils are derived from plant oils and in this case the oil carries a zero VOC certification.

Read about the differences between oiled and lacquered floors here.

 

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E3 Compliance of Oiled Timber Flooring 

Contrary to common belief, oiled floors can comply with the E3 Building Standard, which focuses on interior moisture management and surface finishes. The Whitford project demonstrates that with the correct application and maintenance, oiled timber floors meet these standards effectively, offering an alternative to the more common lacquered finishes. The project used the Parabond Parquet 440 adhesive, which plays a crucial role in compliance by acting as a moisture vapour barrier when used with a suitable primer, even on damp substrates.

Technical Specifications of Parabond Parquet 440 Adhesive

Parabond Parquet 440 is a high-performance adhesive designed for wood floors, providing an excellent bond and flexibility that accommodates natural wood movement. Notable characteristics include:

  1. Composition: Solvent-free, isocyanate-free, and phthalate-free hybrid polymer.
  2. VOC Emissions: Rated EC1plus for very low emissions, ensuring indoor air quality and compliance with stringent environmental standards.
  3. Suitability as a Vapour Barrier: When applied correctly, it acts as an effective moisture barrier, crucial for installations over concrete or where moisture might be a concern.

Sustainability Considerations

Both the engineered oak flooring and the Parabond Parquet 440 adhesive contribute to the project’s sustainability profile:

  1. Engineered Oak Flooring: Features a no-added-formaldehyde construction and an FSC certification, ensuring the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
  2. Parabond Parquet 440 Adhesive: Carries a zero VOC rating and does not contain any carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substances. It is compliant with GEV-EMICODE EC1 Plus, indicating the lowest possible emission levels.

The Whitford project by Vienna Woods exemplifies how sustainable practices can be seamlessly integrated with technical excellence in modern flooring installations. By using materials like the FSC-certified engineered oak and eco-friendly adhesives such as Parabond Parquet 440, Vienna Woods not only meets regulatory compliance but also addresses the growing demand for environmentally responsible building materials.

Images // Jo Currie

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See the Complete Distilled Collection

Smoked Oak Floor for Award Winning Tent House

In the innovative Tent House by Strachan Group Architects, Vienna Woods’ Admonter Oak Lapis oiled timber flooring stands out for its unique character. This striking project, nestled among sand-dunes near Ocean Beach in Tairua, features the distinctive smoked oak, highlighting the home’s natural integration with its surroundings.

Oak Lapis

Integration with Design

Admonter Oak Lapis is a smoked oak, which is incredibly rare in New Zealand.  It brings a sense of depth and complexity to the Tent House’s design. The smoking process, which involves enveloping the oak timber in smoke for days, results in a rich, nuanced colour palette and a subtle smokiness. This wood flooring choice enhances the tent-like architecture, adding an organic, layered texture to the living areas.

Oak Lapis - Tent House Tairua - SGA - Jackie Meiring - 2

Impact

The utilisation of Vienna Woods‘ Admonter Oak Lapis underscores the company’s dedication to unique, high-quality, and sustainable timber flooring. Its unusual smoked effect and deep, intricate colours resonate with the Tent House’s ecological focus, perfectly aligning with the home’s striking design and environmental ethos.  In addition, being an oiled timber floor, means that no harmful chemicals have been coated on the floors surface.  It is simply natural oil.

Special acknowledgement to the incredible work on this project from Strachan Group Architects, who produced an award-winning home.

Photography @ Jackie Meiring

NZIA Waikato & Bay of Plenty Architecture Award Winner – 2023 – Housing

Resene Colour Award

Oak Lapis oiled wood flooring - Tent House Tairua - SGA
Oak Lapis smoked oak wood flooring - Tent House Tairua - SGA - Jackie Meiring
View Oak Lapis Oiled Flooring

Maraetai Project – Celebrating Natural Beauty with Quality Wood Flooring

Located on Auckland’s east coast, the Maraetai Project harmonises coastal inspiration with the timeless elegance of wood flooring.

Design Brief & Concept

Interior designer Melanie Sa’u was entrusted with crafting a seamless, inviting interior that reflects the natural beauty outside. The choice of Vienna Woods’ Empire Oak from the Foundation Collection set the tone, bringing a blend of durability and timeless charm that complements the coastal backdrop.

 

Material Selection – Empire Oak Flooring

Empire Oak from Vienna Woods’ Foundation Collection was chosen for its quality, resilience, and subtle tones. This wood flooring creates a continuous flow throughout the home, enhancing the coastal feel. Selected benefits of Empire Oak include:

 

  • European Quality: Carefully sourced, ensuring each plank meets high durability standards
  • Natural Warmth: Soft, neutral tones that highlight the home’s open layout
  • Sustainable & Durable: Suitable for both high-traffic areas and everyday living

 

Wood Flooring Process & Installation

The installation focused on maintaining the flooring’s natural grain and refined texture. Vienna Woods’ team worked closely with builders to ensure a precise fit, resulting in timber floors that complements both the architectural design and the landscape. The outcome is a cohesive space that effortlessly balances modern interior style with the raw beauty of natural wood.

