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Unique Elegance of Reclaimed Wood Flooring

At Vienna Woods, we are thrilled to introduce a truly exceptional range of aged and reclaimed timber flooring: Antique Floors from Luxembourg. These floors are not just visually captivating but also resonate with our values of sustainability and European craftsmanship.

Why Choose Antique Floors?

Authentic Reclaimed Wood:

Many of the Antique Floors products are made from upcycled materials. In these cases, each plank tells a story and sometimes that story dates back 150 years. Antique Floors sources their reclaimed wood from historical structures, including century-old French train carriages and old barn rafters. This reclaimed timber offers a unique character, unmatched by new timber floors.

Sustainability:

By repurposing existing wood, Antique Floors significantly reduces the demand for new timber, aligning perfectly with our commitment to environmental responsibility. The use of recycled materials in these floors not only adds charm but also promotes sustainability in home design.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship:

Since 1982, Antique Floors has been handcrafting bespoke flooring. Reclaimed timber flooring and reclaimed wood in general is challenging to work with. Their artisans are masters in their craft, meticulously selecting and processing each piece of wood to highlight its natural beauty and unique grain. This dedication ensures every floor is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Thermal treated oak flooring European made dark heavy texture timber

Product Highlights

Havane:

Unique, heat-treated planks with authentic end-grain inserts and interesting metal repairs. Available in a rich natural oak plank (300), a tobacco hue (301) and a dark charcoal colour (307). Characterised by a structurally stable, colour-fast surface and natural imperfections of variations and beautiful repair work. Perfect for both commercial and domestic projects due to their dimensional stability and high quality.

Le Bois Gouge Nature:

A luxurious timber flooring option made from sustainably sourced European oak. Each plank is hand-scraped by artisans in Luxembourg, featuring unique knots and grains that add rustic charm and durability. Engineered for stability and easy installation, this flooring suits various interior styles, from rustic to contemporary.

Wagon Boards:

Salvaged from old French train freight carriages, these boards add a rustic charm to interiors. Available in various finishes, they are a testament to the history and durability of reclaimed wood. Repurposed wood flooring is cherished for the life it’s lived and the stories it could tell, but it also has to look amazing. If you’re looking for the ultimate in reclaimed timber flooring, then Wagon Boards are the one.

Experience the Antique Floors Difference for Yourself

We invite you to experience the unique charm of Antique Floors firsthand. Visit our showroom for an exclusive viewing where you can see, feel, and appreciate the blend of history and quality craftsmanship. If a visit is not possible, our team is always available to provide more information and assist you in selecting the perfect floor for your project. Click here to schedule a showroom consultation.

Availability

Each Antique Floors order is produced specifically to suit your space through our Special Order Program. You can find our more about Vienna Woods Special Orders here.

Embrace the elegance of reclaimed wood flooring with Antique Floors from Luxembourg, available exclusively at Vienna Woods.

Oiled Timber Flooring in Christchurch Passive Home

Architectural home featuring Vienna Woods Oak timber floor oiled

In the picturesque coastal suburb of Sumner, Ōtautahi, a groundbreaking home is setting a new standard for sustainable, high-performance living with its oiled timber floor. Designed by Aaron Jones, director at Urbanfunction, this project, aptly named “Peak Performance,” demonstrates how energy-efficient principles can harmoniously coexist with architectural elegance. The home is a testament to the evolving vision of residential design in Christchurch, emphasising environmental responsibility without compromising on comfort or style.

Vision and Execution

The brief for was clear: create a near-passive house that serves as a warm, inviting family home. This was a personal project for Aaron, as the clients were his sister and her husband. Having designed their previous home, Aaron was determined to exceed expectations with this new build. The result is a meticulously crafted 300sqm residence that integrates durable, natural materials and cutting-edge energy efficiency.

One of the standout features of this home is its use of a naturally oiled European oak timber floor, supplied by Vienna Woods and crafted by Admonter in Austria. This high-quality engineered oak flooring is not only visually striking but also contributes significantly to the home’s sustainability and indoor air quality. The homeowner was quite particular about avoiding harmful chemicals and an oiled timber floor was the obvious choice. See another NZ home with Admonter oiled floors here.

The Role of Oiled Timber Flooring

An oiled timber floor plays a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the Peak Performance home. The choice of a naturally oiled finish over traditional lacquers aligns perfectly with the project’s emphasis on health, sustainability, and durability.

