Wawer Barn: Vertical and Horizontal Larch Cladding Boards in "Dark Black" and "Amber"

Set among tall pines in Wawer, this residence uses a barn-like silhouette and a strict two-tone façade to keep the building’s form clear from every approach. The upper part of the building is wrapped in vertical “Dark Black” larch boards, bringing the gable shape together into a calm, dark mass. At ground level, a horizontal band of “Amber” larch boards anchors the building, adds warmth at eye level, and reduces the perceived height around the garage and lower openings.

In shaded forest settings, exterior wood dries more slowly after rain and is more exposed to moisture-related surface changes. Here, Shou Sugi Ban is used to give the larch boards a tougher outer layer and to support a more stable dark façade appearance over time. The goal is simple – to keep the building looking controlled as it ages, without relying on frequent recoating to maintain its character.