 

Outcome & Lasting Impressions

The result is a thoughtfully curated home that feels intrinsically connected to its surroundings. Empire Oak’s tone and texture bring out the best in each room, creating spaces that are both refined and practical. Its natural resilience ensures the flooring will endure daily life while retaining its sophisticated finish.

 

The Maraetai Project exemplifies how quality wood flooring enhances both the aesthetic and functionality of a home. For more on the Foundation Collection and sustainable wood flooring options, visit our wood flooring collection page.

Product: The Foundation Collection // Empire Oak

Interior Designer: Melanie Sa’u

Vienna Woods Project Consultant: Miguel Uribe

Case Study: Light Hardwood Flooring in a St Heliers Home

How light hardwood floors made the difference; In the picturesque suburb of St Heliers, a recent renovation has transformed a 1970s bungalow into a modern family haven. The project, led by Box Design, showcases the seamless integration of light timber flooring from the Foundation Collection, enhancing the home’s natural light and coastal charm.

Project Overview

The homeowners, recent arrivals from California, were captivated by the property’s sweeping views across the harbour to Rangitoto, framed by magnificent pōhutukawa trees. While the location was idyllic, the existing home required updates to better suit their family’s needs. They envisioned a space that embraced natural materials and light, providing a canvas for their personal style.

Design and Construction

Collaborating with Box Design, the renovation focused on creating a light-filled, open-plan living area that maximised the stunning views. A key element in achieving this was the selection of light hardwood flooring from the Foundation Collection. This choice not only brightened the interiors but also complemented the home’s natural surroundings.

Key Features of the Foundation Collection:

  • Sustainability: Crafted from responsibly sourced timber with low-VOC finishes.
  • Durability: Engineered to withstand daily wear while maintaining its beauty.
  • European Craftsmanship: Precision-made for stability and longevity.
  • Versatility: Neutral tones that harmonize with various interior styles.

The Result

The renovated home now features a vast open-plan living space where the dining room is backed by a wall of built-in display shelving and overlooks a sunken lounge with a bank of floor-to-ceiling sliders that access the sea view. Pale timber floors team with light-wood cabinetry in the kitchen and hand-blown European glass pendants hanging over the large bench keep the mood relaxed and casual. The light timber flooring enhances the natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the family’s coastal lifestyle.

Acknowledgments

This project was expertly designed and constructed by Box Design, with photography by Sophie Heyworth capturing the home’s transformation.

For more details on this project, visit Box Design’s portfolio:  Beneath the Branches

If you’re considering a renovation or new build, explore the Foundation Collection to discover how light timber flooring can enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality.

 

Vienna Woods Project Consultant: Razvan

European Oak Floors // Wings House // Borrmeister Architects

The Wings House project, completed in 2017 by Borrmeister Architects.  A project thatshowcases European oak floors that add warmth and character to a stunning modernist design. Located in NZ, this home combines sleek architecture with natural materials.  It achieves a unique balance between sophistication and comfort.

Crafted from high-quality European oak, the flooring complements the clean lines and open spaces of the house, grounding the modernist aesthetic in warmth and timeless appeal.

Why European Oak Floors Were Chosen

European oak floors were an ideal choice for Wings House, offering durability and a rich, smoky warmth that perfectly complements modernist style. Unlike other hardwoods, European oak brings a subtle texture and color variation that enhances any space, while its natural grains create an inviting atmosphere throughout the home. This oak’s timeless look aligns with the architects’ vision of a home that feels relevant today and in the future.

Key features of European oak floors for Wings House:

  • Warm, smoky tones that blend seamlessly with modern architecture
  • Durability to withstand everyday life while maintaining a high-end look
  • Subtle natural grains that enhance the minimalist aesthetic

Timber Flooring and Modernist Style: A Lasting Combination

Timber floors have an enduring place in modernist design, and Wings House exemplifies this perfectly. The European oak floors add a layer of richness to the clean, geometric forms of the home. With open spaces and expansive windows, the oak flooring draws in natural light, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and comfortable.

European oak floors offer a timeless look that ages gracefully, complementing both contemporary and classic elements in any home. For Wings House, the flooring choice was more than just aesthetics – it’s an investment in longevity, style, and value.

Architect and Photographer Collaboration

This home, designed by Borrmeister Architects, came to life with the keen eye of photographer Sarah Rowlands. The natural tones of the European oak floors were beautifully captured, showing how the material and design work harmoniously to create a lasting impression.

Through the thoughtful selection of European oak, Wings House stands as an example of how natural timber flooring can enhance and even define a space. The timeless quality of oak flooring not only anchors the design but adds value, ensuring that this home remains a modernist icon for years to come.

European oak floors elevate the look and feel of Wings House, proving that quality timber is always in style. Whether you’re drawn to modernist design or simply love natural materials, oak flooring brings warmth, texture, and beauty that lasts.

Photos: Sarah Rowlands Photography

Design: Borrmeister Architects