Oiled timber floors offer several benefits:

Natural Look and Feel: The oil penetrates the wood, highlighting its natural grain and texture, giving each plank a unique and organic appearance.
Durability: The oil finish provides a robust protective layer that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy family home while being easy to maintain and repair.
Indoor Air Quality: Unlike some finishes that can off-gas harmful chemicals, natural oils are non-toxic, supporting the home’s goal of low to no off-gassing.
Sustainability: The oil used in finishing the floors is derived from natural sources, aligning with the home’s overall eco-friendly ethos.

These benefits were particularly important for the homeowners, who desired an airtight home with low to no off-gassing. The natural oiled finish of the Vienna Woods European oak flooring ensured that the indoor environment remained healthy and sustainable.

Collaborative Excellence

The success of the Peak Performance project was the result of a collaborative effort involving several skilled professionals. Aaron Jones and the team at Urbanfunction worked closely with suppliers and craftsmen to ensure every detail met the high standards required for a super high-performance home.

Architect: Aaron Jones, Urbanfunction
Bespoke Cabinetry: Podocarp Cabinetry, responsible for the custom-made kitchen cabinetry and American oak joinery, which complemented the natural aesthetic of the oiled timber floors.
Photography: Stephen Entwisle of Right Angles Photography, capturing the beauty and functionality of the home with stunning visuals.

Sustainable Design Features

In addition to the oiled timber flooring, the Peak Performance home incorporates several innovative features aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability:

Twin-Skinned Timber Framing: Thicker than standard building code requirements, providing superior insulation.
Cross-Laminated Panel Flooring System: Enhances the structural integrity and thermal performance of the home.
Triple-Glazed Windows: Imported from Lithuania, these windows optimize natural light and solar gain while minimizing heat loss.
Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery System (MVHR): Ensures optimal indoor air quality and energy efficiency by continuously exchanging indoor air with fresh outdoor air.

This home in Sumner stands as a beacon of what’s possible in sustainable residential design. With its naturally oiled European oak timber floors from Vienna Woods, it exemplifies the perfect blend of aesthetic beauty, durability, and environmental responsibility. As more homeowners seek to reduce their environmental footprint, the principles and practices demonstrated in this project will undoubtedly lead the way, showcasing the immense potential of super high-performance house design.

You may also be interested in these articles….

Sustainable and Compliant; Oiled Timber Flooring

The Different Finishes available for Engineered Timber Flooring

Oiled vs Lacquer Finish

Interested in how to care for an oiled floor? You can see the care guide here.

The Timeless Craft of Hand-Scraped Timber: A Heritage Technique

Hand-scraped timber flooring is not merely a choice in flooring; it is a declaration of appreciation for artistry and individuality in an age where uniqueness is increasingly rare. This flooring option harks back to a time when each wooden plank was a canvas, meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of an artisan. Today, the tradition continues as each piece of timber is transformed through painstaking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

The Rarity and Uniqueness of Hand-Scraping

The rarity of hand-scraped timber lies in its labor-intensive creation process, which is completely reliant on human skill and precision. Unlike machine-made alternatives, where consistency and uniformity are the norms, hand-scraped wood is inherently unique. Each stroke of the artisan’s tool is guided by the natural grain and texture of the wood, ensuring that no two planks are ever the same.

Craftsmanship That Stands the Test of Time

The process begins with selecting the finest quality wood, chosen for its grain and potential to enhance through hand-finishing techniques. Artisans use traditional tools such as draw knives, which allow them to carve into the wood with an attention to detail that machines cannot replicate. As they work, the natural imperfections of the wood are embraced rather than shunned, celebrated as marks of authenticity.

This meticulous approach to creating hand-scraped timber flooring ensures that each finished plank is a piece of art. The subtle grooves, soft undulations, and rich textural variations are not merely seen but can be felt underfoot, offering a tactile experience that is as luxurious as it is visually striking.

A Choice of Distinction

Choosing hand-scraped timber is a statement of style and an investment in rarity. It reflects a discerning taste for decor that values the aesthetic of the hand-made and the bespoke over the commonplace. For those who seek a home that tells a story, hand-scraped wood provides a narrative of artisanal heritage, detailed craftsmanship, and the beauty of natural imperfection.

