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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.

Herringbone Wood Floor for Heritage Apartment

In the heart of Auckland’s vibrant High Street, a heritage apartment sought a herringbone flooring that would honor its classic authenticity while meeting modern durability standards. The challenge was to blend timeless aesthetics with practicality, catering to both the apartment’s historical charm and its contemporary living requirements.

Natural Brown herringbone wood flooring pattern

Technical Details

The flooring chosen for this project is in the Whisky Sour colour, a part of our Vienna Woods Distilled Collection. Whisky Sour adds a touch of elegance and history to the home. Lithuanian oak is renowned for its durability and density, a result of the slow growth caused by the region’s average temperature of 8 degrees Celsius. This slow growth process allows the timber to develop a dense, solid structure with unique and intriguing colouring and grain profiles.

Natural dark herringbone wood flooring pattern

Design and Aesthetic

The design of the home is a perfect blend of modern and classic styles, with the herringbone parquet flooring adding a touch of timeless elegance. The client desired a flooring option that could withstand the rigors of daily life while complementing the apartment’s high ceilings. It was crucial to preserve the space’s historical integrity while enhancing its visual appeal with a luxurious finish.

Fun Fact: The Whisky Sour Cocktail

Like so many spirits and cocktails, we can thank sailors for this delicious cocktail. The Whisky Sour was a perfect combination of citrus, to combat scurvy, and whisky to quench the sailor’s thirst. This cocktail embodies sophistication and a rich history, much like our Whisky Sour-coloured oak flooring.

The installation of this herringbone flooring not only revitalized the apartment’s interior but also exceeded the client’s expectations in terms of aesthetics and performance. The lacquer finish provided a resilient surface that required minimal maintenance, ensuring long-lasting beauty without compromising on functionality.

This project in Auckland’s High Street is a testament to the elegance and durability of our high-grade Lithuanian oak flooring. The herringbone parquet style adds a classic touch to the modern design of the apartment, creating a space that is both timeless and contemporary. The Whisky Sour colour enhances the home’s bright and airy feel, making it a truly inviting and stylish space.

For those looking to elevate their home with high-quality timber flooring in Auckland, Vienna Woods offers a range of options that combine sustainability, durability, and exceptional beauty. Our Distilled Collection oak flooring is a perfect choice for creating a stunning, long-lasting foundation for any home.

Builder: Ashton Build

Photography: Mark Scowan

Flooring Consultant: Razvan

Specifications:

• Wood Species: Lithuanian Oak

• Style: Herringbone Parquet

• Grade: Light Feature

• Colour: Whisky Sour (part of the Vienna Woods Distilled Collection)

• Origin: Lithuania // made in Europe to meet strict European compliance standards

• Durability: Highly durable due to slow-grown, dense structure

If you are interested in more information about Parquet Styles, check our knowledge sheet here.

Herringbone Flooring with old style leather armchair

Elegant Herringbone Parquet Timber Flooring in Auckland

A stunning project in Saint Heliers, Auckland, featuring a high-grade oak wood flooring laid in a herringbone parquet style. The home boasts breathtaking views across the ocean and is filled with natural light, enhancing the beauty of our meticulously crafted flooring.

Spacious Open Plan Kitchen with European wood flooring

Technical Details

The flooring chosen for this project is in the Sazerac colour, a part of our Vienna Woods Distilled Collection. Named after the first-ever known cocktail, the Sazerac adds a touch of elegance and history to the home. Lithuanian oak is renowned for its durability and density, a result of the slow growth caused by the region’s average temperature of 8 degrees Celsius. This slow growth process allows the timber to develop a dense, solid structure with unique and intriguing colouring and grain profiles.

Light filled room wit stunning timber flooring

Design and Aesthetic

The design of the home is a perfect blend of modern and classic styles, with the herringbone parquet flooring adding a touch of timeless elegance. The Sazerac colour enhances the home’s airy and bright atmosphere, making it feel both warm and spacious. The unique grain patterns and subtle variations in the wood create a visual interest that complements the overall aesthetic of the home.

views from auckland home showcasing natural oak timber flooring

Fun Fact: The Sazerac Cocktail

The Sazerac cocktail, first created in New Orleans in the 19th century, is considered one of the oldest known cocktails. Traditionally made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and bitters, it embodies sophistication and a rich history, much like our Sazerac-coloured oak flooring.

open plan Auckland home with European oak hardwood flooring

Sustainable and High-Quality Flooring

At Vienna Woods, we pride ourselves on offering sustainable, high-quality timber flooring. Our Distilled Collection is responsibly sourced and carefully processed to ensure it meets the highest standards of durability and aesthetics. The slow growth of the oak trees in Lithuania results in a timber that is not only strong and long-lasting but also rich in character and charm.

open plan spacious kitchen lifted by oak wood floors

This project in Saint Heliers is a testament to the elegance and durability of our high-grade Lithuanian oak flooring. The herringbone parquet style adds a classic touch to the modern design of the home, creating a space that is both timeless and contemporary. The Sazerac colour enhances the home’s bright and airy feel, making it a truly inviting and stylish space.

Photography and Presentation

To capture the essence of this stylish home, we collaborated with photographer Jo Currie, who typically specialises in fashion and portrait photography. This choice allowed us to highlight the flooring’s intricate details and the overall ambiance of the space in a way that truly reflects its beauty.

