Design Archives

Light and Natural Wood Flooring in Auckland: A Coastal-Inspired Retreat

Natural oak timber flooring creates a warm inviting ambiance.

Nestled in Auckland’s picturesque Eastern suburbs, the Temple Street Project stands as a beacon of contemporary coastal design. This new two-storey property, designed to offer a serene retreat for a bustling young family, showcases the exceptional collaboration between Sage and Nook Interiors, Milieu Architecture, and KN Construction. Vienna Woods is proud to have contributed to this exquisite home by providing our premium Pureline timber flooring.

light natural wood flooring in open plan kitchen

Design Concept

The design concept of the Temple Street Project centers around creating light-filled, airy spaces that evoke a relaxed, beachside feel. The interior is a blend of soft neutral palettes accented by natural textures like timber, stone, and layered textiles. This approach creates a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe that is both inviting and timeless.

Flooring Solution: Pureline Oak

Sage and Nook Interiors, our esteemed client, chose Vienna Woods’ Pureline oak flooring for this project. Pureline is a prime grade European oak, meticulously crafted in Europe to meet the highest standards. This choice of flooring seamlessly integrates with the design vision, adding warmth and elegance to the overall aesthetic.

Natural Timber Flooring Brings Interior Harmony

Upon entering the Temple Street home, the spacious open-plan living area unfolds, embodying Scandinavian design principles of simplicity and functionality. The cohesive palette of whites and neutral tones, complemented by wood finishes and touches of greens and blues, fosters a calm and inviting environment. The light oak flooring from our Pureline collection enhances the airy scheme, adding a touch of natural warmth that aligns perfectly with the coastal-inspired design.

Natural wood floors with light filled kitchen

Functional Elegance with Durable Wood Floors

The focus on practical solutions and multi-purpose zones ensures that the home meets the dynamic needs of a young family while providing a relaxing sanctuary. The use of wood flooring throughout the ground floor not only contributes to the home’s aesthetic appeal but also offers durability and ease of maintenance, essential for busy family life.

Collaboration and Excellence

Vienna Woods is honored to have worked with Sage and Nook Interiors on this remarkable project. Their ability to combine contemporary design elements with classic influences has resulted in a harmonious, functional interior that feels both stylish and lived-in. Milieu Architecture and KN Construction also played pivotal roles in bringing this vision to life, ensuring every detail was executed to perfection.

The Temple Street Project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of prime grade European oak flooring. Vienna Woods’ Pureline flooring has played a crucial role in realizing the coastal-inspired design, providing a foundation of warmth, elegance, and durability. We are proud to have been a part of this project and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality timber solutions for exceptional homes.

Featured Flooring: Oak Pureline

Interior Designer: Sage & Nook

Architect: Milieu Architecture

Builder: KN Construction

Flooring Consultant: Damon

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 Custom Wood Flooring

The History of Hand-Scraped Custom Wood Flooring

Hand-scraped custom wood flooring dates back centuries, long before modern machinery was available. Historically, wood floors were scraped by hand to smooth out imperfections in the timber and to ensure an even surface. This labor-intensive process was essential for creating level floors in homes and buildings. Over time, this technique became more than just a necessity—hand-scraped floors gained a reputation for their rich texture and unique, rustic appeal. Today, the method is used to recreate this old-world craftsmanship, giving homeowners the charm of historical wood flooring in modern homes.

The Art of Hand-Scraping: Time-Honoured Technique

Hand-scraping is an artisanal technique that involves skilled craftsmen carefully working each plank of wood by hand. The process involves using specific tools to create a textured surface with grooves, marks, and indentations that highlight the wood’s natural grain. Every piece of hand-scraped custom wood flooring is unique, reflecting the artisan’s craftsmanship and the wood’s character.

The technique’s origins can be traced to early European and American homes, where floors were often scraped to smooth uneven boards. What began as a practical solution evolved into a design feature that added warmth and character to a space. Today, hand-scraped custom wood flooring remains popular for its timeless beauty and the way it captures the natural essence of wood.

Why Choose Hand-Scraped Custom Wood Flooring?

Custom wood flooring offers not only a bespoke design but also a connection to the past. Here’s why it’s a preferred choice:

Heritage Appeal: The hand-scraped texture evokes a sense of history and craftsmanship, making it perfect for traditional and modern homes alike.
Durability: The process creates a robust surface that stands up to daily wear and tear.
Unique Character: No two planks are the same, giving your home a one-of-a-kind floor.
Timeless Elegance: Hand-scraped floors have a classic look that never goes out of style.

Available Hand-Scraped Custom Wood Flooring at Vienna Woods

At Vienna Woods, we offer an exceptional selection of hand-scraped custom wood flooring, crafted to the highest standards. Our floors are made from premium-quality timber, ensuring that each plank showcases the wood’s natural beauty. Le Bois Gouge Nature is a specialty hand-scraped product available through the Vienna Woods Special Order program.

Hand-scraped custom wood flooring combines the beauty of historic craftsmanship with modern durability. Available at Vienna Woods, these floors bring a timeless, rustic appeal that offers an incredible unique floor.

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.

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