At Vienna Woods, we understand the allure of this rare and artistic flooring option. We are committed to sourcing the finest hand-scraped timber, crafted by artisans who are masters of this ancient technique, to ensure that our customers receive a product that is not just durable and beautiful but truly one-of-a-kind. Hand-scraped timber is a bespoke product and we will order it specifically to suite your requirements. Learn more about the Vienna Woods Special Order program here.

Delving into the Intricate World of Parquet Timber Flooring

Parquet timber flooring, an epitome of elegance in architectural design, has long been celebrated for its sophisticated patterns and artistic value. Originating from the rich cultural heritage of Europe, parquet flooring infuses spaces with an artistic legacy. In New Zealand, Vienna Woods is a pioneer in introducing an array of parquet styles, encompassing the widely admired herringbone and chevron to the more intricate, lesser-known designs.

One of the unique offerings at Vienna Woods includes flooring reclaimed from French train carriages, masterfully reworked into herringbone and chevron patterns by Antique Floors. This blend of history and artistry exemplifies the unique charm of parquet flooring. The following is an example of reclaimed flooring in a Chevron style.

The Timeless Appeal of Herringbone and Chevron

Herringbone and chevron patterns stand out as two of the most coveted parquet styles. The herringbone design, known for its staggered zigzag of rectangular blocks, and the chevron pattern, with its wood pieces cut at 45-degree angles, offer both versatility and a timeless appeal. These styles have gained immense popularity across New Zealand, competitively priced alongside standard plank flooring. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that installation costs are significantly higher, often 50 to 100% more than standard planks, due to the intricate laying process required.

Moreover, these styles typically involve a higher wastage percentage compared to standard plank floors, owing to the specific angles and alignments. This aspect is vital for consideration in project planning and budgeting.

Discovering the Diversity of Parquet Styles

Beyond herringbone and chevron, Vienna Woods presents a world of parquet styles, each offering distinct aesthetics and design possibilities:

Basket Weave: Characterised by wood planks that create a square pattern, resembling a basket weave. This style ranges from simple, single-strip designs to complex, multiple-strip patterns.
Versailles: Drawing inspiration from the Palace of Versailles, this pattern features large square tiles with interlocking diagonal squares, rectangles, and lozenges, adding a royal touch to interiors.
Chantilly: A simpler counterpart to Versailles, Chantilly consists of smaller squares and rectangles, crafting an elegant, woven appearance. The image above is a good example of Chantilly.
Brick Pattern: This layout mimics the arrangement of bricks in a wall, with staggered rows of rectangular blocks, offering a clean, linear look.
Hexagon Pattern: A less common design involving hexagonal shapes, creating a visually compelling effect.
Mosaic Parquet: An artistic approach, using small wood pieces of varied sizes and colours to form a detailed, mosaic-like pattern with diverse geometric shapes.
Bordeaux Pattern: A blend of squares and lozenges, this pattern creates a star-like effect, often found in formal settings.

Each of these patterns embodies a unique charm, aligning seamlessly with the European heritage and high standards synonymous with Vienna Woods’ product range.

The image below is a example of some finishing options with herringbone patterns. Often dark floors may use brass dividing bars as dividing line and herringbone floors often utilise a “picture frame” or boarder in matching standard planks.

Parguet Timber flooring Herringbone Chevron - 1

A Journey Through Style and History

Parquet timber flooring is more than just a flooring choice; it’s a statement of style, a piece of history brought to life. With its diverse patterns and designs, parquet flooring caters to every preference, from the understated elegance of brick patterns to the intricate grandeur of Versailles. For those in New Zealand seeking unparalleled quality and aesthetics in flooring, Vienna Woods stands as the gateway to this exquisite world of parquet.

We invite you to explore our range and discover the perfect parquet style to complement your architectural vision. Visit the Vienna Woods website for an extensive look at our products and case studies, showcasing the beauty and versatility of our parquet styles. Embark on this journey with us and elevate your space to a new level of elegance and sophistication.

What are Bandsawn Timber Floors?

In the world of interior design, trends come and go, but there’s one element that has stood the test of time – the rustic beauty of bandsaw timber flooring. Bandsaw timber is a remarkable choice for those who seek to infuse their living spaces with character and authenticity. This unique flooring option preserves the old-world charm of timber while enhancing modern interiors with a strong textural element.