The home was photographed in the strong morning light, which cast long, dramatic shadows and added depth to the images. These photographs not only showcase the flooring but also convey the sophisticated style and design of the home.

Specifications:

• Wood Species: Lithuanian Oak

• Style: Herringbone Parquet

• Grade: NATUR // Ultra light feature

• Colour: Sazerac (part of the Vienna Woods Distilled Collection)

• Origin: Lithuania // made in Europe to meet strict European compliance standards

• Durability: Highly durable due to slow-grown, dense structure

If you are interested in more information about Parquet Styles, check our knowledge sheet here.

Interested in herringbone floors? Take a look at another herringbone floor in this Auckland herritage apartment.

Transforming a Modern Home with Quality Oak Floors

This stunning home, characterised by its open layout and breathtaking views, showcases the exceptional quality and aesthetic appeal of Vienna Woods’ Foundation Collection. The homeowners sought a flooring solution that offered both elegance and durability, and our engineered European oak timber flooring provided the perfect match.

Quality Features

Our Foundation Collection is renowned for its premium features:

European Made European Oak: Manufactured to the highest standards in Europe, ensuring top-notch quality and finish.
CE Compliance: Certified to meet European safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.
Sustainability Certifications: Our timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Extensive Warranties: Offering peace of mind with long-term performance guarantees.
Trusted Protective Coating Systems: Enhanced durability and easy maintenance with high-quality protective coatings.
Reasonable Prices: Providing superior value without compromising on quality.

Aesthetic and Functional Benefits

The homeowners selected our oak flooring for its soft, natural warmth, which perfectly complements the home’s modern design and expansive views. The fixed-length planks, each measuring a generous 2.2 metres, create a sense of continuity and spaciousness throughout the interior.

Project Highlights

Natural Warmth: The oak timber floors add a soft, inviting warmth to the home’s interior, enhancing the overall ambience.
Open Layout: The seamless integration of the timber flooring with the open layout accentuates the home’s spaciousness and light-filled environment.
Stunning Views: The flooring’s subtle, Scandinavian-style colouring beautifully frames the stunning views, bringing the outside in.

This project is a testament to the transformative power of high-quality timber flooring. The Vienna Woods Foundation Collection not only met the homeowners’ aesthetic and functional needs but also provided a sustainable and durable solution at a reasonable price.

Location: Orakei, Auckland
Flooring: Vienna Woods Foundation Collection

European-Made Oak Floors in Parnell

In the heart of Parnell, Auckland, a recently renovated home showcases the epitome of modern elegance and light-filled spaces. The transformation embraces contemporary design while maintaining the warmth and character of natural materials. Central to this beautiful home is the exquisite flooring from Vienna Woods’ Foundation Collection, crafted from the finest European oak.

Unparalleled Quality and Style

The Foundation Collection flooring is meticulously made in Europe, adhering to the highest European standards. Each plank features the unique textures and grains of European oak, providing a timeless and sophisticated foundation for the home’s interior. The light-coloured tones of the oak seamlessly blend with the modern aesthetic, enhancing the spaciousness and brightness of the living areas.

Features and Highlights

• Fireplace: A stunning fireplace serves as a focal point in the living area, complemented perfectly by the elegant oak flooring.

• Views: Large windows throughout the home offer beautiful views, further accentuated by the warm, natural tones of the flooring.

• Spacious Design: The open-plan layout is accentuated by the uniform, high-quality flooring, creating a cohesive and inviting environment.

Location: Parnell, Auckland
Project: Home Renovation
Flooring: Vienna Woods Foundation Collection

Manhattan Hardwood Floor in Matakana

This home was designed with urban chic in mind. The wide boards exude a warmth that resonates with the heartbeat of this family home. Each plank tells a story of craftsmanship, echoing the heritage of quality timber flooring. The rich, warm tones invite you to step into a sanctuary of comfort and style, where everyday moments are infused with a touch of luxury.

Aesthetics are just the beginning. The Vienna Woods Manhattan Timber Flooring is engineered to withstand the rigors of daily life. From playful footsteps to bustling family gatherings, these floors embrace every moment with unwavering durability. No longer just a surface beneath your feet, our flooring becomes an integral part of your home’s narrative, evolving gracefully with each passing year.

In a world where trends come and go, the Manhattan Wide Board stands as a timeless investment. Whether you’re savouring quiet moments with loved ones or hosting lively gatherings, our flooring sets the stage for memories to unfold. It’s more than just a floor—it’s a foundation for a life well-lived, where warmth, sophistication, and durability converge in perfect harmony.

Manhattan is an Oak timber floor part of the Vienna Woods Distilled Collection. The Distilled Collection is a unique range of incredibly dense, hard-wearing wooden floors sourced from Lithiania. Lithuanian oak is really slow-growing, giving an interesting grain profile and incredibly dense timber. The Distilled collection is made in Europe to meet the highest European standards of health and durability. Certifications include FSC sustainability and a zero VOC rating for volitile organic compounds. Assitionally, no formeldahyde is added during any of the processing.

The Distilled Collection is designed to accomodate spaces of sophistication, solace and sharing. A space where someone can enjoy a peaceful moment or a celebration with others. In line with that sentiment, each colour option is named after a classic cocktail.

Options in Distilled include wide planks, standard planks and parquet options such as chevron and herringbone.

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