Villa Greig: an architectural work in Kebony wood

It was commissioned by Alexander Grieg, a distant relative of the composer Edvard Grieg. The villa is also next door to Troldhaugen, the musician's former home, now a museum. The client asked Saunders Architecture to design a modern but modest residence for him and his family. The house was to include a large living space, a music studio and, above all, offer a breathtaking view of the water and the surrounding treetops.

The choice of Kebony Character wood for the exterior cladding reflects a desire to use durable and aesthetic materials that, as a bonus, require minimal maintenance. Developed in Norway, Kebony technology is a patented, environmentally friendly process that modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by impregnating the wood with furfuryl alcohol; a product of organic origin. During drying, the cell wall of the wood is polymerized, making the softwoods irreversibly adopt the attributes of tropical hardwoods, while having a minimized impact on the environment.

The blades of different widths give a distinctive look to the façade and allow the villa to blend into its surroundings. This integration will be even more evident when the blades have developed their characteristic silver patina. In addition, the resistance of Kebony wood will allow it to easily withstand the harsh climate of this northern region, ensuring a long life for this architectural work.