Let’s delve into the origins of bandsaw timber and explore how and why it is still used in modern timber flooring.

The Origins of Bandsaw Timber

Bandsaw and rough-sawn timber, with its distinctive physical texture and grooves, has a history that dates back to the early days of woodworking. The bandsaw itself is a classic tool that woodworkers have used for centuries. Unlike modern, high-speed circular saws, bandsaws use a continuous loop of metal with teeth to cut through timber. This slower cutting process results in the characteristic, uneven patterns, ridges, and grooves that make bandsaw timber so unique.

The bandsaw, in its various historical forms, was an essential tool in woodworking shops of the past. It allowed craftsmen to efficiently cut logs into lumber and planks, making it an integral part of traditional craftsmanship. These early bandsaw-cut planks were used in a variety of applications, from constructing buildings to crafting furniture, and they quickly gained a reputation for their durability and rustic appeal.

The Revival of Bandsaw Timber in Modern Flooring

In recent years, there has been a growing resurgence of interest in bandsaw and rough-sawn timber for modern interior design. The reasons for this revival are numerous and reflect both practical and aesthetic considerations.

1. Authenticity and Character: Bandsaw timber flooring embodies the authenticity and character of the past. Its irregularities, natural imperfections, and grooves provide a tangible link to a time when craftsmanship was prized, and every piece of wood told a unique story. This historical authenticity is particularly appealing in an age dominated by mass-produced, homogeneous products.

2. Visual Texture: The physical divers and grooves in bandsaw timber create a visually rich texture that can transform any space. This textured surface adds depth and interest to a room, giving it a warm, inviting ambiance that simply can’t be replicated by more uniform flooring materials.

3. Durability: Bandsaw-cut timber is known for its durability. The bandsaw’s slower cutting process results in lumber that is denser and more robust, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas in modern homes. It can withstand years of use and still maintain its beauty.

4. Maintenance: Let’s get real on the maintenance of rustic styles; Bandsawn and rough-sawn timber is so rich in texture that it will hide a myriad of sins. Scratches, dents and stains can often be concealed within the character and texture of this style of timber flooring. Much more so than with say, prime grade smooth finishes.

5. Versatility: Bandsaw timber is versatile, allowing it to complement a wide range of interior design styles. Whether your space is rustic, contemporary, or somewhere in between, bandsaw timber can be adapted to suit your needs.

Bandsaw timber flooring is a beautiful, practical choice for modern interior design. Its deep-rooted history, authenticity, and unique textural qualities make it a versatile option that can enhance the character and ambiance of any living space. By embracing the rustic charm of bandsaw timber, you not only add a touch of nostalgia to your interior but also ensure that your flooring exudes character and charm for years to come. As you take each step on your bandsaw timber floor, you’ll be walking through history while enjoying the timeless beauty of a classic material in a modern setting.

The different finishes available for engineered timber flooring

One of the great things about engineered timber flooring is the variety of finishes available, which can help you achieve the desired look and feel for your home. Here are some of the different finishes available for engineered timber flooring:

Matte finish: A matte finish has a smooth, non-reflective surface that gives the flooring a more natural, understated look. It is a good choice for areas with lower traffic or for homeowners who want a more subdued look.
Satin finish: A satin finish has a slightly glossy appearance that adds a touch of shine to the flooring. It is a good choice for areas with moderate traffic, as it is more resistant to scratches and scuffs than a matte finish.
Gloss finish: A gloss finish has a highly reflective surface that gives the flooring a shiny, polished appearance. It is a good choice for formal or elegant spaces, but may show scratches and scuffs more easily than other finishes.
Hand-scraped finish: A hand-scraped finish is achieved by manually scraping the surface of the wood to give it a distressed, rustic appearance. It is a good choice for homes with a traditional or antique look.
Wire-brushed finish: A wire-brushed finish is achieved by running a wire brush over the surface of the wood to create a textured, rough appearance. It is a good choice for a more rustic or casual look.
Distressed finish: A distressed finish is achieved by creating artificial imperfections, such as dents or scratches, in the surface of the wood. It is a good choice for a shabby chic or vintage look.

By considering the different finishes available for engineered timber flooring, you can find a product that fits the style and aesthetic of your home.

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